She turned both left and right when her eyes landed back on Stone.
“There isn’t a seat for me,” Sadie whined with a slight pout.
The pretty blonde called over to a guy. “Mike, can you grab another chair?” She looked back at Sadie and smiled.
“Hey Mike, don’t worry about it. I found my spot,” she shouted to the group but her eyes never left Stone’s.
Slowly, she slithered herself into Stone’s lap and put her arm over his shoulder. She nuzzled her lips next to his ear and whispered, “Is this seat okay or should I find another?” She sat back to see the shock was gone and need replaced it. His eyes lost the confusion and surprise; they softened and gleamed. Her heart beat faster as he tilted his face into hers and wrapped his arms around her waist.
****
Stone could not believe what he was seeing. Sadie. Here, in front of him, her arms wrapped around him.
“Don’t even think about fucking moving, Sadie!” His arms tightened around her body and his hands caressed her waist. He breathed in her scent. Vanilla.
Stone felt her mouth at his ear again and she whispered, “I missed you!” He crushed her against his body.
“Sadie…” he whispered. He had no words right now. There weren’t any to define how he was feeling.
He shifted his body and she slipped deeper into his side. She stared at him with her sweet eyes. He was done. He leaned into her and kissed her. He cupped her jaw and held her close. He couldn’t say anything, he was still in shock that she was here. He just needed to feel her, make sure she was real.
“Oh my God, girl, you’re here!” Roxanne excitedly shrieked pulling Sadie up from his lap and practically jumping into her arms. Stone smiled at Roxanne’s excitement. They all felt the loss of Sadie.
“I can’t believe you are really here, Sadie!” she exclaimed while hugging Sadie. He watched Sadie laugh as Roxanne bounced up and down with her in an embrace.
“I can’t believe it myself, but your dad can be pretty persuasive.”
She pulled away from Sadie still holding her arms. “Yes, he can. I’m so friggin’ excited! Hey, you got to meet my girls, come on.”
No way.
Roxanne grabbed one of Sadie’s hands but Stone grabbed her other and he pulled Sadie back into his lap. Roxanne jerked her body and scowled at Stone while Sadie laughed and curled into him. Roxanne crossed her arms and stomped her foot. She actually stomped her foot. He knew what was coming next but he didn’t care, Sadie was staying right where he had her.
“Stone! I just want her to meet the girls.” Roxanne pouted.
“Later!” He wrapped his arms around Sadie. He wasn’t letting her go anytime soon.
“But I was going to…”
“No!” Stone’s voice was firm.
“You’re such a dick!” she spewed through gritted teeth and stormed back to her group.
Everyone around the fire started to laugh. Any other time, he would be laughing too at his sister’s immaturity but all he could do was look at Sadie. She smiled at him and settled in on his lap.
Ethan walked over to them.
“Carissa, would you mind helping with the food?” Carissa was sitting next to him. He noticed Sadie look over at her. He hadn’t had time or even given it thought to introduce them. At this point, he didn’t want to share her.
“Sure thing.” She jumped out of her seat and started off toward the deck but stopped and looked back at Stone. She smiled and winked before turning again and walking into the house. He noticed Sadie staring at Carissa. He would have to make that introduction very soon before his kitten showed her claws. He smirked at the thought.
Ethan sat in the Carissa’s empty seat and sipped his beer. The music and laughter in the background and the fire blazing was perfect as they all gazed into the flames. Stone felt Sadie cuddle deeper into him. God, he had missed her.
“Mom would say you found the missing piece to your puzzle,” Ethan stated to no one in particular.
“Yeah.” Stone grinned at Ethan who smiled back at him. Ethan looked over at Sadie and mouthed “welcome home,” as he winked and turned back to the fire.
His brother was right. She was home.
Chapter Twenty
Stone watched her walk into the house. His eyes never left her. It seemed as though he was afraid she’d disappear and not come back. That was not happening ever if she had anything to say. As she made her way through the kitchen, there were a few people talking and standing around the island. The pretty blonde sitting with Stone earlier was by the counter. She was talking with a few girls from the party when she stopped and they all looked over. Two of the girls gave her the once over. Sadie ignored them.
“You need something, Sadie?” the blonde sweetly asked. She didn’t get this girl; Sadie expected to hear fakeness in her voice but she didn’t. Maybe she was just really good at being a bitch.
“I’m just looking for the bathroom.”
“Oh, it’s down the hall on the other side of the staircase.”
“Thanks.” She wandered out of the kitchen, following her directions. Sadie gazed around as she walked through the house. This was a family home. It was perfect. It made her happy knowing Stone had this growing up.
Sadie walked to the end of the hall and entered the bathroom. Closing the door, she let out a small scream. Stone was standing in front of her. His eyes were fierce and glowing green. He pulled her to him and crushed his lips against
