Hayden (A Next Generation Carter Brother #4) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,20

you described it like that says it all,” I murmur, stepping towards him so I can leave the room. He steps in my way, blocking the door.

“In all seriousness, don’t let your boss push you into something you don’t want to do. I can’t say I have experience—we’re our own bosses—but I do know neither I nor my brothers would ever treat an employee like that.”

Speechless, it takes me a minute to gather my thoughts. This is a side I’ve never seen of the playboy and joker. “Um, thanks.”

He smirks, back to his playful personality. “And as much as you’d enjoy me fucking you, I’d prefer to have you as a friend. I think two members of our family being involved is enough. And honestly, your dad makes me nervous. Did you see him holding that knife when I first arrived? He spent thirty minutes glaring at me.”

I give him the once over before tilting my head and tapping my chin with the tip of my finger. “You’re right.” I shrug. “But Dad wasn’t just glaring at you because of New Year. You took one of the cupcakes my mum handed to you. Word of warning: don’t go near his food, especially something his wife has cooked. He will kill you.”

His mouth gapes open. “Um, okaaay. And right about what?”

I use his distraction to walk past him, chuckling under my breath. He follows, cursing. “He wouldn’t really kill me, would he? I’m too fucking hot to be killed. Women all around the world would mourn.”

I snort, still not answering.

“Great. Fucking great,” he murmurs. “I’m too fucking young to die.”

CHAPTER FOUR

When I walk back into the front room, Dad is glowering at Aiden, who is now holding Sunday. It doesn’t take more than a guess to know Aiden ate the rest of the cupcakes Sunday had earlier. The cupcakes Mum made.

The second Dad sees me enter the room, his gaze goes over my shoulder to Reid, who is still mumbling under his breath behind me. Every muscle in his body is tensed.

I inwardly groan as he marches over. “Look, I’m too good looking to go to prison, but I will happily do time if he doesn’t leave you the fuck alone. And my wife’s food.”

“Holy fuck,” I murmur, hoping he doesn’t cause a scene this early into the party.

“Don’t let your mother hear you swear. You know how she gets,” he snaps, moving in closer and toning the volume down.

“She only does it to piss you off,” I admit.

“So…?” he drawls, glancing at the back of Reid’s head.

“So nothing, Dad. He was in the loo. I went to make a phone call and we happened to come downstairs at the same time. But you really should give him a break. You’re more alike than you know.”

He rears back like I’ve punched him, staring at me like he doesn’t know who I am. “Take that back. I’m better looking than that fucker.”

I twist my lips in amusement. “That’s not what Mum said,” I tell him nonchalantly.

“She said what?” he screeches, drawing attention from everyone around us.

“Lily and Jaxon are here,” Charlotte squeals, running through the door, her thick, fiery red hair flowing behind her. “She looks so happy.”

“This isn’t over,” Dad hisses, making my grin spread wider. “Now, where is that mother of yours.”

Lily and Jaxon step through to the living area and cheers echo around the room. Lily jumps, reaching for Jaxon, before she realises what’s going on, her mouth gaping open at the huge ‘Congratulations’ banner hanging above the large archway.

Uncle Maverick is the first one to reach her, lifting her up and swinging her around. “I’ve missed you, princess.”

“I’ve missed you too, Dad,” she murmurs, choked up.

He gently places her back down on the floor, leaning back to get a good look at her. “Hey, I thought you had a good time.”

Tears brim the corners of her eyes, yet her smile is blinding. “I’ve just missed you all like crazy.”

Her mum, Teagan, hugs her. “We Facetimed every day.”

“It wasn’t the same,” Lily explains, ducking her head. “But we had such an amazing time, Mum. It was magical.”

Resting her hand on her daughter’s cheek, Teagan gives her a gentle smile. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

Lily nods, a pink flush rising in her cheeks as she cuddles back up to her husband, who happily wraps his arm around her as he chats with his brothers.

Charlotte steps up next, while I wait, not wanting to crowd her. “You look