said over the loud music. “Chloe, why haven’t we come here before?”
Justin said, “Because she wasn’t with me, and she didn’t want guys drooling over you two without Colton there to shut things down if they got out of hand.”
There he went again, protecting her in a way she truly appreciated.
“You told him about your deal with Colton?” Serena asked.
Chloe had mentioned it during one of their long evening talks. “He has a way of getting all sorts of things out of me.”
“And into you,” Serena said with a laugh.
“No more drinks for you, Supergirl,” Drake said, pulling her into his arms.
“Aw, come on. My sister finally has a man in her life she’s crazy about. Look how happy they are.” Serena waved toward them. “When you’re that happy, you need to be teased. It’s a rite of passage.”
Chloe couldn’t stop smiling and not only because Justin had just whispered something dirty in her ear, but also because she’d never had this with Serena before, and it did feel like a rite of passage. One she was proud to endure with Justin.
“There she is. The woman of the hour,” Reba said as she and Mads came through the crowd. Reba and Rob had been at the adoption event for most of the afternoon, but Madigan had missed it because of a puppeteering job. Reba hugged Chloe and said, “You’re the talk of the Hog tonight, sweetheart.”
“Me?” Chloe glanced at Justin, who looked as surprised as she was.
“Yes you,” Reba said.
Madigan said, “No one has ever gotten more applications than Baz.”
“Nobody dangles a challenge in front of my sister and wins,” Serena said. “Chloe might look like the poised, professional type, but she’s got the fangs of a viper and the claws of a wolverine, and she knows when to use them.”
Reba laughed and said, “Your sister?”
“Yes,” Chloe said, realizing she’d forgotten to introduce them. “Reba this is my younger sister, Serena. Serena, this is Justin’s mom, Reba.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Serena said.
Reba hugged her and said, “Aren’t you a sweet one. We’re going to have to watch our boys around you.”
“I’ve got that covered.” Drake stepped forward and extended his hand. “I’m Drake Savage, Serena’s husband. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You sure do have it covered, you handsome thing. Put that hand away before you get yourself in trouble.” Reba embraced him and said, “The pleasure is all mine.”
“Stop hogging the hugs. It’s so good to see you again, Serena.” Madigan hugged her and then said to Drake, “I’m Mads, Maverick’s sister, and you’re getting a hug, too.”
As she hugged Drake, Justin said, “Mads is a little pushy.”
“So is my wife. It’s all good.” Drake clapped a hand on Justin’s shoulder and said, “Sounds like I need to get used to hearing your road name around here.”
“That and probably a whole lot of other names that are not as nice,” Justin said.
“He’s joking. Why don’t you kids go sit down and enjoy yourselves? I need to catch up with Ginger.” Reba pointed to a long table by the windows where Steph, Marly, Tori, Sid, Evie, and Justin’s cousins and brothers were sitting with Mike—which surprised Chloe—Rob, Conroy, and a handful of other guys wearing vests with Dark Knights’ patches. “I’ll send one of the girls over to take your drink orders.”
They followed Madigan to the table. Rob, Conroy, and Mike pushed to their feet and came around to greet them.
Madigan held her hands up and said, “Eyes over here boys and girls. I’m doing this introduction once and once only. Y’all know Chloe, Maverick’s old lady, and I’m sure some of you know her sister. But for those who don’t, this is Serena and her husband, Drake Savage.”
There was a round of hellos and waves. After Rob, Conroy, and Mike had a chance to shake Drake’s hand and embrace Serena, they settled back into their seats.
As the rest of them found chairs, Gunner stole a fry off Steph’s plate and said, “Chloe, your drinks are on me tonight.”
Baz winked at Chloe, then said, “What the hell, dude? I never got free drinks.”
“If you were as hot as Chloe, maybe that’d be different.” Gunner laughed, along with most of the guys, and he reached for another fry.
Steph smacked his hand and said, “No more fries for you. Baz is every bit as hot as Chloe.”
Gunner turned to Sid, sitting on his other side eating a burger and fries. She covered her plate and said, “Sister solidarity, sorry.”