Rogue Beast (The Rourkes #12) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,65

a sexy smile, his big hands sliding my dress up. He lifts me to straddle him. “Now let’s get to the important stuff.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him, relieved all the intimate sharing is over. This is so much easier—only his mouth on mine, his hands roaming all over me.

He stands, keeping me wrapped around him, and walks into the bedroom. No more words. Just a passionate joining. I tell myself not to worry about his newly found ambition. I can’t let that come between us.

17

Harper

I’m nervous, like, big-time nerves, approaching stage-fright levels as I wait on the front step of the brick rowhouse where Garrett grew up. Hard to believe six boys lived in this small house, especially if they’re as big as he is. I can only imagine the teen years with all that testosterone—sweat, loud voices, eating everything in sight. I’m picturing his mom as an exhausted aged woman, so when the door pops open to a beautiful woman in her fifties with dark brown shoulder-length hair, bright blue eyes, and smooth fair skin, wearing a pale pink sweater and snug black trousers with black boots, you can color me shocked. She looks like she could be in a commercial for anti-wrinkle cream. I want all her beauty secrets. Dead serious.

“Hello, welcome!” she exclaims, stepping back to let us in. “So glad you could all make it for Olivia’s special day.” She says “Olivia” extra loud. That’s Dylan’s little girl. I memorized his family’s names on the way over. Music plays in the background, something cheerful about a dolphin. Kid music?

I step inside, where an adorable toddler wearing a silver glitter tiara and a pink leotard with a matching tutu is twirling in the living room. She beams at her grandmother, spots us, and runs to grab an older man’s pants leg. It has to be Garrett’s dad; the resemblance is striking, though Garrett is thick with muscle. They have the same aquamarine eyes, sharp cheekbones, and square jaw.

Garrett makes the introductions. Mr. and Mrs. Rourke greet me warmly, as well as Joe. I brought my guard for my own peace of mind. I didn’t want anyone following me here or showing up uninvited to their home. Garrett told me his parents wouldn’t blink an eye about Joe since palace guards are the norm. His dad grew up with them.

“Dylan will stop by a little later in time for cake,” Mrs. Rourke says. “Ariana is in the hospital with the twins for another day. So today is for the big sister.”

Garrett gestures for me to follow, a present for Olivia tucked under one arm. He crouches in front of her, where she’s still clutching her grandfather’s leg. “Happy big-sister day, Olivia! This is my friend Harper.” He sets the large present on the floor in front of her.

I bend down to her level. “Hi! You must be so excited to be a big sister.”

She nods and stares at the present with its wrapping paper of brightly colored balloons.

Garrett gestures to it. “This is from me and Harper. Go ahead and open it.”

She pulls at the paper, and a tiny piece comes off. Another rip for another tiny piece. This could take a while.

Garrett gets to his feet, and I join him.

Mr. Rourke remains standing behind Olivia, who’s industriously unwrapping her gift, piece by tiny piece. “Dylan wants to talk to you later about the crew chief position.”

“Whatta ya mean?” Garrett asks. “That’s Jack’s job.”

“Jack’s decided to stay home with the new baby for a couple of years while Riley works full time.”

Garrett’s eyes widen. “Seriously? And Dylan wants me to be crew chief?”

“Of course.”

“But what about when Jack comes back?”

Mr. Rourke smiles. “If things keep going the way they are now, the business has room for you all to grow with it.”

Garrett’s brows furrow, looking deep in thought. I can read him now. It’s the promotion he’s always wanted, but he’s also got this acting gig he’s hoping will take off, which means he’d be leaving his family’s business just when they need him most. He told me Jack’s wife is due with the baby soon.

He exhales sharply and looks down at Olivia. “Want some help?”

She shakes her head, her tiara tipping forward. She pushes it out of her eyes and uses both hands to secure it on top of her head. Her hair is dark brown and wavy. I never had my hair down as a kid. General Joan felt my crazy