Brody - Ellie Masters Page 0,72

and offer them the cookies, but I don’t want them to accidentally take the last two good ones on top. Instead, I carry the tray to the kitchen table. After I put it down, I take my cookies.

Abbie bites into hers and takes a seat at the table. “Darling, these are amazing, mouthwatering.” She pops the rest of the cookie in her mouth and makes a show of enjoying it.

“Thank you.”

Evie joins me at the table. She’s nearly finished with her second cookie. She makes a show of snatching a third and fourth cookie from the bottom of the pile.

“Oh my, so good.” Evie closes her eyes. “Like an orgasm, but in my mouth.”

“Evie!” I blush at her comment.

“Hey, we want some.” Asher strides over to the table, but not before Brody grabs his shirt and hauls Asher back.

“My girl. I go first.”

“So good.” Evie giggles and ducks her head as she licks her fingers. She’s a bit too obvious, but Brody and his brothers don’t seem to pick up on it.

“You sure Grace made these?” Cage stands back, looking suspicious. “Cause if Evie did…”

“Hey!” Evie says. “You won’t eat my cookies?”

“I make it a point to never eat anything you cook.” Cage gestures in my direction. “Brody’s girl is amazing. I’ll eat her cookies, but I’ve tasted too many of your disasters.”

“You’re an ass, Cage La Rouge.” Evie’s face reddens with anger, but it’s fast and fleeting.

The insults aren’t real and lack any sting. I hang back a little and chew at my lower lip. These brothers accept Evie into their midst and treat her more like a little sister than an outsider. I’ve never had that, and if I’m being completely honest, I’m a bit jealous.

“Come on, boys.” Abbie silences the Trips. “Stop bickering.”

I pick up the tray and offer it to Brody first. He stands closest to me, but I feel like I owe him some loyalty. Not enough to keep him from picking up what are probably the worst cookies ever made, I maintain solidarity with the females as we unite against all the raging testosterone in the room.

Brody takes three cookies. Asher waits his turn and scoops several into his hand.

“You promise she didn’t bake these?” Finally, Cage, whose eyes narrow with suspicion, takes one.

“Promise. You only want one?” I urge him to take more.

Evie, Abbie, and I have a bet going on. I bet they will each take a bite and spit it out. Abbie claims her boys will eat everything I give them, not wanting to hurt my feelings. Evie says they’ll eat all the cookies, but Brody will figure it out. If she keeps grinning the way she is right now, there’s no way they won’t figure it out. Evie has no poker face.

I set the tray down and take a seat.

Abbie holds up a hand as Cage tries to take a bite, halting him in his tracks. Asher and Brody also wait.

“Boys, Grace has been so very kind to not only cook an amazing dinner but also treat us to her homemade cookies. I think we owe her some gratitude.”

“Thanks, Grace.” Cage comes over to me and tugs me into a hug. “You’re a keeper for sure.”

“Yeah, thanks.” As soon as Cage releases me, Asher gives me a kiss on the cheek. His gaze turns toward Brody. “Really loved dinner. Looking forward to more.” Brody issues a low growl when Asher doesn’t immediately release me, making Asher laugh. “Bastard’s getting damn possessive.” Asher puts his cookie in his mouth. He takes one bite. His eyes widen, and his brows tug together. Asher chews and swallows with a gulp.

At the table, Evie takes another bite of her third cookie while Abbie finishes off her second. They overplay it, and I give a little shake of my head.

“Hun, these really are amazing.” Abbie pulls another cookie out from the bottom of the pile.

“Absolutely amazing,” Evie agrees.

Cage takes a bite, and his eyes nearly bug out of his head. He hacks and coughs but manages to swallow the bite. Brody looks at his brothers, eyes shifting left then right as their expressions twist with distaste. Brody tugs my arm and pulls me tight to his side. He leans down and whispers while his grip tightens.

“Hun, what did you do?”

“Me?” I flutter my lashes while I give my most innocent expression. I take a bite of my cookie and make a show of how good it tastes.

Brody looks at the half-eaten cookie in my hand