Hammered (Blue Bay Crew #3)- Cathryn Fox Page 0,29
one on her. “Have you two eaten?”
“See, I told you she’d feed us.”
Summer rolls her eyes at me. “All he does is eat. If he doesn’t eat every two hours, he gets hangry. But I guess as his girlfriend, you’ve already figured that out.”
“Oh wait, Tyler and I—”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I heard him say he couldn’t be with any girl who didn’t like dogs, and with the way you two bicker, I just assumed.” She gives me the evil eye. “Did I assume wrong?”
“No,” I state quickly.
“Then why didn’t you tell me you were dating this gorgeous, talented woman?”
“It just sort of happened.” Haven meets my eyes, and she slowly blinks, as the realization kicks in. If we’re pretending, we have to pretend with everyone. I snap my fingers. “Haven met me last night and she knew a good thing when she saw it.”
“My God, that ego of yours,” Summer says and whacks me. “It’s more like Tyler knew a good thing when he saw it,” she says and glances at Haven. Summer holds her hand up for a high five, and Haven slaps palms with her as a wide smile lights up her face, the two instantly hitting it off like I knew they would. I’m not sure why that’s important, I only know that it is. Strange, I know.
“What’s with all the stomach hits?”
Completely ignoring me, Summer says, “Follow me, girlfriend, I was just about to make a sandwich.” Haven follows Summer to the kitchen, leaving me behind like I’m the ugly cousin, but I can’t stop smiling as I watch them go. Scout comes back with her toys.
“At least someone loves me,” I shout after them as I try to tug the ball from Scout’s mouth.
“Oh, stop fishing for compliments,” Summer says.
“How far along are you?” Haven asks.
“Eight months, but it feels like twelve, especially in this summer heat.” She laughs. “Why am I always pregnant when one of the guys introduces his girlfriend?”
“How many kids do you have?” Haven asks.
“Oh, just two, and of all eight Owens boys, only two of them are married. I just happened to be pregnant with Devon when Jamie finally found love with Kylee. Wait until you meet her. She’s a sweetheart.”
Speaking of hearts, mine, for no reason at all, beats double time as I watch the two women bond. Maybe they’ll stay friends after Haven leaves. She might be surrounded by people, but I get the sense that she’s alone in a crowd, missing that one true person she can be honest with, one she can be herself with.
Damned if I don’t want to be that guy.
“Can I help?” Haven asks as Summer pulls a bowl out of the fridge, along with a pitcher of lemonade.
“Sure, why don’t you get the glasses down and pour us all some lemonade.”
“What’s for lunch?” I ask, stepping into the kitchen.
“Well, I’m making chicken salad. Does that meet with your approval?” Summer asks.
“It’ll do,” I tell her and open the cupboard and pull out three glasses, saving Haven from blindly searching.
“Thanks,” Haven says, and a shiver moves through her as I lightly brush my hand over her sweet ass.
Summer clears her throat. “Don’t think I can’t see you, Tyler.”
I laugh and pull my hand back. “This one has eyes in the back of her head,” I say to Haven when Summer points to the cupboard.
“If you want something to do with your hands, grab the plates.”
“Is Devon sleeping?” I ask as I lay out the plates. Just then, Devon cries out from his bedroom.
“Well he was, and he still would be if you knew how to use your indoor voice.”
“I’ll go get him.”
I take off to the bedroom as Summer and Haven talk, probably about me, and prepare lunch. I head down the hall. I honestly love this cottage on the ocean. Hanging with Summer is one of my favorite things to do. She’s a huge part of our family, and she’s the sister I always wanted. Sean is one hell of a lucky guy.
“Hey little man,” I say quietly, as I slowly open the door, not wanting to startle him.
“Ty. Ty. Ty,” he says and jumps up and down and holds his arms out to me.
“Who’s your favorite uncle?” I ask.
“Ty. Ty. Ty.”
“That’s right,” I say. “Uncle Ty is your favorite.” I pick him up, and drop a kiss onto his forehead. “Want to go meet my girlfriend?” I ask, trying that out on my tongue and liking the sound of it.