he exhales a heavy breath. “Let’s head inside.” Leaning around me he hits the button to turn off the car and then opens the door.
As easy as it was to climb on his lap, it’s just about that awkward to climb out the driver’s door backwards. My leg gets stuck over Ares’s thigh, so I end up jumping on one foot until I can pull free. Finally, setting both feet on the ground, I straighten up and run my hand over my braid.
Ares reaches for my hand the moment he gracefully steps out of the SUV. I look around the drive, noting Mia’s car is missing from her usual spot again, but that doesn’t mean she’s not here.
Ares notices my gaze and squeezes my hand.
“She here?” I ask.
“She was when I left to come pick you up.”
“Where’s her car?” Stepping up on the porch he pushes the door open, waiting for me to enter first.
“Don’t know. I didn’t even think to ask.” Ares doesn’t bother taking his loafers off, but he gives them a few extra wipes against the rug.
I kick my sneakers off and use my toe to line them up near the wall. “Finally! What took you guys so long?” I hear Ollie call from deeper in the house. Does he know how long we were sitting in the driveway? I peek back at Ares, and he gives me a slow wink.
Making my way to the kitchen, I find the guys all lounging in the living room area. Dante tracks my movements as I head toward the sink to wash my hands. I’m starving, so I waste no time rummaging through the fridge to find the leftovers I’ve been thinking about all day.
“Anybody hungry?” I call with my head still half in the fridge.
“Always,” Dante answers from much closer than a few moments ago. Startling upright, I glance over my shoulder and see he’s standing right behind me. “Hey,” he rumbles, his eyes running over me like it’s been days instead of hours since he last saw me.
“Hey, I’m going to warm this up, you want some?” I offer, lifting the silver tray filled with the small bites of chicken from last night.
“Sounds good, let me help.” Dante takes the pan from my hand and sets it on the counter. With my hands free I have the urge to close the distance between us. Feeling braver since our bonding, I take a step in his direction. Dante looks at me, his brows raised. Wrapping my arms around his waist and completely invading his space, I lay my head against his chest.
Dante’s arms come around me without hesitation. He dips his head to mine and inhales deeply. His body relaxes while squeezing me tighter. Before, I hadn’t really realized the comfort a hug could provide—my mom was never big on affection—but it’s quickly becoming addictive.
Leaning back without letting go I look up, and Dante gives me a sweet smile. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me, too, but I’m starving, so let’s warm this up.”
“I’ll take a cuddle,” Ollie interrupts, not even giving me a chance to release Dante as he pulls me from him and spins me around. “Hey, sweet cream.” I roll my eyes but let myself be hauled against his chest. “Milo, come over here. Let’s make a cookie.” Ollie chuckles as Milo approaches me from behind. Hesitantly, he places his hands on my hips and leans his head near my shoulder. I thought Ollie’s joke about making me a cookie sandwich was funny, but now that I’m in between the two of them, my humor evaporates. Heat rises up from my chest. “Switch,” Ollie calls out the warning before he spins me in his arms so I’m facing a wide-eyed Milo. Ollie doesn’t have an ounce of reservation as he smashes me against Milo’s chest and seals himself to my back.
I think that it's only Milo’s natural ability for strength that keeps us all upright. If Ollie put this much weight against me alone, I’d be a pancake on the ground. My breath leaves me on a whoosh as they crush me between them. “Can’t breathe,” I pant.
Ollie chuckles but steps back. I sag against Milo, not sure if I can hold myself up yet. With extremely gentle hands, Milo brushes his fingers over my cheek. “I didn’t know he was going to do that. Are you okay?” Before I can tell him I’m fine, Ollie spins me around again. I’m getting dizzy.