Page 62 of From the Start

“Paisley Raider,” Eli growls.

Paisley holds up a hand. “We’re not married yet.”

“Not for lack of trying,” Eli mutters.

“You’re the one who wants this big, elaborate wedding. I’d be happy with a quicky wedding similar to what Jaxon and Blossom had.”

“Jaxon and Blossom weren’t in love when they got married.”

Jaxon growls. “Watch it, bro.”

Eli rests his hands on his hips. “I can’t win tonight no matter what I do.”

“You can hand over your poker cash now if you prefer.” Zane holds out his hand.

Eli narrows his eyes at Paisley. “You waited until poker night to bring this up.”

Paisley smirks. “I’m not stupid.”

“I had to fall in love with a genius.”

“You would be bored with anyone else.”

Eli wraps his arms around her and draws her near. “I would.”

“Boo!” Zane shouts as Eli dips his head to kiss Paisley. “No lovey dovey on poker night.”

Paisley giggles as she retreats from Eli. “Have a fun poker night.”

“Where are you going?” Eli asks as she walks past us out the door.

“I’ll be back before you’re finished with your game.”

When Eli goes to follow her, Rhett steps in his way. “Let her go.”

“She’s pregnant.”

“I know. The entire island of Smuggler’s Hideaway knows.”

Eli sighs as Paisley waves goodbye. “Fine. Come in. Let’s play some poker.”

Once Paisley’s gone, we gather in Eli’s game room. The room is exactly how you’d picture a billionaire’s game room. Dark wooden paneling, green leather couches, large flat-screen televisions, a pool table in the middle of the room, and a fully stocked bar along one wall.

It’s my favorite room in the house. Except for the swimming pool in the basement. You can’t beat a swimming pool and sauna in the winter months when it’s rainy and windy on the beach. Eli tries to keep us out. He’s silly. As if we don’t know how to pick a lock or crawl through a window.

“Where’s your lucky charm?” Zane asks Eli.

“If you don’t have your lucky charm, you automatically lose,” Miles says.

“Hmmm…” Zane taps his chin as he studies our older brother. “Maybe he needs his lucky charm teeth as dentures. It happens with old men.”

Eli throws a pillow at them. “I’m not an old man.”

“Isn’t your girlfriend older than Eli?” Jaxon asks me.

“Harper isn’t my girlfriend.” Yet. And I’m not discussing how Harper is older than me. It doesn’t matter. End of discussion.

I rub my hands together. “Let’s play some poker. Mr. Crisp and I are feeling lucky tonight.”