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EMILY

“It was great hanging out with you, sis, and Deke, but I’m leaving, and so is Tate.

Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to.

I’m only letting you know so that no one is worried.

Tate and I have some things to still figure out, and sadly, that can’t happen here, so thanks for the girls’ night and wine, but I’m out.

” I greet the two of them before they’re completely on the deck.

What can I say? Six months makes for some very active imagery, and I know which fantasy I want to act out with Tate first.

“Well, okay, then. I’ll see you at work the day after next.

” Kels pulls me in for a hug, whispering so the guys can’t hear, “Are you two good?” I don’t even have to respond; she feels my body relax like only the sister of blood relation can know.

That’s how tight our bond is, has always been, even if we were fighting like cats and dogs.

We fought hard but loved harder, exactly how our parents raised us.

“See you then. Also, be prepared. We’re remodeling the Beach Babe, and soon,” I forewarn her, already knowing how my sister is when it comes to change.

She hates it, desperately, and will only relent once I have it all narrowed down.

Which means more legwork for me, not that it matters.

This is the type of shit I thrive on. My creativity knows no bounds, and it’ll take Kelsey reeling me in on the budget, making it work out for the both of us.

“Shit, there goes our bank account.” I hear the guys chuckle behind us.

Clearly, Deke isn’t asking questions when it comes to Tate and me, thank God.

I love having Deke as a brother-in-law, but having another overprotective alpha man in my life besides my father would annoy the ever-loving shit out of me.

“That’s where you come in. It actually won’t take much.

The usual—paint, light fixtures, a few new furniture pieces, and décor.

” We pull away from each other. I see the way she rolls her eyes, already preparing for the worst. It’s my absolute favorite thing to do to my sister, rile her up only to make it seem like more than it actually is.

“We’ll see about that. Text me later?” Kels asks. I look at her, seeing the pure happiness written on her face. It was there before Deke, but now that she’s married to the man she loves, it’s like a glow is constantly surrounding her.

“Sure, not exactly positive when that will be or where I’ll be, but I can give you that at least,” I murmur in a low voice.

When Kels nods, we go our separate ways, her towards Deke and me, well, let’s just say I’m going to Tate.

Judging by the way his hand meets my lower back, sliding to the side of my hip, pulling me closer, I’d say he’s more than ready to go as well.

“Ready, babe?” Tate’s light beard abrades the shell of my ear.

A shiver slides across my body. It takes every shred of my control to not close my eyes or sink into his body, especially judging by the way my sister is looking at me with stars in her eyes.

Shit, I’m going to have to let her know exactly what Tate and I have going on, or she’ll read way more into this.

“Yep. Later, sis. Later, Deke,” I reply to the man standing beside me, holding me to his body like I’m going to leave at any given moment. It’s nice to think the feeling is mutual. Six months without seeing him, feeling him, and finally tonight, I’m getting all of those things together.

“Deke, I’ll talk to you later. Kelsey, thanks for letting us have poker here tonight,” Tate says.

I wave at my brother-in-law in a finger wave.

His chin tips up in acknowledgement, and that gives Tate enough for him to turn us around and walk us through the back door into the house, only letting me go when there isn’t enough room for us to walk side by side.

Still, he doesn’t let go of me. We stop by the bar area for me to grab my keys, slide my shoes on, and then he takes me by the hand.

A hand that is thick, warm, and work roughened.

I remember how amazing they felt along every square inch of my body.

“Am I going out on a limb here in saying your place is closer than mine?” I ask Tate as we walk out the front door. My car is parked behind what I’m assuming is his truck, since Deke and Kelsey’s are parked in the newly renovated garage they added on.

“Unless yours is closer than ten minutes away, then you’d be correct.” Tate walks me to my car, unlocking it with the key fob before he opens the door, but he doesn’t let me slide in yet. That’s because he’s moving me until my back is flat against my car.

“I’d say your place it is tonight then. I’ll follow you.

” He doesn’t let me go though. The hand that was holding mine moves to my back, holding me in place as his lips find mine.

It doesn’t matter that only a moment ago, we were in a heated kiss that had me ready to rip my clothes off, then Tate’s, and sink all the way down on his length, using my thighs to push me up before sliding down, over and over again.

Tate’s lips find mine. It’s quick, hot, and the only thing missing is his body pressed against mine.

“Fuck yeah, you will. Can’t wait to get you in my bed.

I’m going to make up for our lost time.” He pulls away from me, faster than I’m thrilled to think about, guiding me into my car and making sure my seatbelt is on.

The door is shut, and only then does he stride towards his truck.

I watch him the entire time knowing it’s finally going to happen tonight, an orgasm that is, several if I know Tate as well as I think I do.