Page 234 of King of Pain

He gives so much of himself, mostly for others.

That’s his heart.

His beauty stopped me in my tracks the moment I saw him behind that counter at Devil Records, but thatheart—that’s what made me fall in love.

I’m jolted out of my thoughts by the front door swinging open and Guinness skittering across the tile, nails clicking as he scrambles to greet whoever it is. I grin, wipe my glittery hands on my jeans, and head for the door.

I turn the corner and there’s Jen, Lexi, Beau—and in Lexi’s arms, little Sophia, clutching a toy horn.

“There they are!” I say with a grin.

Beau, holding a ridiculous bundle of balloons, grins back. “Hey, neighbor.”

I laugh, grabbing the balloons and tying them to the handle of the giant vase by the door.

When Ant and I mentioned we were house hunting, Lexi basically bulliedus into moving into her neighborhood. Now we’re three doors down. I think she wanted to guarantee our kids grew up like cousins.

Beau pulls me into a hug, then Lexi offers a one-armed side hug with Sophia on her hip.

The baby blows her little horn, and Guinness lets out a single bark like he’s answering her.

Jen steps out from behind Beau, and she’s holding— “Is thatCostClub Potato Salad?” I ask.

Jen grimaces. “What? You gays know I don’t cook.”

I laugh. “You better hide that before he sees it.”

Jen sighs. “Fine, I’ll put it in the car.”

I point at her. “First of all, gross. It’s hot out. Go stash it in the garage fridge.” Jen shrugs and starts walking before I add, “And, uh, put it in the back of the fridge.”

She narrows her eyes at me and grins wickedly.

“What? I love that shit. He can never know, though.”

Jen cackles and sneaks off.

“Is Butters coming?” Beau asks.

“No. Ant said he had to go to Paris for something that couldn’t be missed.”

“Oh man. He’s probably upset. Uncle Butters lives for these kids.” Beau says, nodding toward Sophia.

“I know. We promised to take lots of video.”

I lead Lexi and Beau into the kitchen. Ant looks up from a sea of pots, pans, and serving dishes, apron on, sleeves rolled, in complete control of his kingdom.

He flashes that megawatt smile and pulls off the apron to hug Lexi and Beau. “Sorry, I’m a scattered mess right now. Can I get you guys something to drink?”

Before anyone can answer, there’s a tug on my pant leg. I glance down at a pair of hazel eyes I’d do anything for.

“Daddy, can I have a cupcake?”

I crouch. “Not yet, buddy. Gotta have lunch first.”

Lexi sets Sophia down and bends to hug our son. “Hey, Joey.”

“Hi, Aunt Lexi!”