Page 90 of Wrapped in Red

I think you are.

“You’re kind of a hard ass.”

“Thank you, Ezra.”

I snorted as Noel leaned across me. “I don’t think Ezra meant that as a compliment. Do you not like my brother? Am I going to have to break his heart because you don’t want him near Andy?”

I grimaced and made a slashing motion at my neck, but Noel ignored me. Maverick was like a little evil Tinkerbell when it came to his son. I wouldn’t want to piss him off. He would probably curse Noel and Leo if given the chance.

“I have nothing against your brother. He seems, uh, nice. I just don’t want Andy dating yet. He has plenty of time for that.” Maverick folded his arms over his chest and tucked his hands under his armpits. “God, could he have picked a colder place?”

“You could borrow my jacket. We’re about the same size.” I offered as I shrugged out of it.

Noel sighed. “We were kids once. We dated.”

“I didn’t date. I was in love with Jackson, but it took me a long time before I realized that.” Maverick mumbled, then blushed. “I’m sorry. This is hard for me. I love my son, and I’m a little overprotective. Leo seems like a great kid, and you two seem nice, too. I don’t make friends very easily.”

I handed my coat to Maverick, who I noticed was already wearing several layers of clothing. “I am pretty great.” I giggled when I saw the look on Maverick’s face. “Put this on before you freeze to death.”

“Uh, thanks.” He pulled on my jacket. “You smell nice.” He turned red again. “Jesus, that sounds like I’m hitting on you. Which I’m not. I only have eyes for Jackson.”

I touched his arm. “Maverick, you can say things like that, and I don’t think you’re hitting on me. I can call you pretty or beautiful and not be hitting on you. It’s what friends do. We’re both taken. You’re really hot, but no offense, you’re not my type.”

“Now I’m offended.” Maverick rolled his eyes before he let out a little giggle. “You’re not my type either, Ezra. I like mine big and tall.”

I stared at him. “Did you just make a joke?”

“Maybe.” He smirked.

Matthias leaned over to knock my shoulder with his hand. “He pretends to be this big asshole, but he’s really a softie on the inside. You’ll see. Pretty soon he’ll be hugging you and sending you text messages about having you over for dinner. He’s kind of clingy at times.”

“Dude, so rude,” Maverick gasped, but he was smiling.

I wanted that. I wanted to be Maverick’s friend. Matthias’s, too.

Holt had his face buried in his phone. I think he was texting Watts when Matthias grabbed it. “Hey!”

“I think he’s fine.” Matthias stood up and shoved the phone into his pocket. “You can relax for a couple of hours with your friends since Watts is out with his. What are you going to do during your bachelor party?”

Holt blushed. “I don’t want a bachelor party.” His entire face went white. “Matthias, no. Don’t you dare. I don’t want strippers or anything like that.”

“Who said anything about strippers, but now that you mentioned it... Oh, we could find someone who looks like Channing, right?” Matthias sat down.

Holt shook his head. “Please, no. I only want Watson. We can just hang out or something.”

“How do you know Killian isn’t going to plan some huge party with strippers for Watts?” Maverick asked. I nudged him. “What? I’m just being realistic.”

“I’ll crash it.” Matthias folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t want anyone touching my man. You know that’s what will happen. They get all excited when they realize he’s Killian Hampton from Mulligan Downtown. Fuck, no strippers at your party,” he told Holt. “I’m sorry.”

I reached over to grab Maverick’s hand. “Let me see those rings. I need to get an idea for what I want to slip ideas to CC.” I glanced down to watch the boys. Andy was taking his time and making sure they moved slowly together. He kept one arm around Leo’s waist, the other around his shoulders.

“That’s smooth.”

“Are you and Carson getting engaged?” Maverick asked, as he held out his left hand.

I shrugged. “Not any time soon, but he did mention he wanted to. Jesus, look at this engagement ring.” I ran my finger over the hockey sticks and drumsticks. “This is amazing.”

“Jax picked it out for me,” Maverick whispered.