He sighed, closing his eyes and letting his head fall back.
“How bad is it?” Her words were very soft.
“She won’t let me talk to the kids, refuses to answer the phone if she sees it’s my number. I tried calling from Brian’s phone. When she heard my voice, she hung up and won’t take calls from any of guys now.” He looked over at his friend.
“She’s still taking the money, though.”
Meredith laid her hand over Nick’s, wrapping her fingers around his. She had no words of wisdom to help him deal with the heartache, so she just offered her love.
“What happened?”
As was his custom, Nick leaned over and laid his head on her lap, and she draped her arm across his shoulder.
“I did call the kids first and tell them that they may not hear from me for a while. BJ kind of guessed at it, but I didn’t really give the others anything specific—just told them I loved them and that if they needed me to just call. Then I got on the phone with Mom, and it wasn’t five seconds before we were going at it. She told me that it was obvious I was on some sort of power trip and that I felt I didn’t need them anymore. She said when I came crashing back to earth, that I would come crawling back and she’d think about helping me again.”
“I’m sorry, Munchkin. I don’t know what else to say.” She continued to stroke his hair and his arm, wanting him to feel that someone loved him just as he was.
“There’s nothing you can say. She’s made it perfectly clear how she feels, and I can’t change her mind. Maybe we’ll be able to talk at some point in time, but I don’t see it happening too soon.”
“And your dad?”
“He’s still down in the Keys, still hiding out. I don’t know how much he gets to talk to the kids either. I called him after my talk with Mom. He didn’t have much advice.”
“What are you going to do now?”
Nick sat up and looked over at the woman he felt really deserved the title of mother. “I’m going to hang with one of my favorite people in the whole world.”
“I’d really love that, Munchkin.” Meredith wrapped her arms around the young man.
He returned the embrace without hesitation. “Me, too, Mom.”
They were silent for several minutes until Nick chuckled. “Does this mean I have to call AJ, Dad?”
Meredith laughed and pushed him away. “I wouldn’t say that to his face if I were you.”
The other four men looked out the patio doors and smiled.
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The duo walked in half an hour later. Meredith was surprised to find everyone still there. “Are we having another slumber party?”
She grabbed a bottle of water and took a drink
“Yeah, but we’re not sleeping on the floor this time.” Kevin smiled at her.
“I think that’s probably a very good thing.” Nick sat down at the table and watched Meredith and AJ.
“I think you’re right, Nick. Although, the bedrooms aren’t *that* far apart.” Howie smiled at the couple.
Meredith chuckled as she rubbed AJ’s thigh beneath the table. “Gee, I think I might be able to restrain myself, even though I’m so used to being alone in that big house.”
AJ smirked and waggled his eyebrows as he stared at her. “I think I’m sensing a challenge here.”
“Think so, huh?”
“I know so.” He leaned over and kissed her, ignoring the catcalls of the other four.
“We’ll see who screams first, McLean.” She arched an eyebrow at him when he pulled away from her.
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The next morning, Howie walked into the kitchen to find AJ and Meredith singing along with the radio. He grabbed some coffee and sat down at the table to watch them. Brian walked in next, joining his friend at the table to watch his friends as they made breakfast. Nick showed up a few minutes later, and Kevin finally wandered in as AJ and Meredith put breakfast on the table. They dug into the food and enjoyed the omelets.
Howie finally looked at the couple and smiled. “You know, I didn’t hear a thing last night.”
Meredith smiled. “Gags are a beautiful thing.”
Nick choked on his juice, wiping his chin with his napkin. “Excuse me?”
AJ shrugged. “It’s the only way she lets me play with the handcuffs.”
Brian dropped his fork. “I really don’t want to hear this.”
Kevin and Howie stared at the couple with slightly shocked expressions.
Meredith and AJ laughed as she picked up her plate. “You guys are so easy.”
“So you don’t have gags and handcuffs.” Howie followed her to the sink with his dishes.
She just smiled before she walked out of the room.
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“What are we doing today?” Meredith looked around the room at the five guys sprawled across the furniture.
They had all taken showers and gotten ready for the day, ending up in the den. The dogs were both sitting on her lap, and she petted them lovingly.
“Shopping?”
“Visiting some sights?”
“Disney?”
Her eyes lit up at the last suggestion.
“Oh, no. How long has it been?” Brian looked at his friend.
“About 25 years.” She shrugged.
“I think that’s something we’ll have to remedy.” Nick grinned.
“Can we do it without y’all getting mobbed? It is August, ya know.” Meredith set the dogs on the floor, and they scrambled towards the kitchen and their food bowls.
“If we go later in the day, a lot of people will have gone for naps and stuff. They’ll be back for the light parade tonight, but it’ll be dark and harder to tell who we are.” Kevin sipped his soda.
“Okay, how about we do some shopping?”
The others groaned at AJ’s suggestion. “What is everyone’s problem?”
“Shopping with you is like getting teeth pulled. It’s not just the anticipation, it’s the actual event, too.” Nick fell back against the sofa.
“Well, Meredith needs something to wear to the party next week.” He stared at the younger man.
“Party? What party?” She looked at the group, arching an eyebrow.
“The record companies are having a party for all the groups that participated in the training. All the guys will be there.” Howie fiddled with his glass as he spoke.
“And how dressy is this party?” Meredith looked at AJ.
“As dressy as you want it to be.”
“Well, I’ll need something to wear then. Guess, we’re going shopping.” She stood up and left the room to grab her sneakers, figuring she would need them to keep up with AJ.
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They made it through four boutiques before Meredith found something she would actually wear in public. AJ tried to get her to go into Betsey Johnson, and she just looked at him. Shrugging, he followed her into Ann Taylor, the other four trailing behind them. She asked each of them to pick an outfit for her to try on. The men dispersed through the store while she smiled at the sales lady, who had directed her to a dressing room.
Howie came back first, handing her a cream-colored silk suit adorned with tiny pearls on the collar. AJ appeared with a short black sheath with long sheer sleeves and a deep v-neck. Kevin brought a pale blue silk skirt with a matching short-sleeve blouse. Brian handed her a navy dress with delicate embroidery on the hem, sleeves, and collar. Nick rushed up just as she was about to close the door, thrusting the jade-colored, Oriental-style dress into her arms.
Once in the dressing room, Meredith pulled off her clothes and slipped into Brian’s choice. She zipped up the dress and stepped outside to model the first selection.
They all nodded and smiled. Brian studied her. “It’s nice.”
Chuckling, she disappeared into the room for her next choice. She put on the skirt and blouse and walked out into the seating area. Spinning, she showed them all sides of the outfit. Kevin looked her over. “I like the color on you.”
She walked back into the dressing room. Sliding the black dress over her hips, she adjusted herself in it after she zipped it up. Coming out, she stepped in front of the three-way mirror and turned back and forth. AJ rubbed his chin. “I’m not really fond of the sleeves now that I see it on, but the dress part looks good.”
“Three down, two to go.” She popped back into the dressing room and tried on the suit.
Walking back out, she slid her hands over her hips to settle the jacket hem. Howie nodded. “The color looks good. The suit fits well. I think it’s a definite possibility.”
“Me, too.” Meredith grinned before heading back to try on the last outfit.
It was traditional looking, the high collar, the ornate fastenings that angled toward her shoulder, sleeveless, and black dragons adorning the front and back. It fell almost to her ankles, but the slits on either side rose to mid thigh. The material fit smoothly, following the line of her curves with a graceful drape. She walked out and stood in front of them, waiting for their reaction.
“Whoa.” Brian leaned back in his chair.
Kevin made a twirling motion with his finger, and she did a pirouette to show off the dress. “I think that’s a winner.”
Howie smiled. “That looks fantastic.”
AJ just winked at her, and Meredith could tell he was imagining what she would be wearing beneath the dress. She looked at Nick, who was looking at her with a smile.
“You look beautiful.” His voice was soft, and she patted his cheek as she returned to the dressing room to change.
When she had donned her clothing, she handed the first three selections to the sales lady and took the cream suit and the jade dress to the cash register. Meredith paid for her purchases, and Kevin grabbed the clothes to carry them to the car. She had purchased some sandals at another store that would be perfect with the dress. All she needed was something to pin up her hair, and she would be set.
Meredith’s eye was caught by an accessory store, and she stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “I need to go in here for a minute. Want me to meet you at the car?”
Howie looked around and saw a coffee shop three stores down. “We’ll be in the coffee shop.”
She nodded and disappeared into the store. Fifteen minutes later, she emerged with black Chinese hair sticks decorated with gold dragons and some jade earrings. She walked into the shop and found the guys chatting with a group of girls who were giggling and blushing because they were talking to the Backstreet Boys.
Meredith grabbed a caramel cappuccino and watched from a few feet back. Brian finally caught sight of her and cleared off the seat between himself and AJ.
“Hey, Merry. Didn’t buy out the store, I see.”
She approached the table and slipped between the girls to have a seat. “You’ve obviously mistaken me for AJ.”
“Well, you know. They say couples that hang together long enough start to look and act like each other.” He chuckled.
Meredith and AJ looked at each other then looked at Brian. They shook their heads at him as he laughed harder. The guys finished signing autographs and thanked the girls for stopping by. Meredith ignored the wondering looks directed at her and sipped her drink.
“What are you drinking?” AJ leaned over to sniff her cup. “Hmm.”
He took a sip, licking his lips when he finished. “That’s pretty good.”
“Caramel cappuccino, extra shot of caramel.” She took a sip after him then broke off a piece of cookie.
“Anyone else want a sip?”
Nick took the cup and tasted it. He nodded after a moment. “Tastes good.”
Howie and Kevin passed, preferring their less sweet drinks. Brian took a sip before handing it back to Meredith.
“I like it. May have to try that next time.” He bit into his pastry.
They chatted for a few more minutes until they finished their drinks then headed back to AJ’s Expedition. It was late enough in the day that they figured a lot of families would have taken a break for dinner and some rest time. They headed for the Magic Kingdom.
As they wandered around the park, they were stopped occasionally, but most of the people didn’t really think it was them. Baseball hats and sunglasses were worn by practically every visitor, so they didn’t stand out in that respect. AJ’s tattoos were the giveaway, so he tended to stay toward the middle of the group. He and Meredith held hands as they visited The Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Alien Encounter, and Space Mountain.
By the time they got through with Splash Mountain, everyone was hungry, and they wandered toward one of the many little restaurants available in the park. After dinner, giving themselves enough time for their food to settle, they headed back to catch the roller coasters.
“Why are we riding this? I thought you didn’t like heights.” Brian fidgeted in the line.
“I don’t, but I can’t see where I’m going on this roller coaster, so it’s okay.” She swung AJ’s hand as they slowly made their way up to the entrance.
“That makes absolutely no sense.” Kevin stared at her.
“Phobias don’t have to make sense, Kevin.” She smiled at him.
They finally made it up to the head of the line and settled into their cars. Howie, Brian, and Nick got in the first car. AJ, Meredith, and Kevin got in the second car. As they started, she took a deep breath and released it. AJ cackled, and Kevin laughed as they began. Meredith screamed almost the entire time, a couple of “oh, shit”s escaping her as they hit some of the steeper drops.
When they got outside, Kevin was laughing at her. “Why do you ride that thing if it freaks you out that much?”
“Because I refuse to give in to it.” She shook her body briefly as they met the other three.
They headed for Main Street to find spots for the parade. AJ disappeared into the hat shop and bought her a pair of mouse ears with her name on the back, insisting she wear them. They smiled at her, and Kevin got a picture with the digital camera he’d been using all afternoon.
The parade started, and AJ wrapped his arms around Meredith’s waist, resting his chin on her shoulder as they watched the floats go by. When it was finished, they looked up to see the fireworks lighting the sky in celebration. He glanced over at her and was mesmerized by the look of awe and joy on her face. Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on her mouth. She returned it, then gave him another before pulling back and smiling. They finished watching the show then wandered back to the car and got into the long line to exit the parking lot.
Once back at AJ’s house, Nick and Brian disappeared into the kitchen to look for snacks. The rest of them followed after dropping off purchases in their rooms. Everyone grabbed something to eat and sat down at the table to recap the day and talk about what they enjoyed most. After a couple of hours, they headed off to bed.
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Almost true to his word, AJ was still trying to decide what he was going to wear to Tabu for Howie’s birthday party thirty minutes before they were supposed to leave. Meredith zipped up her dress and turned to look at herself in the mirror.
“He’s never going to let me leave the bedroom.” She chuckled as she smoothed her hands over her leather-clad hips.
She was finally getting the chance to wear the dress he had purchased for her in New York during the interviews. She turned her body from side to side, then turned her back to the mirror and looked over her shoulder.
The dress wasn’t that short, skimming her leg at mid thigh, but the slit on her left leg rose almost to her hip. The bodice was cut low, showing off the cleavage created by the tight material, and it rose along her shoulders to meet the band of material that caressed her throat and fastened at her nape. Her back was completely covered, which she appreciated, and her arms and shoulders were bare.
Meredith finished pinning the rest of her hair up, letting it fall down her back in a cascade of unruly curls. Small crystal pins shimmered in her hair when she turned her head. She smiled as she finished applying the deep red lipstick. Bending slightly, she held onto the vanity as she slipped her foot into one shoe, then slipped into the other. Once dressed, she fastened the diamond stud earrings she’d chosen.
Walking into the bedroom, she heard AJ muttering as he slowly worked his way through his closet.
“Wear the black leather pants and vest.” She switched her wallet from one purse to another as she waited for him.
He walked out of the closet, buttoning up the vest and stopped in his tracks when he saw her leaning over to grab something off the bed, one knee settled on the comforter. The dress rose up to reveal toned legs as it hugged her body.
“Holy fuck.”
Straightening, Meredith turned around and smiled at him. “You like?”
“I love.” He walked over to her and slid his hands over her hips and up to cup her breasts.
“You have very good taste in leather.” She ran her hands over his shoulders, down his arms then settled her hands over his as he gently massaged her nipples.
As he looked her up and down, he was delighted to find that the 3-inch stilettos she was wearing allowed him to look down at the swells of her breasts pressed together by the leather, a view he was definitely enjoying. Meredith watched as he slowly licked his lips before pressing a kiss to the creamy skin exposed to him.
“I love the shoes, too.” He looked down at the black patent leather pumps she was wearing.
Meredith just laughed before leaning down and licking his bottom lip. “We’re going to be late, mine.”
“To hell with the party. We’ll have our own here.” He tried to ease her onto the bed, and she laughingly pulled away.
“I want to go see Howie’s club, wish him a happy birthday, dance a little with my friends, and then come back and make love to you all night long. Can we do that?”
AJ looked up into her eyes, knowing he couldn’t say no to her. “Promise?”
“I promise.” Meredith gently brushed his bottom lip with her thumb.
Sighing, he took her hand and led her downstairs. He grabbed the black leather cowboy hat sitting on the foyer table and led her to the garage, carefully settling her into his car. Within minutes, they were heading for the club.
Meredith was amazed at the number of people filling the building as they walked inside. She carried both of their gifts as AJ escorted her through the crowd and up to the VIP section where Howie was holding court and accepting the many gifts that were being given to him.
When they reached him, he widened his eyes at the sight of the couple. Howie stood up and hugged AJ and then hugged Meredith, his head hitting her breasts.
“This is very weird.” He leaned back to look into her eyes.
“Happy birthday, D.” Meredith pressed a light kiss to his cheek, then rubbed the lipstick off his skin.
“Happy birthday, man.” AJ handed him the gifts he had taken from Meredith when she hugged the younger man.
“Thanks, guys. I’m so glad you’re here to celebrate this with me.” Howie put his arms around both of them before his attention was taken by another guest.
AJ led Meredith away, but not before she got a promise to dance with the birthday boy. The two of them wandered around the club, and AJ introduced her to some of his friends. They met up with the members of ‘N Sync, and Justin’s eyes grew round as he stared up at Meredith.
“Comm…Meredith.” He managed not to stutter as he looked at her.
“Hi, Justin. How’re you doing?” She smiled at him before smiling at the others. “How are all of you doing?”
Lance shrugged. “We’re getting by. It’s taking some time, ya know?”
She nodded. “It will. You’ve got my number if you need me, right?”
They nodded, and she looked over at AJ, catching his eye. “I’m staying with AJ while I’m here, or I’ll be at one of the other’s. Let’s try and do lunch or something, okay?”
“Sure, Meredith.” JC nodded and watched as she slid up behind AJ, stroking his back with her fingers.
“Damn.” Joey just stared at the woman.
“Oh, yeah.” Chris watched her, too.
Meredith and AJ moved onto the dance floor, slowly moving together as “I Wanna Know” played overhead. AJ chuckled as he pulled her a little closer.
“I seem to remember getting interrupted during this song.” He caressed her back as their hips rocked together.
Meredith looked over his shoulder then grinned at him. “And you’re about to get interrupted again.”
AJ groaned and let his head fall against her breasts. He felt the tap on his shoulder and looked over to find Brian smiling at him.
“May I?”
The younger man heaved a sigh and stepped away. “Only if you promise to give her back.”
Brian smiled and winked at Meredith before sobering his face and looking at AJ. “What if she doesn’t want to go back to you?”
AJ narrowed his eyes. “Don’t even think about it, Rok.”
The other man laughed as he wrapped his arm around Meredith’s waist and took her hand in his, whisking her away into the crowd. AJ went to the bar to grab a drink as he watched his lover with his friend. He wasn’t really worried about her leaving, but there were times when the thought of another man’s hands on her body made him want to pound his fist into something…or someone. He had never felt like this about anyone else, never felt this possessiveness overtake him like it did with Meredith.
Sighing, he swallowed his tequila shot then took a long drink of his Corona. After a couple of dances, Brian escorted her back to AJ’s side, bowing as he kissed the back of her hand. Meredith just laughed at him, then asked the bartender for a glass of water with a lime twist. Looking at the man standing beside her, she reached out and stroked down his cheek with the back of her fingers.
“You okay, mine?”
AJ looked over at her, amazed yet again by the love in her eyes. “Yeah, love, I’m fine.”
They headed for the dance floor again after finishing their drinks, and he enjoyed feeling her move against him as they got down and dirty to the sexy beats rumbling from the speakers. As another slow song began, AJ felt another tap on his shoulder and looked back to find Kevin smiling at him.
“Mind if I cut in, Bone?”
AJ bowed and stepped away as Kevin swept Meredith away into a modified fox trot. Because of the diplomatic functions they had been forced to attend with their family, both Meredith and Irene had learned ballroom dancing, something Kevin found out from Irene. He found it quite enjoyable to have Meredith follow him as he led her around the floor in various dance steps.
AJ moved to the edge of the dance floor and watched, that niggling feeling still in his belly even though he *knew* Kevin looked at Meredith like a sister because of Irene. Shrugging mentally, he resigned himself to the fact that he was going to feel like this every time Meredith was in the arms of another man, no matter the reason.
When another slow song started, he was bound and determined to hold his girlfriend close and interrupted the couple.
“I think it’s my turn again.” He smiled at both of them.
Kevin kissed Meredith’s cheek, then placed her hand in AJ’s as the young man pulled her close. Meredith sighed as she felt him wrap his arms around her body. As much as she enjoyed dancing with her friends, she really felt best when she was in AJ’s arms.
The party just got louder and louder as people drank more and lost their inhibitions. Howie finally made it onto the dance floor, dancing with several women before he ended up with Meredith. She stood in front of him, smiling down at him as his eyes stared straight ahead…at her chest.
“This is *really* weird.” He wrapped his arms around her.
Meredith laughed and draped her arms around Howie’s neck. “I’m sorry if this embarrasses you, D.”
“I wouldn’t say embarrassed, exactly. It’s just that you’re with my best friend, and every time I look at you, I find myself staring at your chest, before I remember I have to look up to see your face.” He tilted his head back as he talked.
“Yeah, it’s kind of weird for me, too. I don’t think AJ was expecting this when he gave me the dress.” She tugged gently on his ponytail as they swayed to the music.
“He bought you this dress?” Howie stepped back for a minute to look her over.
“Yep. Although I think he was more interested in seeing me take it off.” She smiled as she caught AJ’s eye across the dance floor.
The song ended, and Howie stepped back, holding on to Meredith’s hands. “C’mon, let’s get you back to him before he blows a gasket.”
Meredith grinned as she wrapped her arm around his shoulders, and Howie wrapped his arm around her waist. They walked over to the group of four men standing at the corner of the floor. Nick had just shown up at the party, having been delayed by a phone call from his sister, Angel. He looked up and caught sight of the couple walking towards them.
“Oh my God, what is she wearing?” He looked at her outfit then chuckled at the incongruity of the couple.
“Hey, Munchkin.” Meredith pressed a kiss to Nick’s cheek, rubbing off the lipstick that stained the pale skin.
“Hey, Mom. Where did you get that dress? I don’t know if you should be allowed out like that.” He wrapped his arms around her to give her a hug, a little distracted by her height in the stilettos.
AJ smiled at Meredith as she rolled her eyes at him over Nick’s shoulder. “All the important bits are covered, Nick.”
“But that isn’t going to stop anyone from wondering what the bits you’re covering up look like.” He looked at her with an arched brow.
She returned the look before she grabbed his hand. “C’mon, you’re the only Backstreet Boy I haven’t danced with tonight.”
They found a spot in the middle of the floor during a fast number, and no matter how much he tried, Nick couldn’t lose himself in the music and dance the way he normally did. He sighed in relief when a slow song started. Taking her hand in his, he settled his hand at her waist and slowly rocked to the music. Meredith placed her hand on his shoulder and stepped closer to the young man so she could talk to him without shouting.
“I expected to see you earlier.”
He shrugged. “Angel called me from a friend’s house. She said she just needed to hear my voice.”
Meredith sighed. “I’m sorry, Nick. I know this is hard for you, being away from the kids. Can I do anything to help?”
“Adopt us?” He was only half kidding.
“Wish I could, but I think your parents might have something to say about that.” She rested her head against his cheek as they swayed.
“If I have to call them at their friend’s houses or catch them on the sly, I will. Until she either lets me see them again or they hit 18. I’m not going to lose them.”
Meredith tightened her hold on Nick, giving him a hug as they finished their dance. He escorted her back to AJ then let himself be pulled away by a young woman who wanted to dance.
“Is everything okay, Meredith?” AJ rested his hand at the base of her spine as he leaned close to her.
“Yeah. I’d just really like to slap Jane.” Meredith wrapped her arm around AJ and dropped a kiss against his hair.
They were distracted by one of the band members, who wanted to introduce AJ to another musician. He smiled as he left her, disappearing into the crowd. Meredith headed for the bar to get something to drink when a man stepped in front of her.
“Wanna dance?”
She shook her head politely. “No thank you. I’m here with someone.”
“You’ve been dancing with several guys. C’mon.” He reached towards her, and she stepped back.
“Look, my dance card has exactly five names on it, and yours isn’t one of them.”
“What, I’m not a Backstreet Boy so I’m not good enough for you?” He grabbed her wrist in a tight grasp and tried to yank her towards him.
Across the room, AJ had been watching Meredith’s progress through the crowd. When he saw the man step in front of her, his instincts flared and he took a step towards her. As she took a step back, he ignored the people talking to him and moved through the crowd to get to her.
Around the club, four other sets of eyes watched as the man began to hit on Meredith, and they moved towards the pair to take care of any problems that might arise. Nick was about to step into the fray when Brian pulled him back. The younger man looked down in surprise at his friend.
Brian shook his head. “Let AJ handle it.”
They both watched as AJ stepped up beside his girlfriend. “Is there a problem?”
The big man sneered and reached out to brush the other man away. “Stay out of the way, freak.”
AJ grabbed hold of the man’s hand as if to shake it. He wrapped his thumb and forefinger around the man’s thumb and bent it backwards, bringing him to his knees. “I think you need to apologize to the lady, then go home.”
The man whimpered a bit, his cries getting louder as AJ applied more pressure. He looked up at Meredith, his eyes glassy with pain and alcohol.
“Sorry.”
She nodded, and AJ released him, letting him fall back toward the feet of the bouncers who were standing behind him. They picked him up and took him outside, putting him in a cab.
AJ wrapped his arms around Meredith, looking at her. “You okay, love?”
Meredith pressed a soft kiss to his lips, brushing his cheeks with her fingertips. “Thank you, mine.”
Howie, Kevin, Nick, and Brian surrounded them, each of them asking if she was okay. She smiled at them.
“I’m fine. Thank you for watching my back.”
“We’ve always got your back.” Brian smiled at her as the rest of the group laughed.
Table of Contents
Chapter Nine