“I feel great. There is nothing like being outside running around.”
“Your clothes and stuff are in my backpack on the kitchen counter.”
“Thanks.”
"Uh-oh. I forgot I bought three pizzas and left them in the car. I’ll get them.”
“Let me,” Alex said. “It’s the least I can do for distracting you so much.”
“I wasn’t distracted. In fact, the kiss was mediocre at best.”
Once more he grinned. “You don’t believe that any more than I do. Maybe later, if you’re nice, I’ll give you another demonstration.”
“Cocky much?” She instantly lifted her hand. “Bad choice of words. Arrogant much?”
“We’ll see.” Alex winked and then headed out to retrieve the food.
Well, that was awkward.She stepped up to Liam. “Can I help set the table?”
“Oh, sweetheart, I don’t think Alex and I have ever sat at the table. We usually just eat in front of the TV.”
Tawny focused on the wordsweetheart, but she wasn’t sure what to read into it. Right now, she had other things to think about.
As for eating in the living room, her family was a bit more formal than these men—even when her dad was off saving the world. “How about I fix some drinks then?”
“Go ahead, but Alex and I will just have a beer—no glass required.”
Talk about feeling useless.Not one to complain, she climbed the one flight to the living room and went into the kitchen to find a glass for herself. Most likely Zach would have a beer too.
After looking through a few cabinets, she found what she needed. From the refrigerator door, Tawny filled her glass with water. During her search, she’d found a tray, so she placed her drink and three bottles of beer on it, and then carried it to the living room.
“Here you go.”
Alex had already returned and placed the pizzas on the coffee table. He then turned on a soccer match.
Because the sofa was a large one, she sat next to Zach. Tawny didn’t need to have her pussy light up should either Liam or Alex touch her.
Most likely her reaction to Alex had been one of relief. Zach was safe and would remain so for a while. The best part was that he seemed happy. Being around a lot of people wasn’t usually something he sought out. He was the type to listen to the birds, sit by a stream and daydream, or climb a rock face. Organized sports hadn’t been at the top of his list of things to do either, and yet here he was, laughing and enjoying Liam and Alex while watching a soccer match. Mercury must be in retrograde.
“Eat up, Tawny,” Liam urged.
Sheesh. She had been hungry, but Alex’s kiss had wiped out all of her thoughts other than how much she’d enjoyed it. Not wanting any of the men to worry about her, she grabbed a slice, placed it on a napkin, and ate it.
“Mmm. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.”
Zach elbowed her. “No talking during the game. Watch. You might learn something.”
Who was this brother of hers? Had Liam admitted that Tawny was his mate, and Zach was enjoying the potential addition to the Granger family? If she could telepath, she would have told him that being with two men just might be her thing after all. But she wouldn’t enter into a discussion now. Zach deserved to enjoy this time with his newfound friends.
Almost two hours later, the soccer game ended. The team the men had been cheering for won. Despite trying, Tawny still didn’t understand the rules. Oh, well. She’d stick to taking in stray animals for a living.
Tawny checked her watch. “Sorry, guys. I’m beat. I know it’s early, but six-thirty rolls around all too soon. I’m heading to bed.” She stood. “Thank you both for offering your home to me and Zach.”
“We’re happy to have the company,” Liam said. “Sleep well.”
“I’m sure I will.”
Tawny waited for Alex to make some snide comment about him joining her in bed, but he kind of ignored her. Was this some kind of ploy to fool Zach into thinking the kiss they shared meant nothing?