“Yeah, like that.” He grinned. “If you ever get tired of bounty hunting, you could have a great career in phone sex.”
Gasps sounded in the kitchen. Ben got worried looks from her friends, who knew what she did to disrespectful males.
Anne set her hand on Ben’s chest. His muscles were pumped up and rock hard, creating a deep valley between his pecs. A wave of heat consumed her.
Annoyed, she pushed lightly.
He instantly took a step back. His hand covered hers, holding it to his chest.
“You’re deliberately being provoking, Benjamin. Do you want me to beat on you?” she asked, only half joking.
“Any day. Any time.” The desire in his gaze couldn’t be misinterpreted. “Please.”
“Jesus, Ben, are you insane?” Cullen asked from behind Anne. “She’ll turn your frank ’n’ beans into ground-up sandwich spread.”
Anne stiffened.
“Enough with the bullshit, O’Keefe,” Ben growled.
The chill in Anne’s heart melted like butter in the Florida sun.
And Cullen stepped back as if he’d been punched. “I—”
“Anne. Benjamin. It’s good to see you both.” As Z strolled in, the power in his smooth voice silenced everyone in the kitchen. He ran his hand down her bare arm in a deliberately affectionate greeting that finished her off.
She struggled to keep her voice level. “Z. Is Jessica here? And the baby?”
“Jessica wanted to come, but she’s fighting off a cold. Kari’s staying with her and Sophia, but she sent along a platter of her brownies. I also brought a cooler of beer and soft drinks.”
“Brownies?” asked one of Andrea’s high schoolers. When everyone looked at him, he flushed so deeply his ears turned red.
“Indeed. In the living room.” Z chuckled when the boy disappeared. “I believe your pizza has arrived as well. I saw the delivery van looking for a parking spot.”
“That’s perfect timing. Excuse me.” Anne hurried out—a complete retreat—to deal with the delivery.
A few minutes later, most of the helpers were sitting on the couch, chairs, and the floor, gobbling down pizza. After handing out napkins and drinks, then finding food for herself, Anne regarded the room with pleasure. They’d done well.
A car door slammed outside, and a minute later, Uzuri appeared in the doorway. She stared at the spotless room and the people filling it. “What are you…” She put her hands over her mouth. Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks. She looked at Anne. “I didn’t… Everyone is here.”
Retriever at his feet, Ben was frozen in place, holding a framed picture.
Anne looked at him, expecting him to explain.
Instead, he looked appalled. And silent. Tough guys and tears. So not a good mix.
“Come here, baby.” Anne set her food down and pulled Uzuri close as the meltdown started. “The minute Ben said you had a problem, everyone wanted to help.”
Uzuri pressed her face into Anne’s shoulder…and cried.
Anne simply held her and stroked her shoulders comfortingly. Nothing else to be done—sometimes a girl just had to cry.
Sam and Holt came out of the bedroom. Sam saw Uzuri and gave Anne an approving nod. There was one man who wasn’t worried about tears.
Holt took a step toward them, concern in his eyes. After a second, he shook his head and glanced at Anne. “Bed is put together and ready to be made.”
“Thank you.” She surveyed the room for new additions to the crew. “Kim, when you’re done, can you and Linda unpack the bedroom wardrobe and make the bed.”
“Of course.” Kim had tears in her eyes when she looked at Uzuri.
On the other side of the living room, Nolan strolled in the front door and nodded to Anne. “Truck’s empty.”
“Here, Sir.” Beth rose from her chair and handed her Master pizza on a paper plate.
He took her place, opened his legs, and she settled between them on the floor. After leaning forward and taking a quick kiss, he accepted the bottle of Corona from her.
They really did look perfect together. Anne smiled slightly. Almost three years ago, she’d told Nolan that having a more permanent submissive was worth it. Since then, he’d found Beth—and she’d lost Joey. Now she was the lonely one. And wasn’t that just pitiful?
In Anne’s arms, Uzuri lifted her head.
“All right now?” Anne asked.
Uzuri nodded and whispered, “Thank you. I’m sorry.”
“Not a problem.”
“Come with me, girlfriend. There’s still more work to be done and food to eat.” Gabi tucked a handful of tissues into Uzuri’s hand.