Headed right in her direction, Phils smile widened. There you are, kiddo. I had no idea you were coming out until Lisa told me.

Before he reached them, Gavin leaned into Emilys ear. Kiddo? What are you, twelve years old? I already feel like smacking him across the back of the head. Please tell me I have your permission. Ill be quick. I swear to God Ill be quick.

Hes nine years older than me, she quickly whispered, nudging his ribs hard. It was Emily whose smile widened when she heard Gavin release an audible oof. Looking at him, she shot him a wink this time. Be nice.

Rubbing his rib, Gavin mocked severe pain for a second and then grinned. Whatever you say kiddo.

Hi, Phil, Emily said as he approached. Yes, it was kind of a last minute trip.

Phil smiled. The one who got away from me. Its been way too long. You look absolutely beautiful. Actually, you look stunning. Sweeping his gaze from Emily, his eyes landed on Gavin. And who do we have here?

We have here this stunning womans boyfriend. Gavin held out his hand. Phil shook it, and Gavin found his grip weak. Yeah. Hed easily be able to knock him around. Im Gavin. Its a pleasure meeting you, Phil. Emilys told me a ton about you. Its always good putting faces with the names of men she got away from.

Stepping back, Phil rubbed his chin, carefully analyzing Gavin. Odd. She never once mentioned your name the last time I spoke to her.

Which was over a year and a half ago, Emily blurted out, staring at Gavin who now had his eyes narrowed on Phil. I wasnt dating anyone at the time.

Right. Right, Phil agreed, his eyes locked on Gavins. That would make sense, I guess.

Gavin was far from an asshole. He could tell the guy was trying to ruffle his feathers. Time to pluck some feathers from the fucking turkey. I knew you looked like a smart man, Phil, Gavin said calmly, sweeping his arm around Emilys waist. I can spot them a mile away.

Talent of yours? Phil questioned.

Gavin lifted a brow, a smirk toying at his mouth. One of many. Ask Emily. She seems happy with my talents. Im pretty sure I can keep her from getting away.

Oh Jesus. If Emily had a knife, she couldve cut right through the alpha-male tension filling the air.

Hey, hey, hey! Michael approached the group, his jovial voice music to Emilys ears.

Tension deflating like a balloon, Emily leaned into her brother-in-laws embrace, hoping he could bring a little balance to the semi-heated situation. She let out a weighted breath. Hey, big brother.

Hey, little sister, Michael laughed, releasing Emily from his bear hug. Looking good.

Youre not looking too bad yourself, Emily said, her smile growing by the second.

Michael patted his stomach. You like the extra cushion?

Emily giggled. Love it.

Wearing a proud smile, Michael turned to Gavin. Hey, buddy. Good to see you again.

Gavin accepted Michaels hand. You too, man. Howve you been?

You know. Same old. Just be careful with this one, he said, jerking his chin in Emilys direction, a grin smothering his face. If you stay with her long enough and she ever learns to cook, she might turn you into a fat slob the way her sister did me.

Gavin chuckled. Ill take whatever she can give me. Even the clogged arteries.

Good man. Michael patted Gavins shoulder. Were about to get this show started. Whos ready for some kickass food?

Feeling her stomach growl, Emily grabbed Gavins hand and started for the dining room, dragging him along. I am. She plucked a basket of rolls from the counter and craned her head back to look at Gavin. Youre ready to eat, right?

Depends on what Im eating, he whispered into her ear, his tone seductive. Wrapping his free hand around her waist, he pressed his pelvis against her ass. Unless my assumption of keeping you from getting away was wrong, Id like to enjoy my dessert somewhere on your body after dinner.

Sucking in a deep breath and tingles overtaking every inch of her, Emily stopped and watched Michael and Phil breeze into the dining room. Phils eyes locked on hers until he disappeared around the corner.

Emily spun around, her gaze catching the sexiest baby blues ever placed upon a mans face. Gavin Blake, you listen to me right now. Her eyes dropped to his luscious lips forming a smartass smirk. She bit her own lip in an effort to cause pain that might possibly distract her. It didnt work. Gavin stepped closer, and the smell of his cologne completely fucked up her plans. God, she wanted him. Bad. Her heart jumped into her throat as he nuzzled his nose against her hair. She tried to breathe. Youre not listening to me.

Im all ears, sweets, he said, his voice low. Talk to me.

Youre making it difficult, she breathed.

And he was because his hand was now lightly rubbing the back of her neck, his eyes drilling into hers. Im making it difficult for you to speak?

Yes, you bastard. You are, she whispered.

Gavin chuckled. God, I love it when you get nasty. You have no idea how much it turns me on.