Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove, #1)

by Laura Pavlov

“The last thing I need you doing is deciding who you like or don’t like for me. Same with Travis and Brax. I’m not a kid anymore.” I nodded. “I know. I just want you to tread carefully with Kline. He’s a good employee, and if he hurt you, I’d be forced to fire him and then I’d have to kill him. And that just gets messy.”

“You’re always going to have people who aren’t happy for your success, but only you control how you respond to it.”

I picked up my notebook and stared at the list. This was supposed to be my list. For my eyes only. So, I added something new to the bottom of my Snow Day list that I’d be keeping to myself moving forward. Make out with my hot boss one more time.

You don’t think she’ll tell the Navy SEAL that she kicked me in the balls in high school when I hit on her, do you? I’m a lover, not a fighter.

“Damn, dude. I didn’t know she was your girl.” Roddy chuckled. I didn’t say anything in response, and neither did Lila, who had yet to say much of anything. Because she was my girl, wasn’t she? Maybe I couldn’t have her, but she was mine.

Tell me what’s going on with you and the grumpy cousin.” I chuckled as he swayed us from side to side, and my gaze moved past his shoulder, looking for Hugh. “He and my brother are best friends. We’re good friends. Always have been.” “I see. Does he always growl any time a man speaks to one of his friend’s sisters?” I smiled, feeling my cheeks heat. “He’s always been protective.” “Well, I have a gift for helping people along. So, you’re welcome,” he said, his voice low. My body tingled, feeling him before he made his presence known. Bear. “I’ll be cutting in now,” Hugh demanded, his voice deep, and he made no attempt to hide his irritation.

“Can we please eat first? I’m starving,” Brax groaned. “And we’ll need to fuel up before you tell Travis that you’re in love with his sister. We may even need the Navy SEAL for backup.” The girls chuckled, but Wolf raised a brow. “Do you want me there?”

“Are we really doing this?” Brax asked. “You don’t have to come with me. I’m ready to tell him, and I don’t mind doing it on my own.” “Hell, no. I may not be a good backup, because you know that I bruise like a peach. But I’ll make sure he doesn’t kill you,” he said with a chuckle.

“What’s wrong with him?” Travis flicked his thumb over his shoulder at Brax, who was unusually quiet. “He’s nervous,” I said, when we reached the kitchen. “He thinks there’s going to be a fight, and you know he’s a delicate flower.” He and I both chuckled, and Brax crossed his arms over his chest and rolled his eyes. “Why would there be a fight?” Travis walked to the fridge and pulled out three beer bottles. “Oh, I don’t think glass bottles are a good idea.” Brax set his on the counter after Travis handed them to us.

“All right, then. It’s serious enough that you’re willing to walk away from everything here? Your family? Your business? Your parents’ businesses?” “Without a fucking doubt. I don’t give a fuck where I am as long as I’m with Lila.” Now it was my turn to reach for my bottle and pop off the cap and take a long pull. “Holy shit. Never thought I’d see the day.” Travis held up his bottle to clink it against mine. “Wait,” Brax whispered. “Are we good? Can I get my bottle, too, or might this turn ugly again?” Travis barked out a laugh. “Nah.

Lila had been surprised to see her car in the driveway when we’d returned. I’d informed her that I wasn’t going to buy the same damn car twice, and I demanded that Brax take it off the lot and bring it to my house. She’d laughed her ass off and thanked me by dropping to her knees as soon as we’d walked through the door.