Page 137 of Instigator

She holds her breath as she takes it. “Holy fruitcake,” she says again.

“Come on, let’s grab a drink and we can chat a bit,” he suggests.

Tyler scoops up his daughter, holding her on one hip. “You want to go find Auntie?”

Ainsley shrieks with delight. “Auntie! Auntie!”

I’m still holding the dip, so with my guests situated, I turn on my heel and head toward the dining table, which is already overflowing with food. Somehow, I find a place for it, and Gonzo and Henry converge on the dish.

“What did Tyler bring?” Gonzo demands. I peel back the foil to reveal the seven-layer dip, and he groans. “His food is so good.”

I hum in agreement as Sinclair joins us.

He seems relaxed and happy. No sign of his freak-out the night of the gala. He’s playing well on the ice, putting in the work in the weight room, and generally seems back to his normal happy-go-lucky self.

“You doing okay?” I ask.

He gulps down some of his green electrolyte drink. “I’m getting there. Had a rough go the last few months, had to deal with harsh truths I didn’t want to hear.”

“But you’re good?” Gonzo asks.

He nods. “Yeah, I’m good. Threw me for a loop, but I’ve got my head in the game and am back on track.”

“You’ve got this,” I tell him. “Try the seven-layer dip.”

Clapping him on the shoulder one more time, I try to convey my support as subtly as I can before leaving to mingle with the rest of the guests. Apparently, mingling is a very important part of hosting.

Ryan rummages in my drink fridge, coming up with a purple Gatorade. I watch from a distance as he finds a glass and pours it over ice, then takes it across the room to where Hailey’s parked in her wheelchair, talking to Vanessa and Bex. He delivers her drink, then ducks down and kisses her forehead. My heart seizes with happiness for her.

Today isn’t a good day. She’s having a lot of pain and almost didn’t come at all. I’m glad she decided to show up, even if it’s for a limited time.

Despite her health setback, she seems happier than ever. Always smiling, always laughing. As much as I hate to admit it, marrying my best friend was a positive move for her.

But I’m still going to give them shit over not telling me. That’s my job as a big brother.

Ceci comes to stand beside me, her hand slipping into mine.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, kissing my cheek. My skin burns like it’s been branded. Because it has. Just like she’s put her stamp on my heart, forever changing me for the better.

“For what?”

“For inviting Brandon Walker. For doing all of this.” She waves at the crowded room. “I know you probably hate every minute of this, but⁠—”

“Not every minute.” I bring our linked hands to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “Some parts are pretty nice.”

She smirks at me. “Oh really?”

“I might need a week to recharge, though.”

“I might know some other ways we can speed that along.” Amusement dances in her eyes. “Maybe with something else that takes batteries.”

Anticipation floods my system, and my cock twitches at her insinuation. “Oh really?”

“Something involving me, you, and a bed. Or maybe a shower.” She winks.

“I could be interested…”

“Tonight.” She kisses the corner of my jaw. “When we’re all alone.”