Her heart clenched as he threw himself into their arms with open enthusiasm, accepting the bond of affection that was even stronger than blood, because it was pure love by choice. Gen blinked back tears, enjoying the scene, until he managed to break away and reach his hand out to her. Slowly, she took, it, and he pulled her against him.
“I finally brought Genevieve,” he said in a gruff voice. “Convinced her take a vacay and spend some time with us.”
“Finally!” Julietta squealed, tugging her in for a family hug that rivaled her mother’s. Julietta was more beautiful than ever, her long dark hair flowing over her shoulders, and almond-shaped eyes filled with a joyous light and mischief. Dressed in tailored black pants, a sleeveless ivory blouse, and ballet flats, she exhibited pure elegance and grace.
Gen laughed and hugged back. “Wolfe didn’t give me much of a choice. Thank you so much for letting me stay with you.”
Sawyer grinned and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “We’ve been dying to get you over here. You work too hard.” His golden eyes gleamed with affection, a complete contradiction to the wicked scar that gouged his cheek and hooked under his chin. His lips curved in an easy smile, and the lean, angular features of his face seemed softer than normal. Probably because of baby Gabriella. Wolfe said Sawyer was baby crazy and sometimes babbled in meetings now, forgetting when he was around adults. She loved imagining such a strong, dominant male softening under a baby’s coo.
Julietta linked her arms with Gen’s and led her upstairs. “We’ll eat, settle in, and plan our itinerary. I know you’ll want to do some sightseeing.”
“And babysitting,” Sawyer added with a wink. “Gabby’s napping now, but she’ll be up soon.”
Wolfe groaned. “I knew there was a reason you needed me.”
Sawyer’s next words took away her breath. “I don’t need a reason to want you here, Wolfe. I missed the hell out of you.”
He clapped Wolfe on the shoulder and Gen could swear the light glinted off some moisture in her lover’s eyes, but it was gone so quickly she figured it was her imagination.
WOLFE GRINNED AT THE expression on Gen’s face when she saw the inside of the home. He knew the outside was deceiving, but once the arched door opened, the space dazzled the eye. Shiny parquet floors, old gleaming wood that smelled of lemon polish, vaulted ceilings with heavy chandeliers, and an array of antiques and paintings that reminded one of another time. He’d normally find such decorations cold, but not with Julietta and Sawyer. It was all home, from the touches of magazines and books, various crocheted blankets in bright colors, baby gates guarding the elaborate steps, to the rush of garlic, tomato, and bread simmering in the air.
He was home.
Julietta took Gen for a tour while he walked to the kitchen with Sawyer. “You look good.”
Wolfe turned with a grin. “Thanks. Bet you miss all the piercings and crazy hair though.”
Sawyer laughed and handed him a bottle of water. “Nah, I like the man you’ve become. But I always gave you credit. I still remember picking you up that first day. Within a few days, you managed to kill your hair and get a tattoo and more piercings than I can imagine. You gave me a big fuck you. Remember what you said?”
Like it was yesterday. “I said, ‘What do you think now? I’m as fucked-up on the outside as I am on the inside. Still want me?’ ”
Sawyer nodded. “Swear to God, I think I loved you right then. You were such a pain in the ass.”
Wolfe shook his head, taking a long swallow of water. “You needed a challenge.”
“I did. I’m glad you brought Gen. Surprised, but glad.”
“Why?”
Sawyer frowned, as if thinking about the question. “You never cared about anybody enough to want to bring them home. I know you’ve been friends for a long time, but this feels different. You’re together now?”
Wolfe stiffened. He didn’t want Sawyer or Julietta thinking it was permanent or long-term. It would only complicate matters and maybe embarrass Gen. Better to keep it to friendship and not admit they were sleeping together. He forced a smile. “Nope, still just great friends. Since she broke up with her fiancé, I thought a trip would be good for her.”
Sawyer studied him for a while. Those razor-sharp eyes pierced and shredded through the lies, just like they had when he was young. But he accepted the declaration for now. “Sure. Either way, I’m glad you’re both here.”
“Looking forward to catching up. Besides babysitting, I have a feeling there’s something else you want to talk about?”