“Lottie, I told you,” Mia said, flipping a skewer. “That Vivian girl is definitely not as innocent as she acts. You seriously believe she didn’t know Zac was your ex? Might as well say I’m freaking Santa Claus.”
Charlotte gave a slow smile, brushing sauce over the beef.
“Oh, I know it was intentional. I’m guessing she’s been in contact with Zac behind the scenes. The two of them probably cooked this up to try and mess with me and Sean. But since they’re so eager to play dirty, fine–let’s see who walks away dirtier.”
Mia gave her a big thumbs up. “Accurate. Valid. Brutally on point. I fully support you.”
Ian strolled over, nosy as ever. “Wait, Lottie, that clown really was your ex?”
Before Charlotte could answer, Ian yelped in pain and grabbed his head.
Sean’s cold voice came from behind him.
“Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
Ian looked wounded. “Ow! Why’d you flick me? I was just looking out for her!”
“You got too much free time, huh?” Mia said, handing him a bunch of skewers. “Here. Lamb and wings. Go be useful and grill these.”
Jan was rendered speechless.
Meanwhile, Sean slipped his arms around Charlotte from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder and wrapping his arms snugly around her waist. His voice was low and syrupy.
“Lottie.”
She let him hug her while she kept grilling. “Just a few more minutes. These’ll be ready soon.”
“Mm.” His breath warmed the space between them.
Sean kissed her neck, then lightly nipped her earlobe, his breath tickling against her skin and making Charlotte giggle.
When he leaned in again, she playfully dodged. “Stop it! Everyone’s watching.”
Sean’s voice was low and sexy.
“So what? Let them see how sweet we are.”
From the side, lan groaned. “Ugh. Mia, do you smell something weird?”
Mia sniffed dramatically. “Just grilled meat.”
Ian deadpanned, “No. That stench of sickening couple energy.”
Still holding Charlotte close, Sean replied lazily, “You’re wrong. Love smells amazing.‘
On the other side of the grill, Vivian stared daggers at the two, locked in their own world, flirting without a care. Her fingers clenched so tight her knuckles cracked, and she looked like she might literally combust from sheer frustration.
Once the meat was done grilling, everyone gathered around the tables to eat.
There were two tables. Naturally, Charlotte, Sean, Ian, Jordan, Lena, and Mia sat at one. Vivian, her two friends, and Zac took the other.
Just as Charlotte and Sean sat down, Vivian walked over carrying a bowl of something.
She set it down right in front of Sean, leaning in so close she was practically pressed up against him.
“Sean, I made this stew earlier,” Vivian said with a smile. “You should try some.”
Sean subtly shifted closer to Charlotte, putting some distance between tumself and Vivian. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he slid the bowl right in front of Charlotte
“Lottie, your favorite. Give it a taste.”
Vivian’s smile froze
Charlotte calmly picked up a pair of disposable utensils, speated a piece of sausage, and took a bite. Then she turned to Vivian with a bright, wide–eyed smile
“Mmm. Not bad. Thanks, Vivian.”
But Sean wasn’t done.
He picked up a fork, fished out a slice of tender brisket, and fed it to Charlotte himself.
Try this one, too.”
1/2
Chapter 123
+25 Bonus
Everyone at the table watched the scene unfold, silently in awe of Sean’s expert–level maneuvering.
“Smooth. Real smooth. He’d managed to dodge his clingy “sister,” please his girlfriend, and shut down the drama–all in one move. Chef’s kiss,” they thought.
Mia chimed in at the perfect moment.
“Wow, you two are seriously too cute. Vivian, look at your brother and your future sister–in–law. Just look how sweet they are!”
D
