Chapter 36

“Yes, little lady. And you.” Liam patted her head.

“I wish you…”

“That I wouldn’t do that?” He laughed. “I know. That’s whyI do it.”

“You’re evil.”

“Nope. Just treating you like the bratty little sister I never had. So deal.”

“I’m not bratty,” she protested as the three of them headed back to the scene shop.

“Bet me,” both men said as one.

* * * *

Jace was surprised, but not terribly so, when Liam told him Charlie and Ricky, plus Merianne, were joining them for lunch. As open and friendly as Liam was, Jace supposed he should have expected him to ask Charlie to come along. And where Charlie was, Ricky was too whenever possible, now that their relationship was out in the open.

They decided to pick up take-out and go to a nearby park. “After all,” Liam pointed out, “It could be the last time the weather will be good enough. Winter is a coming in.”

“Bite your tongue,” Charlie grumbled.

Ricky patted Charlie’s butt. “Think fireplaces and hot chocolate.”