Just One Taste by Carly Phillips

Author:Carly Phillips
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: CP Publishing
Published: 2022-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Within minutes of meeting the Dares, Nikki adored Asher’s parents and brothers. Their warmth and giving nature were obvious, making Nikki immediately wish she had a family that was as welcoming on sight. Or at all.

After the introductions, which consisted of, “This is Derek’s sister, Nikki”. Asher gave no explanation why she was here and nobody asked.

Serenity had stepped forward and pulled Nikki into an it’s-so-good-to-meet-you hug, which Nikki returned, all the while making comparisons in her own life. Like when was the last time her mother had been affectionate toward her? The fact that she couldn’t remember gave her the answer, and a painful knot had formed in her stomach.

After eating sandwiches Maggie had made, everyone dispersed to their rooms to unpack, changed into bathing suits, and met up at the pool. Nikki was already on a lounge chair with Lucky by her side. Maggie had put a doggie bowl of water by the house doors, and her smart boy had immediately learned to go there for a drink.

“Hey there, pretty girl.” Asher’s brother, Zach, sat down on the chair beside her. “How are you?”

Unlike Asher, who always had a more buttoned-up appearance, Zach had a bad-boy look to him, mostly thanks to the scruff on his jaw she sensed was more an everyday thing than him being lazy during vacation. His hair was on the longer side, appearing as if he ran his hands through it often, and though she had no idea, she would bet women loved the look.

She preferred Asher, her suit-wearing grump. Who she was learning wasn’t such a grump the more she got to know him.

She lifted her sunglasses and perched them on her head to meet Zach’s gaze. “I’m good. How was your flight?”

“No complaints since I slept through it.” He stretched out his legs on the chair beside her.

She laughed. “I’m betting your family thought you were great company.”

He grinned. “They had each other to talk to. I had a late night but I feel better now.”

“Asher told me you own a bar? I imagine that would lead to long working hours.”

He nodded, folding his hands behind his head. “And you would be right.”

Lucky nudged his nose against Zach’s leg, and he stretched out a hand to pet the pup’s head. “He’s yours?”

Nikki nodded. “I found him on the beach when we went jet skiing. He was a stray and I couldn’t leave him behind.” She watched as Zach continued to rub Lucky’s head, the dog nuzzling his nose into Zach’s thigh.

“I have to ask. How did you get Mr. Everything’s Perfect to let you bring a dog home?” He tipped his head toward where Asher stood talking with his parents.

Harrison was at the far side of the pool, taking a phone call.

At Zach’s description of his brother, Nikki laughed. “Truth? I smiled, begged, and opened the car door for the dog to jump in.”

Zach stared in silence.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’ve worked magic, that’s all. Asher’s pretty rigid in his life. You’re good for him.

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