Dirk's Love by Marisa Chenery (top novels of all time txt) 📕

“What?” he asked. “I know you’re both dying to know, wel , at least Roxie is.”

Daylen shook her head and rol ed her eyes. “Just ignore him, Ryann. My husband has the bad habit of saying whatever the hel ’s on his mind, regardless of how bad it sounds coming out of his mouth.”

With his long, light brown hair pul ed back in a ponytail and tough looking exterior, he had the appearance of a man you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark al ey. Jager’s expression softened, showing the feelings he had for his wife when he looked at Daylen. “And that’s part of the reason why you love me,” he said with a smile.

Next to Ryann, Dirk groaned. “As another person who lives in the same house as you, I can definitely say it doesn’t make me want to love you. Sometimes it actual y has the opposite effect.”

As the others laughed at Dirk’s quip, Ryann turned her head to look at him. “Jager and Daylen are your roommates? I thought you lived alone.”

The laughter petered out as he answered her.

“They’re not roommates, more like family. I like to think of them as the siblings I never had. Along with the others we live with.”

“There are more than just the three of you?” Dirk nodded. “Altogether, including the new baby Jaden and Leif are expecting, there are eleven of us.” Ryann looked at him, feeling very much surprised.

“That’s one big family. I don’t know if I could live with that many people. I’m so used to it just being Tyler and me.”

“Don’t worry, Ryann,” Jager said. “You’l think nothing of it once you’ve moved in.” He grunted when his wife elbowed him in the side.

“Would you shut up, Jager,” Daylen said. She then looked at Ryann. “Like I said before, ignore him. Who’s Tyler?”

Ryann couldn’t help the smile that formed. “He’s my three-year-old son.” She quickly added, “I’m divorced.”

“Where is he now?” Roxie asked. “You could’ve brought him along instead of leaving him with a sitter. We have plenty of room here for him to sleep, if and when he got tired.”

“He’s with his dad for the weekend.”

“Oh, so you don’t have to rush back home?”

“I suppose not,” Ryann said, though getting Dirk alone again was something she planned to do as soon as she could without being rude.

Roxie stood. “I think the food should be done. Why don’t the rest of you head to the dining room while I get everything ready to serve?”

“Do you need any help, Rox?” Daylen asked.

“Nope, I’m good.”

Once Roxie left, Beowulf got up and led the rest of them to the dining area. The table was long, more than enough room for six people to sit comfortably. A dark blue tablecloth covered it, and it had already been set.

Coming through another doorway at the other end of the room that must be connected to the kitchen, Roxie came in carrying a large pan of piping hot lasagna. She placed it on the center of the table on a cooling rack. She took off the oven mitts she wore before she said, “I’l just get the garlic bread, then we can dish up.” The smel of garlic preceded Roxie when she returned. Ryann’s stomach growled in anticipation. She had a weakness for Italian food. Al heads turned her way, and she blushed. She hadn’t thought the sound of her stomach grumbling had been that loud.

She looked at Roxie. “It smel s delicious. I guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”

“Wel , help yourself, and eat as much as you want. I made lots.”

No one spoke as the food was dished up on their plates. Once she had hers, Ryann picked up her piece of garlic bread and took a bite. It was real y good, so was the lasagna when she had some of that.

While they ate, a large bottle of red wine was passed around, everyone fil ing the wineglass next to their plate. And as the meal progressed, it went around a second time. Once that was emptied and another bottle had been opened, Ryann knew there was no way she’d be able to keep up with the others at the table. Two glasses were her max, especial y if she wanted to remain sober for later. She wasn’t one of those drunks who could liven up a party. No, finding a corner somewhere and going to sleep was more her style. She doubted Dirk would enjoy that.

When the food was al gone and everyone was on their fifth glass of wine—not that any of them appeared to feel the effects of the alcohol—Ryann was stil amazed by how much they’d had. It also made her think that Dirk real y couldn’t be in any condition to drive. And after having her two glasses, she didn’t want to get behind the wheel either.

Trying not to be too blatant about it, she leaned toward Dirk, and whispered, “When you want to leave, I think we should cal a cab. Neither one of us should be driving.”

He smiled and replied just as quietly, “I’m fine. I can drive.”

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. We don’t need you to get a DUI.”

From the end of the table, Roxie said, “Ryann’s right, Dirk. You don’t need one of those. You two can stay over.

So can Jager and Daylen.” Her gaze seemed to lock on Dirk’s. “I insist.”

“Real y?” Dirk asked. “You’re going to be like this?” Roxie smiled. “I’m afraid so. I told you I was going to watch you.”

Ryann got the distinct impression she was missing out on part of what Dirk and Roxie’s conversation real y meant. She had a feeling it al didn’t have to do with Dirk driving while under the influence. But she didn’t say anything.

“Fine,” Dirk said with a sigh. “I guess we’l be staying the night.” He turned to Ryann. “You don’t mind, do you?” She shook her head.