“I love his grin,” Amber said.
“You have to say that because he’s standing there,” Dawn said. “We all know it’s too toothy.”
“Man, you are harsh.” Dash shook his head. “Listen, Amber’s coming home with me before the fundraiser in a couple of weeks. You can grill her then.”
“She is?” Dawn’s excitement radiated through the screen. “I cannot wait to meet you in person!”
“Me too,” Andi exclaimed. “You guys must be pretty serious. Dash has never brought a girl home before.”
“That’s because he hasn’t had any girlfriends. You know that.” Dawn narrowed her eyes. “Wait. Have you had secret girlfriends?”
Jesus. “Of course not. We need to go. We have to get ready for the signing.”
“Fine,” Dawn relented. “For what it’s worth, you probably found the only woman on earth who’s prettier than you are. She just might be too pretty for you.”
Amber blushed.
“I agree with you,” Dash said. “But if I keep giving Amber your cakes, she might just stick around.”
“Good luck today. Give Hawk a hug for me,” Andi said thoughtfully. “Amber, I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.”
“Me too,” Amber said. “You guys sound fun, like my sisters.”
“How many sisters do you have?” Andi asked.
“Do you have any hot brothers?” Dawn asked.
“Five sisters and one very hot, very gay brother,” Amber said. “He tried to pick up Dash the first night we met.”
“So you’re saying he’s hot, gay, and has bad taste?” Dawn flashed a teasing smirk.
Dash uttered a curse. “We’re going now. Love you guys. Thanks for calling.”
“Love you,” they both said. “Bye, Amber.”
He ended the call and pocketed the phone. “Sorry about that.”
“Why? I’m excited to meet them in person. They obviously adore you.” She went up on her toes and kissed him. “And you must be crazy about me to buy me flowers and remember our acorn jar. Thank you.”
“Sweetheart, if anyone deserves thanks, it’s you. For hosting my signing and for reminding me what life should be about.”
“You mean like kissing?” She rose on her toes, kissing him again.
“Like kissing you.” He dipped her over his arm and kissed the hell out of her.
Someone banged on the front door, startling them apart. Shea waved through the glass, her long blond hair falling loose over the shoulders of her tailored navy pantsuit. Hawk stood beside her smirking, as trendy as ever in plumb-colored jeans, a white dress shirt, and suspenders. His thick brown hair was slicked back, and his bearded face was hidden behind his camera.
“It’s Shea and Hawk.”
“That’s embarrassing,” Amber said softly.
“No, it’s not. Come on, you’ll love them, too.” He took her hand and went to let them in. “Hi.” Dash leaned down and kissed Shea’s cheek as she walked in. “Shea, this is Amber Montgomery. Amber, this is Shea Steele.” Dash pulled Hawk into a manly embrace as Shea said hello to Amber and Reno and gushed about how much she liked Amber’s store. “How are you doing, man?”
“Great. I’ll be rich in no time. I’m selling those pictures to the tabloids.” Hawk chuckled.
“No, you won’t,” Shea warned, then turned a warmer expression on Amber. “He’s already signed his life away. Pictures from the signing are fair game, but if pictures of Dash’s personal life get leaked to the wrong outlets, I’ll own his ass.”
Hawk cocked a grin. “Hey, I might leak them just to make that happen.”
Shea rolled her eyes.
“Hawk, this is Amber, and her service dog, Reno.” Dash had already filled his brother in on Amber’s medical condition.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Amber said. “I see you share your brother’s charm.”
Hawk scoffed. “I’m much more charming than Dashell.”
Amber’s eyes lit up with amusement. “Dashell?”
“Thanks a lot, man. Way to bring down my street cred.” Dash shook his head. “It’s our mother’s maiden name.”
“I like it. It’s pretty.” Amber glanced challengingly at Hawk. “It takes a whole lotta man to pull off a pretty name.”
Dash puffed out his chest, snickering at Hawk.
“Now you’ve done it,” Shea teased. “They’ll be one-upping each other all day.”
“Nah. This is Dash’s day. It would be rude to outshine him. It’s no wonder my brother has been blowing up my phone about meeting the woman of his dreams. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Hawk leaned in to hug her.
“You, too,” Amber said sweetly. “Dash has told me great things about you.”
“All lies,” Dash teased.
Shea crossed her arms, staring at Dash. “Why am I just hearing about you meeting the woman of your dreams?”
“Because you’d tell me not to mix business with pleasure. I figured that was why you thought Amber wasn’t my type.”
“That wasn’t why, although it is a good reason,” Shea said. “When I spoke to Amber on the phone, she was sweet and soft-spoken and fairly reluctant to host a signing for a sports figure. Remember, Amber? You said you weren’t sure he was a good match for your low-key bookstore. Naturally, I didn’t think he was your type.” She looked at Dash. “You aren’t exactly quiet, and you’re always looking for the next mountain to climb. I half expect you to come out of retirement after the signing and get back to playing ball.”
“That’s not happening.” Dash exchanged a knowing glance with Hawk.
“To be honest, I didn’t think he was my type, either.” Amber gave Dash that bashful, adorable glance he loved.
Hawk barked out a laugh. “You mean his toddler smile didn’t set your heart on fire?”
“It took a hell of a lot more than my smile to get on her radar.” Dash hugged Amber against his side, earning a sexy blush.
“That’s a relief,” Shea said. “I was worried I was losing my touch.”
Hawk looked coyly at Shea. “Let me buy you a drink when we’re done here, and I’ll check out your touch and give you an expert opinion on it.”
Before Shea could get a word out, the bells above the door chimed, and Amber’s mother, sisters, and Lindsay flew into the store with Phoenix and two other young girls. Marilynn was carrying a large tray of cookies. Morgyn and Brindle held fistfuls of balloons. Lindsay’s hands were empty, but she was surveying the signing area, and Sable waved a bottle of champagne over her head, exclaiming, “The cavalry is here!”
Phoenix locked the door behind them. “I didn’t know you’d called in more help.”
“She didn’t,” Brindle said. “But did you see the line out there? It’s already almost to the end of the block. It’s a good thing we’re here.”
“What? Already?” Panic stretched over Amber’s face, and she reached down to pet Reno. “We don’t open for another forty minutes.”