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.Just as Lily expected, the homemade bread soon bit the dust.Even the desserts vanished nearly as fast as she could pass out utensils and bowls.Declaring themselves stuffed, all the guys chipped in to clean up the kitchen.Dillon even washed dishes, mainly because Cale left him no choice, threatening to kick his rear if he didn't get to the task and quit whimpering about it.She couldn't help but roll her eyes at the interplay with the brothers.More than once one of them would smack the other for some presumed insult.Just like when they were kids, she would bet.Their poor mother must have considered them a great handful.Within thirty minutes, her kitchen sparkled.Clean dishes were put away and trash carried out.Even the floor shined after Loco zipped over it with a hardwood floor mop.The room had never looked better.Thanks to all the guys, who now drifted toward the couch, turning on the small television to watch football.How typically male.She wondered if they would nap and snore, or get all excited about the game and actually pass gas and scratch themselves.Shaking her head, she followed them into the living room.For the first time, her Spartan furniture and lack of essentials embarrassed her.Night and Loco put her sleeper sofa back together, making room for three of them.Dillon took the small recliner, easing it back to elevate his wounded leg.That left Spoon without a seat except on the hard wooden floor."I'll get one of the kitchen chairs, although they won't be comfortable…"He shook his head at her."I'm fine.Really."A flick of the wrist sent a couple of pillows from Cale to his comrade.Spoon grinned at him, then made a small nest, adding cushioning to the floor.That left her.She knew without a doubt any one of the guys would gladly get up, giving up his seat to her.But, she didn't want that.They needed some down time.If watching football after eating Thanksgiving lunch provided that, then she would relish in it and let them absorb as much relaxation as they could garner.Cale patted his lap."Come on."She looked at him in surprise.The corner of his mouth crooked upwards."I promise to keep my hands to myself and not bite.""You better.First time you fondle my ass, you'll wonder what bus ran you over." Loco flung at Cale.Cale flashed his middle finger."Asshole.""I'll remember that, football bat.""Where's a referee when you need it?" Lily's head snapped from one man to another as they mouthed back and forth.Both shot her a look, pointing to Night, who simply rolled his eyes, shaking his head at their antics.The quiet one, he spoke rarely, but what he did say made her smile.A man of few words, lots of action, and a gentle old soul to those he deemed worthy.Shaking her head, Lily stepped around long legs and big feet until she reached Cale.Gingerly, she sat down on his lap, leaning half against him and half against the arm rest, trying to give Loco more room.Cale immediately wrapped an arm about her, pulling her snug against his side."There.See.We fit just fine and Loco won't get the tar knocked out of him.""As if." A loud snort followed.Dillon clicked on the remote, found the right channel, and all eyes turned toward the television, focusing on the game.Lily settled into Cale, soaking up his warmth and strength.A year ago if someone told her she would be cuddling on a man's lap watching sports with him and his buddies on this holiday, she would have called that person demented.Yet, here she sat, content and even happy.Her heart swelled with emotion, particularly when it came to the man holding her.He met her eyes and gave her a slight squeeze and a smile, before returning his attention to the game.For the first time in many months, she felt cared for.Not to be left out, the girls meandered over.Charity hopped into Dillon's lap, while Faith marched purposely into Spoon's lap, flopping down as if she belonged there.Both men grinned, immediately stroking the kittens.Hope took a bit longer, finally jumping on Night's legs, staring up at him for the longest moment.He spoke to her in a language Lily had never heard.The cat must have understood as she turned three circles, then settled into a neat ball to doze while the boss of the group lightly brushed her back with long fingers.Three motors began to purr in contentment.Resting her head on Cale's shoulder, she closed her eyes.Perhaps there is such a thing as love at first sight after all.At least by second sight, anyway.Chapter 12A shifting movement pulled Lily from her doze.Strong arms cradled her body as they gently placed her on bare couch cushions.She woke up with voices nearby, ones it took an extra second to recognize.In a flash, she sat up, noticing the guys heading toward the front door."Wait.Are you leaving already?" Her voice croaked, hoarse from her nap.They couldn't go, not now.Not when her relationship with Cale began to blossom.Cale turned to her."The guys need to get going.Dillon is packing right now."Her heart sank at his words.She chastised herself for falling for a man that would walk out of her life in mere minutes.I was just a fill in for a few short days.Cale's strong arm tugged her against his chest."I'm not leaving, Lily."Blinking back tears, she managed to look up into his face, finding the truth she needed."But, you said they were leaving and Dillon was packing."He nodded, brushing a kiss to her temple."They are going to drop Dillon by Della's house.He moped and whimpered and looked downright pitiful enough that the guys decided to put him out of their misery.""Huh?"The edge of his lips curved up."Della only lives about an hour from here.Just past Timberline.Since he was up and about and the danger had passed, Dillon insisted he would get to her tonight, one way or another."Letting out a relieved breath, Lily returned his smile."Good for him." She wiggled loose, heading toward the small group of men gathered near the south side of the house, all carrying duffel bags and weapons."Are you sure you can't stay?"Spoon shook his head."Bugle here is determined to get to his woman.Besides, we would only cramp Cale's style hanging around." A tinkle sparked in his eye as he glanced over at the man in question.Cale flipped him off, but quickly ruined the effect with a chuckle.Dillon limped out of the bedroom carrying his gear.Plopping it down, he headed over to Lily, giving her a warm hug."Thank you.For everything.""You're welcome.You remembered the rest of your medication, right?" The nurse in her rose to the occasion."Yep.Cale personally checked my bag three times just to make sure." A huge grin spread across his face."We're headed to Della's.""I heard." She leaned in to kiss his cheek."Take care of that girl of yours.""Will do
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