Free Almost Too Far (Almost Bad Boys #3) by A.O. Peart Page A

grins. “I wanna play.”
    “Sit down, everyone. We’ll have a round.” Stella points to the empty chairs. “I’ll be right back.” She stands up and whispers in my ear, “I’m going to the ladies room.”
    “I’ll pass.” I get up. Svetlana takes my spot. She convinces Caroline to join her and Jena.  
    I watch the dealer distribute the cards. My mind wanders. I start realizing there are possible similarities between how Libby feels about her mother, and how Colin feels about me. Libby and Colin are overprotective because of their past life experiences. While Colin has the tragedy that took Faith away to blame, Libby probably suffers from insecurities inflicted upon her during her youth when Helga kept changing husbands and never provided a solid and stable family life for Libby.  
    I think I finally understand why Helga wanted to run off without obtaining Libby’s permission. She wanted to be in control like she used to be years earlier—to break free from all the restrictions her daughter imposes on her now, even if it is for just one evening of gaming.
    When Stella returns, I tell her, “You’re right. Helga should celebrate her birthday the way she really wants to.”  
    Stella’s eyes open wide, and a big smile spreads on her face. “You’re cool, you know?”
    I grin back at her. “Yeah. I know I am. But now we have Libby to deal with.”
    “Leave it up to me.” She winks.
    Stella walks over to where Helga and Libby are arguing. I hope this isn’t going to turn ugly.  
    Last Year’s Bikini announces their first song, and I cringe. This is going to be a gut-wrenching experience. I wish I had some earplugs. My best bet is to stay as far away from the speakers as possible .  
     
     

 

     
    THIRTEEN
     
      “There is no such thing as fun for the whole family.”  
    Jerry Seinfeld
     
    I jump and gasp when I feel someone’s arms slide around me from the back, but I instantly recognize the touch and the dark, masculine scent that always melts my insides. Only Colin can make me feel this way. I turn and find his clear-blue gaze on me, one side of his mouth lightly quirked up. He kisses me quickly on the lips and says, “What am I going to do with you?”
    “ You will let me be who I am and not worry about my fragile side. I don’t have one.” I smirk.  
    He releases a breathy laugh. “I see the family meeting in session.” I know he means Helga, Libby, and Stella. Helga’s girlfriends are like family since they’ve been best friends for most of their lives.  
    “Yeah, something like that. You didn’t have a word with Helga yet?”
    “Nope. Getting in the middle of those three feisty women can only bring trouble.”  
    “You finally talk some sense, Mr. Hampton.” I run my finger over his wide, t-shirt-clad chest.  
    He catches my hand and kisses it. “I would like to talk some sense into you , babe. But first, let me see my grandmas.” Entwining his fingers with mine, he pulls me with him toward Helga, Libby, and Stella.  
    They stop arguing when they see us. Helga looks up at Colin and opens her arms for a hug, “There’s my boy. I hope you’re not upset with this old lady for trying to have some birthday kicks.”
    Colin wraps his arms around Helga and kisses the top of her head. “How can I ever be upset with you? But I was worried. Let’s just get you home now, okay?”
    She doesn’t answer. Colin releases her from his arms and looks at her. “Deal?”
    Jeez, Mr. Control Freak, give her a break. I roll my eyes, and of course, I have to intervene. “Colin, listen… it’s Helga’s birthday. Let her have some fun. Come on, don’t give her a hard time. We found her; we’re all here; she’s not going anywhere. We can just kinda move the party to the casino, right?”
    Stella weaves her arm through mine and squeezes it. The Female Solidarity Club is alive, no matter the age. I pat her hand and wink at her. Helga grins at us, but Libby frowns, probably unsure