Read Greatest Distraction (Distracted #1) for Free Online Page B

and I was downright a green-eyed monster.
    “Tell you what – when I get back from New York, I’ll take you out too … your choice. Anything you want to do, we’ll do.” I’d do anything, well, practically anything, to get Macey’s lip to stop quaking.
    Deciding my offer sounded fair, the little girl smiled shyly, hugged me once more, and bounded back toward her room. “ Kallllllllllllie…” her voice echoed and I sat down on the floor, my head in my hands. Déjà vu. I just couldn’t win with them. Note to self: Ryen apparently cannot handle more than one child at a time. I fail.
    Masculine laughter brought my face up and I found Nick leaning against the wall, arms crossed. Elle was standing right beside him, her hand over her mouth, trying unsuccessfully to cover her smile. I idly wondered how long they’d been standing there. Then I wondered why the hell they didn’t save me.
    My face must’ve expressed my thoughts because this time, Elle couldn’t cover up her laughter. I scowled at her, which only made her laugh harder. Were those tears forming in her eyes?
    “Shut it, woman,” I grumped, remaining exactly where I was on the floor. If this was what she dealt with on a day-to-day basis, it was a wonder she even dressed herself in the mornings. Hell, I’d only been here for five freaking minutes and I was already exhausted. I don’t know how she does it.
    “Sorry, can’t help but laugh. You should know better by now. It only happens ever freaking time you come over.” Though she’d finally stopped laughing, she was still smiling.
    “Yeah, yeah … I just can’t help it. They break my heart.”
    “They’re playing you, sister, and you fall right into their hands.”
    So, she spoke the truth, doesn’t change anything. Every time I came over, I somehow ended up leaving with promises for more stuff. Candy, dolls, toys, trips to the park – you name it, I’ve promised it. Apparently I don’t learn. You probably wouldn’t either if you saw them. Maybe.
    “You ready, Mrs. Laughy Pants?” I asked as I made my way to my feet. She was still trying to suppress her mirth at the situation, or me. I’m glad I could provide some adult entertainment.
    “Yep,” she answered, loudly calling for the girls to come say goodbye to us. Soon after, they hugged us each in turn, and I swear on all that’s holy I saw them look at each other and wink. Well played, kids, well played.
     

     
    “MMM. Thank you for the coffee,” Elle sighed loudly, reclining in the passenger seat of my Civic. I think she’s magic – not even kidding – she was not only dressed but also make-upped and chipper. Hair shining and perfectly styled, she looked great in her designer shoes, jeans, and ombre-pink lacy top. Despite my own attempts, I’d already gotten fed up and piled my hair in a top knot, and now felt like a slob in black.
    “Yeah, well, it would’ve been warmer if you hadn’t let your children own me.” My ire of the situation was pretty much over. I couldn’t be upset over spending time with the girls. Besides, I’d known they had me wrapped around their pinkies … They had since the day they were born.
    When they were born prematurely, I’d taken leave from work to stay with Elle, keeping her company in the NICU. Seeing my friend so broken and the two tiny little people fighting for their lives had been humbling. I’d cried, prayed, hoped, and smiled at every turn, just like they were my own. The minute Elle had asked me to be their godmother, they were; as close as I was getting for a while, anyway. They owned me and, if that’s the worst that happened, I was just peachy with it.
    “The look on your face is always worth the lack of warmth in the coffee you bring me,” she answered, smiling, her eyes twinkling. “Besides, you love it and you know it.”
    This time my smile was as big as hers as I answered, “True story.”
    We rode in silence to the spa, me lost in my plans for New York and her