Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Until last night.
Until Palmer.
“Relax, I’m just busting your balls.”
“Well, don’t.”
A few minutes later, he’s pulling into the gym. He parks but doesn’t turn the engine off right away, which tells me he’s got something to say. I wait, knowing he’s not going to rest until he says what’s on his mind.
“Look, Brooks. You’re my brother, and I love you. There is nothing wrong with liking Palmer. Deacon doesn’t have a leg to stand on. He’s engaged to our little cousin who is ten years younger than him.”
“She’s the same age as Palmer.”
“Yeah, but you’re a few years younger than Deacon. There’s what? Seven years between the two of you?”
“Something like that.”
“I say if you’re into her, you pursue it.”
“It’s nothing, Orrin. Can we just drop it? I was being a nice guy, and you’re trying to marry me off because of it.”
“I’m not trying to marry you off.” He chuckles under his breath. “I’m just telling you that you never know when you find the one.”
“You saying that Jade is the one?” I turn the tables on him, only it backfires. My big bro is all too willing to talk about his girlfriend and how he feels about her.
“Yes.” There is not one single second of hesitation in his reply.
“I’m happy for you, man. But Palmer and me, it’s not like that. She’s beautiful, I won’t deny that, but we’re just friends.” A friend that I can’t stop thinking about. A friend who is the sister of another friend, and the best friend of my little cousin. That’s all kind of twisted and complicated, and I don’t like complicated. I get enough drama working in the ER to last me a lifetime.
He nods. “All right, I’ll drop it. For now.” He kills the engine, grabs his keys, and reaches for the door.
We haven’t even made it into the gym, and I feel like I’ve been worked hard. Lack of sleep and your brother digging into your nonexistent love life will do that, I guess.
After the gym, Orrin dropped me off at home. It was just after eight, and I decided to mow the lawn before the heat of the day really hits, and I was already a sweaty hot mess anyway. That was hours ago. I’m starving, so I head to the kitchen to heat up one of the meals we made last night when my cell rings.
I try to fight it, but I can’t contain the smile that lifts my lips when I see Palmer’s name on the screen. The last thing I want is my brother riding my ass, bragging that he was right. “Hey,” I answer.
“Hey. Declan just called, and my car’s ready.”
“Great. I’m finished with everything I wanted to get done today, so I’m ready when you are.”
“I’m starving. I was going to heat up the meal you sent home with me, and then I’m headed your way.”
“I’m getting ready to do the same. Why don’t you save yours for tomorrow, and I’ll heat you up one of mine?”
“Brooks, I can’t eat all of your food.”
“You can. Besides, I’m off this weekend and will more than likely be eating out with one or more of my brothers and then having dinner at my parents’ Sunday night. They’re only good for a week, so you’d be saving me.”
I’m not making it up. Sure, I could eat two most days, but I’m not telling her that.
“Okay. Let me lock up the studio and put a note on the door, and I’ll be right over.”
“I’ll have everything ready and waiting.” I place my phone facedown on the counter and rub my hands over my face. I wish I knew what it was about this woman that has me doing things I’ve never done before.
Shaking out of my thoughts, I pull two containers from the refrigerator and pop them both in the microwave. While they’re warming, I gather forks, napkins, and two bottles of water. The microwave dings after three minutes, and I realize that I started them too early. It’s a good ten-minute drive to my place from her shop. I leave them alone for now. When she pulls in, I’ll heat them for another minute to make sure they’re warm before serving.
I stop and think about my current situation, me worrying about heating up lunch for my friend’s little sister, and I laugh.
Out loud.
It’s official. My cock has taken over. It’s either that or I’ve lost my ever-loving mind. This isn’t me. Orrin was right, even though I’d never tell him that. A soft knock on the door pulls me back to the present.
“Come in!” I call out. Moving toward the microwave, I hit the one-minute button and turn to face her.
“Hey.” She smiles and waves, and I have the sudden urge to pull her into my arms and kiss the breath from her lungs.