“And let’s be honest,” I say, pressing a hand to my chest before I point at Brody. “Brody and me? Can you imagine him trying to pretend to be my date? No offense, Brods, but it doesn’t work. No one would believe it.”
Quinn’s head is turning back and forth between us. “Yeah, this isn’t a slight on you, Jor, but that would be a living hell for the Brodster.”
That makes us all laugh, minus Brody, who just smiles. I definitely don’t take offense to it. In the years since his wife died, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Brody touch a woman. Hell, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him look at one. Not with anything but boredom at least.
Except right now. He’s looking at me with interest. Studying me like he’s seeing something I don’t, and he’s trying to analyzeit. It makes me shift uncomfortably next to Liam who takes it as a cue to put his arm back around my shoulders. It’s as natural as breathing. Like he didn’t even have to think about it before doing it.
“Can we go inside now? I’m starving,” Luke says, taking Hailey’s hand. He doesn’t wait for a response before he drags her toward the restaurant, much like he dragged me out.
Everyone else turns to go inside, but before I can take a couple of steps with Liam, a hand touches my arm, causing me to look over my shoulder. It’s Brody, giving me a slight nod to the side, asking me to hold back without words.
While my stomach does a nervous flip, I wave Liam and Quinn on. “Be right there.”
Liam gives me a look before glancing at Brody, but whatever he sees in his other best friend’s expression has him nodding before disappearing with Quinn back into the restaurant.
When it’s just the two of us, Brody’s arms fold over his chest. I thought Nate had the look of disappointment down to a T, but Brody does it tenfold. While he already towers over me, he makes me want to shrink even further until I melt into the ground and disappear.
I would hate to be a patient of his that isn’t cooperating. I can imagine all he needs to do is give one quick look at a person to have them complying. That’s probably a good thing for his brothers, but when it’s you he’s looking at, it’s intimidating.
“What’s up, Brods?” I finally ask, unable to stand the silence any longer.
He doesn’t answer me right away. He just stares, searching my face for an answer to a question he hasn’t asked. If I didn’t know him to be a gentle giant, I would be terrified right now.
Finally he opens his mouth to answer me, his deep voice low,especially with the din from the restaurant and hotel. “You know I’ve lost one family.”
My eyes widen in surprise, not understanding where he’s going with this. My thoughts go to Heather, his wife, and I nod. “Of course.”
With a nod of his own, he looks over my head and into the restaurant for a moment before his attention comes back to me. “Please don’t be the reason I lose another.”
Chapter 16
Liam
“Youreadyforthis?You’re going down, bro!” Luke says, rubbing his hands together as he approaches me where I’m standing at a bar-height table.
“Promise me you’ll enjoy your participation trophy when I kick your ass, Pookie. It’ll look like my drink bill,” I retaliate before tossing back the remainder of my beer.
It’s just in time too. The waitress—Julie—is on her way to our table with another round for the two of us. With dinner over we all headed to what I like to call the adult playground. Everywhere you look is fun and games. Supersized Jenga, arcade games, beer pong, pool, air hockey, golf, and basketball. Not to mention the giant TV screens and large sitting area for those that would rather lounge.
Luke and I are shooting some hoops, dual style. He’s set up at one net, I’m set up at the next, and the one that makes the most baskets wins. We played two games before Sir-Leaks-A-Lot had to interrupt to take a piss. Now that he’s back, it’s time I claim the throne as the rightful King. It’s fitting given my name.
“Here you go,” Julie says, setting down our fresh drinks.
“Thanks darlin’,” Luke says beside me, his Texas twang shining through. You can take the man out of Texas, but you can’t take the Texas out of the man.
“Julie,” I grab her attention before she has achance to walk away. I point across the bar to where Jordan is standing, talking with a couple of her aunts. “That woman with the brunette hair in the roperdilly—you’re taking good care of her?”
Beside me Luke snorts. “Yeah, you’d like to rope her with your dilly.”
Julie must hear things far worse daily. She hardly smiles at Luke’s comment. “She’s well taken care of, I promise. Also, it’s called a romper, and it’s hella cute.”
“He’d like to romp her too.”
Shooting Julie my most charming smile, I wave Luke off. “Ignore this immature jackass. I appreciate you taking care of my girl. We haven’t been dating long, so a good impression is key.”
Now she smiles. “Just don’t stop after the honeymoon period. That’s when it’ll go sideways.”
Noted.
