“I didn’t get to ask. How are things between the two of you?”
“Very good.” I probably have a ridiculously happy grin plastered to my face. “I’m really happy, Jordan.”
“Then I’m happy,” my big brother replies. “That’s all I want for you.”
“I know.”
“If you’re going to drive here for Christmas, you need to have your car checked. And put on snow tires.”
“Don’t worry about my car. We’ll probably take Levi’s.”
I still haven’t replaced the battery, but I should get it done before the snow gets worse. I won’t be able to walk around town for much longer.
“Thank God,” Jordan sighs with relief. “Then it’s settled. We’ll see you and Levi on the twenty-third of December.”
“That’s two whole days before Christmas.”
“I know. Pack a bag and visit for a week. It will be nice.”
“I’ll talk to Levi and ask what he wants to do.”
“Tell him he’ll score brownie points with your older brother, whose blessing he’ll need if he ever wants to marry you.”
I laugh at Jordan while shaking my head. “Oh, you’re resorting to blackmail now?”
“Of course. Anyway, let me get back to work.”
“Have a great day.”
“You too,” Jordan replies before we end the call.
When I walk past Levi’s house, I glance at it and wonder if he’s sleeping or writing.
“Kelcie.”
Hearing Colby’s voice, my head snaps toward his parents’ place, and seeing him jog across the road, I shake my head and quickly rush up Levi’s driveway.
“Go away, Colby. I’m done talking to you and your family.”
“Wait up. I’m sorry my mom slapped you. She shouldn’t have done that.”
I quickly ring Levi’s doorbell repeatedly, praying he isn’t sleeping.
Glancing over my shoulder, I groan when Colby comes up behind me, and abandoning the doorbell, I pound against the wood. “Levi!”
I hear Lick barking like crazy.
“Come on. Don’t be like that,” Colby snaps.
He grabs hold of my shoulder and spins me around. I’m so startled, I stagger backward, but there’s no door, and strong arms wrap around me.
Oh, thank God.
Levi lifts me off my feet and sets me down inside before he turns to face Colby while he indicates for Lick to stay.
“Get off my fucking property.” There’s so much anger brimming in his voice. I’ve never heard it so deep before. “And stay the fuck away from Kelcie. She’s mine.”
Colby steps right up to Levi, and just before their chests can touch, I grab hold of Levi’s arm and pull him backward while Lick snarls, the fur on the back of her neck rising.
