“I knew Spence was younger than his other siblings. I guess I just didn’t think you’d know them.”
“I grew up in Ypsi and I know a lot of people.” Aunt Vicki had severed ties with most of the family, but it made sense that she still maintained a connection with some of the people she grew up with. “Linc and Ryan’s brother were in the Navy together. So there’s a history there.”
“I bet. Did Uncle Stew grow up in Ypsi, too?”
“No. He’s Ann Arbor through and through. But he hung out on the South Side occasionally. Which is how I met him. I thought he was my cousin since we had the same last name.”
Cracking up, I asked, “I wondered about that.”
“He had to convince me we weren’t related. Not too manyYoungsaround here.”
“It worked out, though. And you didn’t have to change your last name.”
“Exactly.” She sipped her tea. “So, I wanted to give you a chance to get your bearings after that awkward encounter. Earlier, I asked you what the problem was between you and Rod. But the better question is …whois the problem?”
Unable to help myself, I glanced back at Spence. Not surprisingly, he was staring at me. I forced myself to turn away, to look at my aunt. “Spence is a friend. Innocent. We’ve known each other for years.”
“Hm. Let me ask you … when you think about the man that you want to marry, the man that you would love to spend the rest of your life with … is it Rod?”
I blinked. “What? I-I don’t … Why do ask that?”
“Because the way Spencer is looking at you and the wayyoureacted to Spencer? That’s not innocent. And it certainly isn’t just friends.”
“Spence is not the guy for me.”
“Why?”
I shrugged. “It’s just not like that with us.”
Aunt Vicki raised a questioning brow. “I don’t want you to do anything that you’ll regret, babe. Maybe take some time and think about it. Don’t rush into marriage.”
Although my aunt made valid points, I couldn’tnotmarry Rod because of some silly crush I might have developed when Spence gave me his lunch all those years ago. Spence was nice looking. And he was kind. To me. He always looked out. For me. When he entered the room, people stopped what they were doing and started watching him.
Forget the way he held me in his arms.
Forget the way he’d marched me out of that damn house and dared everyone there to say something.
Forget the feel of his breath against my neck as he buckled me into his car.
Definitely forget the heat of his eyes on mine that night. And today.
Forget the damn flutters, Laiya.
I sat up straight, tugged at my shirt. “Aunt Vicki, I understand your concern. But I know what I want.”
“Do you? Because earlier you said you can’t get married.”
Waving a dismissive hand her way, I said, “I was mistaken. Wedding jitters. I’m going to marry Rod.” I swallowed past a hard lump in my throat. “It’s what I want.”
And if I keep repeating it, maybe I’ll believe it.
CHAPTER 1
Grown & Sexy
Spencer
Present Day
