1
FORD
My brother’s girlfriend is lucky she’s a barista.If the infamous Violet Reeves were anything else, I would’ve passed when my big brother asked for a ride.Not that Jagger couldn’t have driven himself, but free caffeine is free caffeine.And since he looks like he was hit by a truck, I figured giving in and taking him wasn’t the worst thing I could do with my Sunday morning.Hell, his eye is so swollen, I doubt he can fully see out of it at this point.Give it a few days, and I’m sure the swelling will go down.Until then?No getting behind the wheel, big brother.Safety first and all that.
I should be used to it.And in a way, I guess I am.He’s been a brawler since we were little.But last night’s fight?Last night’s fight was different.I know it, and he knows it, too.
When Jagger catches me eyeing him in my periphery, he scowls but doesn’t bother saying anything else.Why would he?We both know why I’m staring.Did I mention he looks like he was hit by a truck?The bastard better get used to them.The stares.He’s willingly visiting Violet at work instead of staying holed up at our place for a few days until his face goes back to normal.
Not that I’d ever state the obvious out loud.
Not to him, anyway.
Like Jagger would let anyone tell him what to do.
He reaches for the handle and opens The Bean Scene’s door in search of his girlfriend and the reason why he’s sporting a grapefruit for an eye.The warm scent of coffee filters through the air as I follow him inside the small coffee shop.
“What do you want?”Jagger asks me.
“Something hot and sweet.”My attention catches on the girl at the counter placing her order.
Speaking of hot and sweet…
If it isn’t Violet’s new friend and roommate, June Withers.My cock twitches before I can rein in my instincts.
She is woman, hear her roar and all that.
“Seems you already found it,” Jagger notes.I don’t miss my brother’s sarcasm as he reads my mind while simultaneously shoving my shoulder and urging me toward the front of the shop.Behind the counter, Violet rings up June like an A-plus employee when she notices Jagger.Her smile stretches, and her dark brown eyes light up like a kid on Christmas.
“Hey, you!”Violet gushes.
June peeks over her shoulder, curious to whom Violet’s speaking.And just like that, a light blush spreads across her round cheeks before her head swivels forward again.If we hadn’t already been introduced, I’d almost be insulted, but I know better.June Withers is the epitome of everything good in the world.Sweet.Soft spoken.Not a bad bone in her perfectly curvy body.I know it.My brothers know it.Everyone who’s spent more than thirty seconds around the girl knows it.
It’s also the reason I love giving her shit and hitting on her whenever the opportunity presents itself.Not because I’d ever go there.I might be heartless, but I’m not a total dick.All I’d do is wreck her.Sully her sweet soul the same way my father sullied our mother’s until there was nothing left.
Doesn’t ruin the fun of poking the bear, though.Especially when she’s more of the Winnie the Pooh version than any grizzly you’d find in the wild.
“Why, if it isn’t my favorite June Bug.”I slide in beside her as Violet hands June her coffee.“Iced?”I question.“It’s under fifty degrees outside.”
Unwrapping the paper straw, June sticks it through the lid and steals a sip, barely peeking at me.Guess she’s playing it cool.
“I like my coffee cold.”Her attention darts back to Violet.“Thanks again, Vi.”
“Anytime,” Violet returns.“I’ll be over in twenty.”
“No rush,” June says.
As she sways away without a backward glance, Violet asks, “So, what can I get you, gentlemen?”
A hot mug of June Withers, if it’s on the menu.
I smirk as the thought crosses my mind.
“Ford,” Jagger warns.
The bastard knows me too well.
“Order for me,” I tell him before catching up to June.What can I say?I can’t resist.
