And the tears fall as I bury my face in my hands while still holding my phone. I’ve never gone this long without talking to my brother. We never fought as kids. We were always friends even with our seven-year difference. I don’t know how to do this. My heart hurts, my lungs, my throat, my stomach… everything hurts. I can’t imagine living my life without my brother in it, just the thought makes it hard to breathe.
My phone rings and I quickly look at it, wiping away my tears to see the screen better. My heart surges with hope that it might be Greyson, but dips slightly when I see that it’s Em.
I take a second to breathe before answering. “Hi…” I know she can hear my crying through the phone so there’s no point in hiding it.
“Oh, baby Brey… God, I wish I could fix this. I hate this for you, for both of you. I’ve tried to talk to him, to make him understand, but he won’t even listen to me. I’m so sorry, Aubrey,” she says with deep sympathy.
I sniff, wiping my eyes some more. “No, it’s okay. Don’t fight with my brother for me. I’ve caused enough problems. I don’t want to cause one in your marriage, too.”
“Stop it, Brey. You’re my friend. You were my friend before Greyson and I happened. As much as my loyalty is to him, it’s also to you. I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try to convince him about tonight. I’ll do my best, I swear.” She’s quiet for a moment. “It’s going to be okay, Aubrey. He won’t stay mad forever.”
A sob breaks free. “I don’t know what to do, Em. This hurts so much… I never wanted this to happen…”
“I know, baby. I know… Just stay strong, okay? Everything’s going to fix itself, that I can promise you. If I have to kick my husband in the nuts to get his head out of his ass, I will.”
I let out a wet chuckle at her comment. “Thank you, Em. You’re the best sister I could have asked for.”
She takes on a softer tone. “So are you, Aubrey. You’re doing nothing wrong, remember that for me, okay? You’re a good sister, the best. Greyson will see that.”
We end the call shortly after and I take a few minutes to collect myself before heading home.The only real home I have left...
I arrive at the house with only thirty minutes to spare before Shane’s family is set to arrive. I find him in the gym, quickly kiss him on the cheek, and tell him I’m going to get ready. I take the quickest shower of my life, without wetting my hair since I had already washed it this morning, then head to my closet while my curling iron heats at the vanity in my huge walk-in.
I decide on a simple knee-length halter-neck dress with a flared skirt. The color is a beautiful turquoise, almost identical to Shane’s eyes. Then I curl my hair with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Once I’m satisfied, I lather on some of my peach-scented cream at lightning speed then slip into a pair of white stilettos.There, done.
When I exit the closet, Shane is just stepping through the doors to our bedroom, dripping with sweat. My eyes widen as he casually walks to the bathroom like he has all the time in the world.
I race after him, my veins quickly filling with anxiety. “Shane! What are you doing!? They’re going to be here any minute and you aren’t even ready! I can’t greet them on my own!”
He smirks as he undresses while facing me, exposing his tempting length that seems to grow harder the more I look atit. I give my head a subtle shake and return my gaze to his eyes where he now wears a cocky grin. “Sure you can.”
It takes me a moment to understand what he’s saying, but when I do, my eyes widen and my face heats with a rapidly spreading blush. “No, I can’t. Shane, please don’t do this to me,” I beg with fear in my eyes. “I’m already stressing over meeting them, don’t make me greet them on my own.”
He chuckles and takes a step toward me, cradling the back of my head as he kisses my forehead. “I’m kidding, Angel. My sister called to say they would be half an hour late. I’ll be ready by then, I promise.”
“You… Wha…” I blink a few times. “You knew they would be late and let me rush for no reason!?” I smack his arm. “I can’t believe you sometimes.” I frown at him, but it’s pretty much forced. I’m incapable of feeling anything but love and happiness toward Shane.
His arm wraps around my waist, bringing me into his sweaty body. “I like this new little feisty side of you.” He nips at my lip before kissing me deeply.
“Shane, you’re sweaty. You’re going to get me all dirty, and then your family will think I smell bad.” I giggle against his lips.
He smiles as he lets go of me, kissing my cheek, then heads into the shower for the second time today. And I already know it won’t be his last, or mine either.
Half an hour later, Shane is dressed in a white dress shirt that hugs his fabulous body marvelously, the sleeves rolled up and the first two buttons undone. A pair of perfectly tailored navy-blue dress pants wrap around his waist and legs, showcasing his muscular thighs and that pronounced hockey butt he still has. I love how he doesn’t have to wear a belt, that all his pants just hug his hips perfectly. It’s probably the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
And on his feet, he wears a pair of cognac-colored Oxfords. We don’t normally wear shoes in the house when it’s just us two, butwith guests it’s easier to just let them keep theirs on. There are already two rugs set in place outside and inside the front door for people to wipe their shoes down given the snowy and wet pavement. And there’s even spare white slippers for those who would prefer to remove their footwear.
Marianne really thought of everything. It’s not entirely a full house today, but I know Antoine has his assistant, Jean-Louis, with him today helping in the kitchen, and Marianne has three helpers with her as well.
We stand by the front door as Shane receives an alert on his phone telling him someone is at the front gate. He lets them through and I let out a shaky breath. “Do I…” I look down at myself with a frown. “Do I look okay? I don’t look too… young?”
Shane turns to me with a frown. “Where is this coming from?”
“I just… I don’t want them to think I’m too young for you…” I admit in a low voice as my blush appears over my cheeks.
“Sweetheart, your age has never been an issue. Not with me, and not with my family. Yes, at first, I was afraid that us being together would hold you back from living your life givenmyage. But that’s in the past. And I know that if you had that thought, you wouldn’t be standing here with me.” He cups my cheeks and presses his lips to mine. “You’re perfect, Angel. You have nothing to worry about, I promise.”
I let out a breath, feeling some of the tension leaving my body. “I needed that, thank you, Shane. And your age has never been an issue for me either.”
