Page 110 of Big Dill

Jaxon glances toward the hall. “Yeah, well… you’ve seen your cousin, right?

Just then, Brody walks in, sliding a piece of paper into his pocket with a grin on his face.

Hot doc’s number, maybe?

My brother points his spoon at Brody. “He’ll put a beatin’ on ya and put your eyes back in your head if I ask him to, b’y.” I laugh at Jaxon’s exaggerated Newfoundland accent. This man really does belong here.

“Who you calling b’y?” Devon teases, cracking his knuckles.

“Brody,” Jaxon bellows, waving him closer.

Devon playfully squares his shoulders. “I’m not afraid of Brody.”

“You should be. Jami’s like a sister to him, and he’s not going to let anyone mess with his sister.”

“Okay, easy, you two,” Brody says, pulling Devon into a hug. “Thanks for taking care of Jaxon for me. I owe you.”

“Oh yeah.” Devon winks at me, still teasing Jaxon, and I love the camaraderie between these guys. “How about a date with your little sister then?”

“Little sister can speak for herself,” I point out, putting both hands on my hips. “And while I’m flattered, Devon, I’m not dating.”

Hot doc walks back in. “Okay, Jaxon, just a bit of paperwork, and then you’re cleared to leave. I’ll have the nurse bring you out in a wheelchair.” She smiles at Brody. “If you could bring the car up front.”

“If you’re not going to finish your food,” Devon says, lifting the lid off what looks like a roast beef sandwich. “I hate to see it go to waste.”

Jaxon pushes the plate toward him. “Help yourself.”

“You eat, I’ll get the car.” I’m about to ask what car—we took a cab from the airport—but then Brody holds out his hand, and Devon tosses him the keys.

We step into the hall, and I struggle to bite my tongue.

Don’t say it, Jami. Don’t. Freaking. Say it.

“So, what was that you put in your pocket? The doctor’s number?”

Dammit, girl. You said it.

“Yeah.”

“She was nice. Seemed to like you.” I laugh, trying to play it off as light, but Brody’s nobody’s fool.

“Wow. Jealous much?”

“So what if I am?” I say and give his body a slow head to foot sweep. “I’m not dating, but I know a good hook-up when I see one.”

“And you’re totally not into sharing?”

“Did you just meet me?”

He laughs, and when the front doors part, he pulls me into his arms. “I’m not into sharing either, so stay the hell away from Devon and I only put her number in my pocket in case I had questions on Jaxon’s recovery.”

My stupid heart soars, and I snuggle against him as we walk to the parking lot. He hits the fob, searching for his cousin’s vehicle.

“Do you even know what he’s driving?”

“I do. I guess I should have asked where he parked.”

“Dense,” I murmur playfully.