Page 53 of Big Dill

“Oh, when did he rub you?” Jami teases and Jaxon snickers. “Maybe the better question is…where did he rub you?”

I roll my eyes. “And you say I’m the annoying one.”

She chuckles. “Way to deflect, Brody.”

“He didn’t rub me, Jami, and it’s nothing personal.” Yeah, it’s very personal, but I’m going to keep that to myself. “It’s just… if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. That’s all.”

Jami nods. “Ah, got it. Veterinarian. Rescues animals. Fosters them. Comes home to help his dad. It’s like he’s too perfect.” She nudges me. “But I bet he’s the kind of guy who probably marries his pets in a backyard ceremony or something.”

I glance at her, one brow raised.

“Seriously,” she continues, grinning. “I’m just saying… he probably has a little chapel…” She pauses and makes a little V with her fingers. “Right by his shed. Reserved seating for ferrets. Goldfish in the front row. Maybe a couple rescue hamsters as flower girls. Vows. Tiny cake. Matching collars.”

As Jaxon laughs, I just shake my head. “Yet you gave him your number anyway.”

“Pressure.” She shakes her head like she’s ashamed of herself. “Your mom was so nice. I hated to disappoint her.”

“She means well, but…” is all I say.

“She does have this persuasive way about her. Geez, if I’m not careful, I could find myself in Liam’s backyard, in one of his tiny chapels.” She groans. “Brody.” She grabs my arm. “Tell me you’ll step in before it goes that far.”

“I’ll step in.”

I swallow against the sudden tightness in my throat as I think about the ways I’d step in, the ways I want this woman in my bed.

Shit. What am I doing?

I can’t be thinking about her the way I do. This stops. It stops now.

“Nice having two big brothers now, huh, Jami?” Jaxon says.

She rolls her eyes. “Yeah. It’s so nice.”

Jaxon glances at me and smiles—grateful, easy, full of trust. The kind that says thanks for looking out for my sister.

I feel like the biggest asshole alive.

If I could step out of this truck and kick my own arse, I absolutely would.

We pull into our parking spot, and I reach for the door handle, but freeze when Jami asks,

“Would you guys mind if I took the truck to the social? My classes start early tomorrow, and I just want to go over things one more time.”

“You comfortable driving this big rig?” Jaxon asks.

She nods. “I can handle big.”

Oh shit. Now is not the time to twist her words into something sexual. I step out, needing the cold air to shrivel my damn dick.

“I’ll take you,” I offer.

Her gaze snaps to mine. “No, I can drive myself.” She lifts her shoulders, a determination about her.

“I know you can. But I’ve got a bit of work to do myself. Might as well go together.” I add, teasing, “Besides, I don’t want you burning all the gas while driving this town for hours trying to figure out which place is ours.”

She laughs. “Yeah, well, I can’t argue with that. But I still want to drive,” she says, indignant. I slide back into the passenger seat. Her eyes narrow. “You’re not going to argue.”

“Nope. I think you should drive. This is a shared vehicle between Jaxon and me, and now you. It’s a big beast. You need to get a feel for it. It’s yours anytime you like.”