Page 126 of Jonesing for a Spy

The rest of them? Well, that’s the gauntlet I’m currently running. Johnny opened his home to all of us. Seeing as how it’s the first time I’ve been here—hell, the first time I’ve met him—he’s sizing me up. And if I read him correctly, he’s finding me wanting. Not that he says that. He’s says next to nothing.

We’re milling about the kitchen island, the size of Rhode Island. I’m not sure where one finds a slab of marble this size, much less the structure to support it. It’s stunning, huge, and absolute premier quality. Come to think of it, that’s exactly how I’d describe Johnny’s house.

Charlie’s is comfortable and cozy, even if it’s not small. Jamie’s is… well, just like Jamie. Davie’s, the same.

But Johnny either has a stockpile of cash or wants people to think he does. I’m guessing it’s the former, because why would you want the latter? Aside from the whole keeping up with the Joneses mentality, that is.

Hell, if they only knew the secrets their parents were keeping, money would be the last thing on their minds.

“Cheers,” I reply a little louder than a mumble, my eyes never leaving the pack of wolves surrounding me. My mind, though… my mind is in Austin, with the woman I love. The woman who I trust, but whose life is worth more than all the Texans on the grid.

“You moved fast.” Charlie eyes me with suspicion.

“I’m not even here yet. After the first of the year, probably.”

“I meant with Scooter.” His voice drips with the duh he refused to add to the end of that sentence.

I spear him with my gaze and drop my voice. “If it were anyone but Mirren, I’d say you’re right. You know how they always say ‘you know when you know’? Fuck if it’s not true. I know… in the marrow of my bones. She’s it for me. I’d be a fool to bide my time hoping to confirm what I already know.”

“And what’s that?” His sarcasm is thick.

“She’s my one. I will treat her with all the love and respect she deserves, until the very last breath in my body. And if for one moment you think she isn’t being shown the care she merits just for being herself, I give you permission to toss me to the pigs.”

He tilts his head, studying me. “You’re serious.”

I nod once, leveling him with my words. “As life and death.”

He studies me until I extend a hand, and he grips it hard. “You make it hard to hate you.” He downs the rest of his beer. “And I want to. You’re too old for her.”

“Watch your words or we’re going to have to age-restrict who you bring home.”

Davie, having watched the whole exchange, snorts a laugh. “Dude, he just called your bluff in a way none of us can.”

Jamie clears his throat, and all eyes swing to him.

“Well, except Hambone,” Davie amends, looking away from the man channeling Eeyore in the corner. “But none of us are that brave.”

“Or stupid,” Mikey adds.

“You only get one chance,” Johnny puts in, looking at me. His low voice is gruff and commanding. “And even that’s only a half a shot.”

“That’s all I need.” I lose his gaze and I find each of the brothers one by one. “You’ll see.”

This goes on and on as the drinks flow. And it would’ve died down, too, I know it, if Mikey hadn’t dropped gasoline on the dying fire. “Hell, if I hadn’t walked in on y’all having sex when she skipped game night, and not gotten to know you like I did, this whole night could be awkward.”

As if it didn't just become that.

54

high noon

Mirren

The thought of stewing on all these details while trapped in a hotel room would be my undoing. Shit, sitting still isn’t my thing as it is, but a gross motel, with Mom in an adjoining room, jonesing for a fix, and me trying to keep my patience while also keeping my cover is hell. It’s trial by quilted, polyester bedspread which is worse than trial by fire.

Breakfast consists of leftover meat and sides from last night. I’ve almost got the last forkful of some kind of devilishly good creamed corn to my lips when my computer dings.

Showtime!