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Right on cue, Marquetta’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. She always did have the hardest time discussing her dating life with Gavin and Axel. It was just too awkward for words. “That’s part of it, yes.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “He reminded me of something. Something I’d forgotten.”
“And what might that be?” Axel asked.
“That I deserve to be happy,” she admitted, her voice a little shaky. “That it doesn’t make me a bad person just because I want to live my life.”
Axel frowned. “And why would you think otherwise?”
A lump formed in her throat as she attempted to share her innermost thoughts with them. “Because…because I still feel responsible for losing the baby.”
“You’ve been punishing yourself,” Axel surmised, his voice low and rough.
She nodded. “I know it’s irrational, but I kept thinking that if Sheldon hadn’t been married, and if the baby had been conceived in a loving relationship, then maybe…” To her utter horror her lower lip quivered, and she started to cry. “I-I’m sorry.”
Neither of her brothers said a word. Instead, they came over, wrapped her in their arms and held her tight as she cried. The tears she shed were for the loss of her baby, but it was also cathartic. By the time she pulled away, Marquetta knew she’d reached a turning point in her life.
After she gained control, Axel said, “You’ve been keeping that in for far too long, little sister.”
She smiled at them, wondering once more what she ever would’ve done without them. “I love you guys.”
Gavin patted her on the arm. “The feeling is mutual, Markie.”
The familiar nickname turned her heart to mush, but it wasn’t enough to keep her from sharing the rest of what she’d come to realize that morning. “I know,” she replied, her voice softening a fraction. “Which is why you both need to let me do this on my own. I’ve been using you as a crutch for far too long.”
Axel looked over at Gavin. They seemed to come to some sort of mutual decision, and it was Axel who spoke next. “Message received,” he replied. “We’ll butt out.” He made an X over his chest and said, “Stick a needle in my eye and all that happy shit.”
“Thank you,” she replied, getting choked up all over again. “I never would’ve made it this far if not for my family.”
“You would’ve done just fine.” Gavin ruffled her hair. “You’re a Hayes, after all, and every bit as tough and stubborn as the rest of us.”
“So I’ve been told.” She laughed and stood. “Now, who here is hungry for one of my special ham-and-cheese omelets?” Both men spoke at once, and soon the past was well and truly buried. As it should be.
The conversation turned toward the future as they talked about which classes she would take and the student loans she would need. There was a lot to be done, but Marquetta couldn’t wait to get started. For the first time in years, she looked forward to what the future might bring.
Chapter Seven
It was seven in the evening on Monday, and Marquetta wasn’t even a little bit tired. She’d met with Jensen earlier in the day at the shop to show him her ideas for the Man-Maid logo. Once she had his approval to proceed with the design, he’d invited her to meet the rest of the Man-Maid crew at Pete’s Pizzeria across town. She’d managed to finish work early so she could go home and change. The black skirt and white blouse now seemed like too much. Was she trying too hard? Jeans would’ve been more appropriate, but she hadn’t been thinking past her own need to knock Jensen’s socks off.
Her hands shook, and she realized she was nervous. “God, it’s not as if he invited you to meet the parents,” she muttered to her reflection as she sat in her car and checked her lipstick. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her keys and purse and left the car. When she walked into Pete’s Pizzeria and scanned the room, it took her only a few seconds to spot Jensen’s lean, powerful frame. He wore a tight navy-blue T-shirt and jeans and looked good enough to lick from head to toe. He turned his head and caught her staring. Shit. His lopsided grin sent butterflies flitting through her bloodstream. He stood and crossed the room before looking her over. “Damn, now I wish I’d brought you someplace nicer.”
She bit her lip and looked at the tight skirt. “I’m overdressed, aren’t I?”
“Hell no, you’re dressed just right.” He took her hand and brought her to a table, where several pairs of eyes stared at her. She recognized Jason, but the rest were strangers. Her cheeks heated as she wondered what they would think of her.
Jason and the two other men at the table stood when she approached. Jason winked and said, “Pretty as a picture,” as he pulled out a chair next to him.
Once she was seated, Jensen took the chair on her other side and said, “You already met Jason, my idiot brother.” He pointed to a man on the other side of Jason. “That’s Seth and Ames next to him.” Both men nodded. Finally Jensen pointed to the woman with short dark hair. “The pretty one next to Ames is AJ. She’s not officially part of the company, but she’s been helping us out a lot. And if we can sway her, we’d be thrilled to put her on the payroll—assuming there will eventually even be a payroll.”
“I can’t tell you how nice it is to have another woman around,” AJ said as she glared at Seth. “This bunch can be a handful.”
Marquetta chuckled. “I have two older brothers, and I’m the only girl in the family, so I understand completely.”
“So, you’re the artist I keep hearing about,” Ames said. “You’ve done some impressive work.”
“Thank you.” She looked over at Jensen. “I was showing Jensen what I have in mind for your logo earlier. I think I have a good grasp of what you all want.”
“It’ll be great, I have no doubt.”
Marquetta noticed an antique brooch on AJ’s blouse. “That’s lovely,” Marquetta said as she gazed at the silver oval attached to the woman’s ivory silk blouse. There was an image of two swords on the front, with a crown in the center.
