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“I always get the short end of the stick,” I announced, as if they had forgotten about me. “So, I don’t see how this is any different.”
Tate tapped the side of my head with two fingers. “Perspective. You’ve just been through more than one traumatic situation in a short amount of time. Give yourself a minute to breathe.”
I changed up my stance, flipping my hair over my shoulder. “Whatever.”
“You’re making Jesse’s eye twitch.”
“Better than his palm.”
“Are we back to this, Tot?”
“Ugh.” I poured myself a small cup of coffee to give myself something to do. Tears pricked my eyes, but I wouldn’t become a sniffling mess. I didn’t want either of them feeling sorry for me when I was such an awful, distempered brat. “No.”
Jesse glanced back and forth between us before settling his gaze on my brother. “When did you and Tanner hang out?”
“I was hanging out with Tanner!” Throwing a worried glance at my brother, I returned my eyes to Jesse. “Tate didn’t even know I was coming home.”
“Isn’t it a little strange that you talked to Tanner before you talked to Tate?” Jesse stroked the scruff of hair on his chin. He was likely contemplating the sincerity of my story.
“Not really,” I said casually.
“Do you remember what happened the last time you lied to me, buttercup?”
“I am not lying exactly.”
Jesse flicked his gaze across my face and down my body before taking several strides to me and leaning into my personal space. “You have one chance to tell me the truth.”
“Tanner and I are throwing you a surprise party.” Tate sighed. “Tia didn’t mean to spill the beans. I don’t want her in hot water for trying to keep my secret.”
Jesse swaggered to meet my brother, wrapping his arms around Tate’s waist. “I’ll act surprised.”
“Reason number four hundred and ninety-two why I should just leave.” I brought us back to the topic at hand. “I’ve managed to ruin your surprise and hurt your boyfriend when I’ve been home for less than seventy-two hours.”
“Please let Jesse take care of this situation.” Tate shook his head. “I have an important event in Denver. I can’t miss it or I’d stay here with you.”
“Yeah, okay,” I huffed. “It’s the other thing he threatened that is on my mind anyhow.”
“Come on, Tot. You’re letting all this bullshit upset you and it’s settling here.” Tate patted my tummy. “Don’t let it build anymore when you’ve got someone to help you work through it.”
Shrugging, I tried to negate his observation. Even with the lapse in our communication, Tatum knew me better than I knew myself. When Tanner put me over his knee in college and spanked me, I would feel a hundred pounds lighter afterward. But I was worried about Jesse seeing me so raw and vulnerable afterward. He’d already seen me at my worst, I reminded myself. I should take him up on his offer, but it was easier said than done.
Shifting my eyes to Jesse, I fretted. “I doubt Marissa would be so quick to agree.”
“Let me worry about what I’m allowed to do. Okay?”
“Aha.” I nodded. “You make the rules in your trio.”
“I make the rules all the time.” Jesse winked. “But if you’re talking about my relationship, then yes. I finally have two partners who listen to them.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but I have to go.” Tatum hugged me to him, spinning me around once before setting me on my feet. “Mom and Dad are coming home tomorrow afternoon and I’ll let them know the cliff notes version. No use getting them upset right now.”
“You’re right.” I squeezed him one more time. His love always shined through even when I’d irritated him. “I love you. Sorry for telling Jesse your middle name.”
“I love you, Tot. Don’t worry, I’ll get you back when you least expect it because now he’s going to use it when I’m in trouble.” Tate kissed Jesse before plucking his jacket from the coat hanger and shrugging it on. “Let me know where you bring her. I’m sorry for leaving, stud.”
“Don’t worry about it, muffin.” Jesse walked him to the door. “Tell me when you arrive in Denver.”
“I will.” Tate waved at the two of us before heading out. I wish I could have followed him because being left alone with Jesse when he was in super-cop, or perhaps super-Dom, mode wasn’t high on my list of fun activities to do for the day.
