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She cursedherself inside as Brick’s lips turned down, his eyes shattering as her words slipped out before she could stop herself. He looked devastated. As if she had taken his favorite thing in the entire world and crushed it. Ruined it. Stomped on it until nothing was left but ash.
It had nothing to do with where he lived, yet she feared he wouldn’t understand.
“I didn’t mean that in a bad way. I meant she never even stays with me. She’ll have booked a hotel room already.”
Brick nodded but didn’t say anything.
“We can still get the bed,” Jaxson said, but softly, as if he wasn’t sure he should’ve said anything.
“No, we can get it later this week. I promise, I’m okay on the couch. Let’s get those last few loads.”
Jezebelle headed toward the exit before anyone else could say anything. She heard shallow footsteps behind her. Good. As long as no one else brought up the bed issue again, hopefully, the weird, icky tension would vanish altogether.
It didn’t take long to grab the rest of the boxes and her large bookshelf. Everyone started to help her unpack. The guys tackled the books once again, as she and the ladies hung up her clothes. There was a tiny closet in the only bedroom, and she knew right away before unzipping one suitcase there wouldn’t be enough room for all her clothes. Well, she’d hang up what she thought she might wear and keep the rest packed. They hadn’t brought her dresser on this trip. The truck would only fit so much. It wouldn’t kill her to live out of her suitcases for a few days until she could get the rest of her belongings. As long as her mother didn’t find out the truth, she could handle anything.
“I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings,” she finally said. The conversation beforehand had been light and focused on Gabby and Mia. But it was bugging her and she couldn’t keep it to herself any longer.
Mia touched her shoulder, a small smile forming. “Once you clarified, he understood.”
“He didn’t say anything.” What exactly did he understand? She hadn’t liked how he didn’t respond. Like he pretended to understand.
“Brick doesn’t hold grudges. Mia’s right. He understood. I wouldn’t worry about it, Jezebelle,” Gabby added.
Well, she would worry about it. Because that was what she did best. Worrying about next month’s rent. Worrying whether she was good enough for the part she was trying out for. Worrying about when her domineering mother would finally get her way.
She’d like to think he didn’t hold grudges. Yet he owned the bar with his brother and they weren’t on speaking terms. Why? What happened? Was Brick unwilling to forgive his brother for something—basically, holding a grudge—or the other way around? Brick did something.
She wouldn’t ask even as she ached to know. If Brick had wanted her to know, he would’ve offered the information when he first told her about his brother.
“Look at it this way. This is a wonderful opportunity to express your apology in a creative way.” Gabby wiggled her eyebrows, telling Jezebelle the kind of creativity she was talking about.
“He even said he wasn’t a bed hog. Take him up on sharing the bed. His couch doesn’t look that comfortable.” Mia grimaced and shuddered as if she would never lie on the thing for even a minute of sleep.
“But my mother won’t be here.”
Gabby and Mia both stopped what they were doing. Gabby was holding out a hanger while Mia held the same glittery gold dress Jezebelle swore she’d try to sneak into her clutches.
“How many times do we have to tell you to jump that man? Hot, dirty sex.” Gabby raised her eyebrows. “And we expect all the details later.”
“I shared that thing Jaxson and I did the other night. You owe me a share,” Mia said with a giggle.
Gabby frowned at Mia, who shook her head as she said, “Yep. Nope. Not sharing with you. It’ll just be awkward.”
Gabby shivered and laughed. “Yeah, you’re right. I don’t want to know. Then all I’ll picture is Jaxson doing the nasty with you and…” Gabby delivered another large shudder.
Everyone burst out laughing.
As soon as the laughter died, Mia cocked a brow. “You’ve had a crush on him for a while. Here’s your chance. Brick’s a nice enough guy. Even if the sex isn’t amazing, there won’t be any hard feelings. He’ll still help you out with your mother.”
Jezebelle looked incredulous at her. “There’s no way that man isn’t amazing in bed.”
Gabby giggled. “Totally agree. And there’s only one way for you to confirm that.”
“I don’t think I can—”
They all three jumped when a soft knock sounded on the doorframe. Jezebelle was grateful Brick knocked before she finished her sentence. The last thing she needed was for him to know what they were talking about.
