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He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “That’s part of the game. That’s what he wants you to believe. He’s still the same guy. Does he still hang out with Dane?”
“Yes,” I said.
“See!”
“Brandon, you don’t know him,” I said. “I thought the same thing about him, but it’s not true. We had a great time in Vegas. He was very sweet. We went hiking yesterday, just the two of us. We had a picnic lunch. It was awesome.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Mom said with a bright smile. “I can see how happy he makes you. Be happy for her, Brandon.”
He shook his head with disgust. “He’s going to hurt you. Then what? Am I going to be expected to kick his ass? Defend your honor or some bullshit?”
I looked him up and down. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen. Jon’s pretty athletic.”
It was meant as a joke. Brandon was pretty muscular and could definitely hold his own. But as my big brother, I could never actually admit that to him.
“You’re playing with fire,” he warned. “Be careful, or you’re going to get burned. Jon knows just what to say and do. He’s not going to settle down. That’s just a line to get you into his bed. The man is a playboy. Always has been, and always will be.”
I sipped my drink with a small smile. “I don’t think you know the same Jon I do. I know him very well and you are judging him based on the young man you knew ten years ago. People change. They grow up. Usually.” I added the last bit as a dig toward him and his own perpetually single status.
“I’m glad I don’t know him like you do,” he muttered.
“I’m happy for you,” Mom said. “I know things have been rocky, but I think you’re going to be very happy.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
I ordered a salad for dinner. We’d had a late lunch, so I wasn’t all that hungry. After dinner, we hugged and promised to get together soon. Instead of going home, I headed for the gym to get in a Barre class. I pretended Brandon’s words meant nothing, but they got to me. I did have some real concerns. A sweaty workout would help me work through the feelings that were weighing me down.
I grabbed my gym bag from the backseat and headed inside. I changed into my workout outfit and pulled on my grippy socks before going into the studio. The class got started and I gave my full attention to flexing my muscles and working on my flexibility.
Jon was on my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He was always front and center. The man had a way of sucking all the oxygen out of the room in a good way. He was a powerful force. All those years ago when we met and I felt that crazy attraction to him, I had tried to tell myself it wasn’t real. But now that we were here in this situation again, I knew it was real. I didn’t want it to happen, but I was certain I had fallen in love with him all over again.
After my workout, I went home. Trisha was still out at a late work meeting. I showered and unpacked my suitcase. Tomorrow was going to be another wild day. I put together a pants outfit for the next day and waited for Trisha to get home. I knew she would want to hear all about the trip.
“Were you a good boy?” I asked Handcock.
He hopped in my lap and rubbed his head against me. His loud purr was very satisfying. I couldn’t wait to have Handcock meet his namesake. Jon never did say if he actually liked cats. My mind started to spin. What if Jon and I did get together? What if I eventually moved in with him? Would he allow Handcock? I couldn’t give up my cat.
“How was it?” Trisha asked when she walked through the door. “Are you married? Engaged?”
“Very funny,” I said with a laugh. “I am neither.”
She dropped her stuff on the table and sat down with me on the couch. “Was it good? Was he a jerk? Did you get to spend any time together?”
“We did,” I said, smiling. “It was actually pretty awesome. We stayed the night together. Both nights.”
“The whole night?”
“Yep,” I said, grinning. “We were both pretty surprised as well. His penthouse is really a mansion in a high rise. Everyone was on the upper two floors. Jon and I were on the second floor. After everyone went to bed, I went to get some tea and happened to run into my little chocoholic sneaking some cake. He invited me to his room. I resisted at first, but it didn’t last long. It was incredible, Trisha. Even better than the last few times we’ve been together. The man can be so tender and loving. And I don’t think it was just a line. It was real. He’s this perfect man in a perfect package.”
“Sounds like someone is falling hard,” she teased.
“I am,” I admitted. “I don’t know how to not fall for him. I know he’s probably going to break my heart, but I can’t stop it. I’m on this wild ride and I don’t want to get off. I know it’s dangerous, but I don’t care. He has such a way about him. I cannot resist his charms.”
“Do you think he feels the same way?” she asked.
“I’m not sure,” I said. “I think he does, but then I try and tell myself he’s playing me. But then he goes and does something like takes me on a picnic in a pretty secluded area with a gorgeous waterfall. It was magical.”
“You fell for him,” she said. “I don’t know that youun-fell for him, but you are mad about him.”
