AllFreeNovel
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Cash leans closer to the camera. “Yeah, bro, but what’re you going to do if she stays? You just going to let her go?”
An instant,hell nois on my tongue, but what will we do? There is that possibility, no matter what our connection is—she has a life here, without me. “I’ll keep you looped in, but nothing’s been decided. Now, enough about me. What’ve you guys got going on?”
A knowing smirk tips Kam’s lips, but he allows a change of subject. “Working my ass off. I would’ve missed the call had it been earlier, so I’m glad you delayed.” His eyes are tired, dulling their golden hue, almost appearing gray.
His exhausted voice concerns. “Bro, you’re working too hard. I know you want that third star, but you need to take care of yourself first.”
Kam grunts his acknowledgment, obviously having heard this before from one or more of us. Cash’s dark smirk confirms my suspicions.
“He’s not wrong, bro,” Lennox adds to their agreements.
“Noted.” A single word closes the conversation.
“What’s going on with the rest of you?”
“Surprisingly, nothing.” Cash leans back.
My eyebrows raise. “What happen to your competition?” The event is why Lennox stayed behind to offer support while Liam traveled with me and Kam focused on his business.
“That fell through.”
I glance at Kam and Lennox, waiting for them to fill the gaps, but when they don’t I focus back on Cash. “What the fuck happened?” He was looking forward to this event. It’s one he does every year.
He palms his face, rubbing the stress away. “Not sure. They pulled me right before the competition started, saying my drug screening came back dirty. I mean, sure, I smoke some weed now and then, but never during competition time. Something happened to their test.”
“Shit, man. That’s rough.” Liam says, understanding how important this was to him. He sits up suddenly, a giant smile stretching. “Since you’re not doing anything, come here. Our suite is big enough for all of us. Len isn’t doing shit but being a bitch. Cash needs a distraction, and Kam, you need a fucking break.”
Kam’s leaning forward, elbows on his knees, head down, as his hands grip his black hair. He nods after a moment, looking back up. “Yeah.” He leans back, accepting the decision himself. “Probably a good idea to get away for a while.” Then he smirks. “Plus, we’ll get to meet Avery.” His words are polite, but the undercurrent lets me know I’m four to one in this situation—they’re going to maul her—and she’s going to love every minute.
The mental image causes me to laugh, picturing my girl being hazed by my brothers, a way of welcoming her to the family. Honestly, I can work anywhere in the world, so if she doesn’t want to move, I’d stay here for her. The realization is another weight set free—I’d do anything she asked of me.
“All right, I’m tired as shit.” Liam sets his beer down on the table, sitting up. “Len, I’ll text you later. You guys coming in tomorrow, then?”
Before we’re off the phone for the night, we book their tickets for arrival tomorrow evening. Lennox perks up at the end, knowing he’ll see his twin the next day. Even Kam and Cash seem relieved by the forced time off.
We said our goodbyes and Liam and I headed to bed. Today’s been perfect. And tomorrow will be even better when Avery meets the guys. A wicked smile tilts my lips, wondering if I should warn her, or let them ambush her. Picturing the look on her face is hilarious, but blindsiding her isn’t my plan, so I sent her a text. She’s probably sleeping by now, but at least she’ll get it in the morning, giving her plenty of time to process.
Missing you like crazy, Kitten.
My brothers decided on a last-minute visit, so
you get to meet them tomorrow. Sorry, it’s so
sudden. See you after work. Love you.
Just as suspected, she doesn’t reply. The idea of her cuddling down until morning warms my heart. Her image helps me settle in, stripping to my boxers, and climbing under the sheets. The cool material soothing me into a tranquil night’s sleep.
~~~~~
Morning comes quickly, and with it is a new day. Liam’s up and ready early, opting to hang out at the set with me. His spirits are up, since Len will be in town tonight. They’re twenty-two and have barely spent any time apart. When they agreed to separate to spend time with Cash and me, it was surprising, but even they need a little time away.
We’re breaking for the first time just before noon, allowing me to check my phone. There’s no response from Avery, which is odd, because I know she’s up. Clicking on our text chain, my message says she hasn’t read it. An uneasy feeling somersaults in my gut, yanking me toward Liam.
“Liam.” He’s flirting with a set hand, but when he sees my expression, he turns to stone.
“What’s wrong?” He’s out of his chair, meeting me halfway.
Shaking my head, I can’t guarantee that anything is wrong. “Avery…” I swallow as the pit in my stomach digs deeper. “She didn’t read my text from last night. She said she planned on stopping at the bakery, but then coming back home to work in the yard. It’s unlike her not to respond. Something doesn’t seem right.” Worry coats my words, shaking as they emerge.
