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I fix my brothers with an unyielding stare. “What. Did. You. Do?”
In high school, they were the masters of practical jokes, so the potential pranks they could have played on Jack are endless.
“We cleared out Winter Woodland’s tree lot so Jack had to cut one down on private property,” Dylan says.
If their past antics are anything to go by, I have a pretty good idea what happened next.
“Did you by chance force my boss to spend the night in jail?” I pinch the bridge of my nose, praying for patience.
“Yes!” Cash exclaims. “You want to see the photos?”
I can’t believe this.
I turn to Harrison, who’s been silent until now. “You’re supposed to be the older, wiser brother. Where were you when this all went down?”
“Business,” he states with a stoic expression.
“Business, my ass,” I call him out. “I’m not stupid. This whole setup has you written all over it, especially considering the new sheriff is your friend.”
“Why does it matter who was involved? The bastard had it coming.” He gestures to Jack. “He lied to our family and took advantage of you. I won’t tolerate anyone messing with my little sister, no matter who he is.”
“Yeah, he deserved it,” Cash chimes in.
“In our defense, we did warn him several times that there would be consequences if he hurt you,” Dylan adds.
God, my brothers are idiots—protective, fiercely loyal idiots.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I smack Dylan upside the head. “What is wrong with you guys? I’m a grown woman who can take care of myself. I don’t need you interfering and acting like a bunch of teenagers,” I complain.
“You’re sexy as hell when you get all worked up,” Jack whispers in my ear.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook,” I tell him. “If you fire me over their little stunt, I’ll have Cash release those photos so fast that you won’t know what hit you.”
I don’t think he’d do that, especially considering we’ve slept together, but I doubt he’s happy about my brothers having him arrested.
“Whoa.” Jack holds up his hands in defense. “I’d never fire you, Presley. I might not like what your brothers did, but I’m glad you have them looking out for you. Besides, we’re all good now, aren’t we, guys?”
“I guess you’re not so bad,” Dylan grumbles. “But my warning stands. Mess with Presley again, and what happened last night will look like child’s play.”
“We’re all good.” Cash grins.
“Harrison?” I urge him.
“Yeah, whatever,” he says noncommittally.
It’ll have to do.
“I’m glad that’s settled.” I clap my hands. “Now, let’s all agree that we’re not going to mention this to Mom and Dad.”
“Oh no.” Harrison shakes his head. “You definitely have to tell them, but after Christmas. We’re not ruining Mom’s favorite holiday.”
“Fine,” I grumble. “I’ll tell them after Christmas. Happy?”
The soft glow of the Christmas tree illuminates my parents’ living room, making me smile every time I walk past it.
After the jail debacle was settled, I made bacon and eggs for breakfast while Dylan picked up one of the trees he confiscated from Winter Woodland’s tree lot and brought it over. Lola and Jack helped me decorate our tree, and my brothers delivered the remaining ones to families in the area.
Yesterday, Mrs. Taylor had meticulously collected the names and addresses of everyone who had stopped to buy a tree after my brothers cleared the lot, promising they’d get theirs the next day, free of charge. She insisted Dylan would foot the bill for all the trouble he caused.
