“Not sure that I blame them. If there were two Leenas, we might be in the same shoes,” Dad says from his place at the head of the table, sitting back, hands on his stomach, soaking it all in.
“Yeah, right. I tried for us to stop after each boy. It was you who was begging for a girl. It’s why we have so many boys. After number five, I was going to be done, no matter what. Thankfully, we got Leena, and to be doubly sure, I had my tubes tied and Bob got the snip-snip.” Mom makes the gesture of cutting scissors with her fingers. All of us brothers wince. Dad just smiles, enjoying our misery. That’s how the afternoon goes, everyone shooting the shit, with the obligatory question about how we met, if we’re serious. Thanks for that, Marlie. Kelsey answered that for me, letting them know we’re taking things slow, letting the cards lay where the land and enjoying our time for now. Did I mention Kels has saved my ass several times this weekend? Too bad I’m not looking for a woman to tie me down. She’ll make someone a great wife one day. The only problem with that thought is, it doesn’t sit well in my stomach even though I’m only thinking it to myself.
CHAPTER SEVEN
kelsey
Okay, so the weekend didn’t go badly. I mean, it was awkward at the wedding, but it is what it is on that front. The orgasm was probably the highlight of the entire trip. One I wouldn’t mind having a repeat performance of. Judging by the firmness in Deke’s jaw and how eerily quiet he’s been the three-hour drive back to Gulf Shores, that’s not gonna happen. I’m not sure what all went down when he was talking to Asa, and I didn’t pry.
I’m sitting in the passenger seat, feet on the dashboard in his ridiculously expensive, ultra-luxurious SUV. The leather seats mold to your body, have air conditioning and a heater built-in as well. I wouldn’t be surprised with all the buttons on the dashboard if the seats can somehow massage your body. That’s why I’m determined to annoy the hell out of him, or at least I hope I am. The almost sneer-like facial expression Deke threw my way was kind of telling. He’s already aggravated. I might as well add fuel to the fire.
“If you don’t mind, can you drop me off at the boutique?” With us getting a late start for our trip home, it makes more sense. Plus, it’s more on his way home, unlike my place that’s off the beaten path. Not that I mind. It’s secluded on the outskirts of the shore. A small place that has a direct view to the beach. I can walk out my backdoor not even a hundred yards, and the water is at my feet.
“You don’t even have your car there. I’ll take you home.” You can cut the tension with a knife in this vehicle.
“I have a spare car there that we use for the company. Honestly, I have a few things I’d like to do tonight before the store opens tomorrow. It’s tourist season, and money can be made when the store is completely stocked.” My sister, Emily, worked two days straight. There’s no way I would expect her to have restocked the store after putting in double shifts two days in a row.
“Alright. Be sure to text someone once you leave and get home. Even if that has to be me.” Wow, shocker with that tone of voice.
“I’m not sure if anyone has ever told you this before, but you’re kind of a dick.” It’s too bad, too. On paper, he’s the real McCoy, but once Deke opens his mouth, you kind of want to duct tape it shut. I mean, I could go on and on, imagining the reason why he and Asa were clearly on the outs; just because they did their little hug act doesn’t mean shit is kosher. I have a sister of my own. Dad is a brother to two other siblings which happen to be male. He’s told me all about men. They don’t talk their feelings out. That’s for pussies. They’d rather fight it out, then go back to being friends like nothing ever happened. I’m willing to bet the Harts are just like that.
“And you’re a ray of sunshine.” I smile at his words because I know I fucking am. I’ve got a sunny disposition an am always my smiling, optimistic self. It’s just who I am. Some might say it’s fake to always be so happy. That’s bullshit, though. I’m happy because I’ve worked hard on myself, not relying on anyone to make me feel like I need them in my life.
“That’s me, sunshine on a cloudy day.” The brick road is up ahead, which means our time is coming to a close. Truthfully, I’m torn about whether to be excited or sad. That’s something I’ll probably dwell on tonight while I’m working. Who am I kidding? My brain won’t shut down until I pick every little thing apart. Seriously, when your mind works like mine, constantly puzzling pieces together to make them whole, it can be annoying.