Archer:Nope. I’m taking Alyssa. You get Sterling.
Rushton:I called dibs on Alyssa.
Declan:I’m pretty sure Sterling already called dibs, Rush.
Declan:Are you sure you’re ready to bring her into this madness?
Ryder:Never been more certain.
Orrin:Well, all right then.
Deacon:Sterling’s going to kick your asses, and I’m going to watch. I’ll even keep him out of jail.
Brooks:See everyone here at ten. We’ll be on our best behavior, Ryder.
Ryder:And I have oceanfront property in Arizona I’d like to sell.
Maverick:I think we made Sterling mad.
Rushton:Yes! I get the girl.
These assholes. I’m shaking my head and smiling at the same time, only something my brothers can manage to make me do.
Me:Alyssa is off limits. Can’t wait to meet her. See you soon.
Tossing my phone in the cupholder, I pull out of the garage and head toward Alyssa’s. My phone pings the entire drive, and I can only imagine the shit they’re saying. When I make it to Alyssa’s, I put the truck in park and read their replies.
Rushton:You’re greedy, Sterling.
Archer:Right? Brothers are supposed to share.
Maverick:Oh! Are we sharing Alyssa now?
Merrick:Maybe she has a twin fantasy.
Me:OFF LIMITS!
My text is followed by a laughing emoji from Maverick, Merrick, Rushton, and Archer. The others seem smart enough to leave it alone. They know I’m protective of Alyssa, and I always have been. It’s not that my brothers aren’t great guys. They are. However, I know myself. I know I would be jealous that they got her time, and I didn’t. It’s bad enough that one day she’s going to meet someone, and I’m going to have to share her. I’m not going to adjust well to that, and if it were one of my brothers, yeah, I don’t think so.
“What’s got you scowling at your phone like that?” Alyssa asks.
I turn to look where she’s standing with the passenger door hanging open, her suitcase at her feet, and a small backpack thrown over her shoulder. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t even hear her open the door.
“Nothing, my brothers are being shitheads. Let me help you with that.” I move to open my door, but her words stop me.
“I got it.” She’s already opening the back door to my truck and hefting her suitcase inside and placing her backpack on the seat.
“Do you have everything that you need? I thought that we could just head on over to Brooks and Palmer’s after we eat.”
“I’m all set. The house is locked up, but I want to stop and get some gum, mints, and stuff for the road.”
“Good idea. I have my small cooler in the bed. I want to grab some ice and drinks as well. It’s only about a two-and-a-half-hour's drive to where we’re going.”
“You can’t have a road trip without snacks.”
“That’s why I brought the cooler. I know you like to be well-stocked.”
“You never know what’s going to happen. It’s best to always try and be as prepared as possible.”