“You know it. Did you take off an extra day?”
“Yep,” I reply proudly. “Now I wish I’d have taken off Monday too, just to get caught up on laundry and whatnot, but all I should have is what I take on the trip. I’ll be able to get caught up on Wednesday before we leave.”
“I’ll call my brothers this week, and we’ll figure out driving arrangements. I don’t mind driving, and I’m sure Declan will take a carload in his Tahoe.”
“I can drive if I need to,” I tell him.
“No. You’re riding with me. I don’t know if I’m driving or if we’re riding, but you’ll be with me.”
I don’t argue with him. I know my best friend well enough that when he’s made up his mind about something, he’s stubborn as hell until he gets his way. Sterling has always been protective over me. It doesn’t matter who we’re with, he wants me close to him so he can, as he says, “watch out for me.” I don’t know how many times we’ve had this conversation, that I’m an adult and can take care of myself. He doesn’t care. He’s got it in his mind that he’s my protector, and that’s that.
I can’t tell you how many dates I’ve been on where he lectures the guy. You’d think he was my dad or my older brother, not my best friend. I stopped trying to convince him that I don’t need his overbearing protection a long time ago. Instead, I decided that Sterling will always be a part of my life. A huge part of my life. If the hypothetical guy I’m with can’t handle my best friend looking out for me, then he’s not the man for me. Plain and simple. I know Sterling feels the same way. We’ve both had relationships that have ended due to how close we are, and that’s okay. One day the right one will come along. Until then, we have each other’s backs, no matter what.
“It’s going to be nice to get away for a few days,” Sterling says, finishing off his burger.
“So nice. The house is insane. Jade sent the link to us in our group chat.”
“I love that they include you.”
I shrug. “I never took offense when they didn’t. I’m not a wife or girlfriend.”
“You’re better. You’re my best friend and have been around a hell of a lot longer than any of them.”
“Sterling!” I scold. “Don’t let your brothers hear you say that.”
“It’s the truth.”
I love being included. Sterling’s family is amazing, and that includes the ladies that have joined the Kincaid ranks the last few years. I don’t let myself think about when Sterling does find a wife or girlfriend who sticks around long enough to be added to the chat or invited on family trips. I’d like to think that I’ll still be included, but I can’t be sure. I dread that day when our dynamic changes. When he falls madly in love. I don’t expect him to put me over the love of this life, but my heart aches just thinking about missing him.
CHAPTERTHREE
Sterling
I’m exhausted. This week has been the longest week in history. Okay, that’s a gross exaggeration, but I’ve worked over sixty hours in the last five days, and I’m ready for a break. My boss came to me Tuesday morning, asking me to put in overtime to complete a project. I said yes, hence the exhaustion. Next weekend’s getaway can’t get here soon enough. My boss is cool as hell, so I hate telling him no when he asks me to work overtime. Not to mention it’s good for the bank account.
It’s just after eight when I pull into my driveway. The lights are on in my house, and Alyssa’s car is in my driveway. That tells me my best friend took pity on me for working so many hours this week and is here, hopefully with dinner. Who am I kidding? She either bought or made dinner. If I know my best friend as well as I think I do, she cooked, and damn, I need to make sure I get her a little something extra for Christmas this year.
Pulling my truck into the garage, I kill the engine and climb out. My feet are killing me, and so are my arms. Welding over your head for hours and hours at a time is grueling. Pushing open the laundry room door, I step into the house, and I’m immediately hit with the smell of what I hope is Alyssa’s spaghetti and meatballs. She makes them from scratch, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
“I hope you're hungry,” Alyssa says when I step into the kitchen.
“Come here.” I drop my keys and phone on the counter and realize that I left my lunch box in the truck. Fuck it. I’ll get it tomorrow. I open my arms wide for a hug. She steps into my arms without hesitation, not a bit concerned that I’m still dirty from this long-ass workday.
“How was your day?” she asks.
“Long but better. Thank you for making dinner.” My stomach grumbles from the delicious smell in my house.
“I know this week got crazy for you, so I thought you’d appreciate it.”
“You have no idea.” I kiss her temple. “I’m going to shower real fast, and then I’ll join you.” She steps out of my hold and reaches for a bottle of water sitting on the counter, taking a quick drink.
“It’s ready when you are.”
“Go ahead and start without me. You know I’m about to eat my weight in pasta.” She laughs, her eyes sparkling because she knows damn good and well that I’m right. I love her spaghetti and meatballs, and I ate lunch eight hours ago. I’m starving.
“I’ll make our plates. And pull the salads I premade from the fridge.”
“I’ll be quick.” I don’t wait for her to reply. I turn on my heel and rush down the hall to my bedroom to take the world’s fastest shower.