Lucas
It’s been a day.
I knew rushing out this morning was a mistake, and I felt guilty about it all day. I can’t remember the last time that I left without telling my grandmother goodbye. Hell, I don’t think I ever have. But it’s not just that. I was off all day, and I think I finally figured it out around mid-afternoon. I had missed talking to Isabella this morning. Yeah, it’s usually one-sided, and I usually give her some shit about something, but that’s become our thing... and I missed it.
I didn’t want to examine it or try to figure out what I’m thinking. Instead, I cut out of work early to head home. As soon as I open the front door, I hear the laughing. Ollie, my nephew, must be here because I can hear his expressive voice all the way down the steps. I throw my briefcase onto the entryway table and take my suit jacket off, hanging it on a hook before taking the steps two at a time.
The closer I get to Granny’s door, the faster my heart starts to race. I’m about to walk in when I stop at the sight in front of me. Granny and Ollie are sitting off to the side, deep in conversation. But that’s not what has my heart stopping, my hands fisting, and my eyes widening. No, it’s the sight of my older brother dancing with his arms around Isabella. I stay rooted to my spot and can’t take my eyes off them.
It’s hard seeing them together and Isabella tucked against his chest. They seem to be having a discussion, and I watch them closely, wondering if the reason Ford warned me off yesterday was because he does in fact have a thing for Isabella.
I’m so lost in thought that I barely register it when Ollie hollers and bounds toward me. “Uncle Lucas!”
I have just enough time to brace myself as he jumps into my arms. I hold him up and walk with him back over to Granny. “What’s up, little dude?”
He huffs. “Little? I’m not little. I’m in kindergarten.”
I laugh because how could I not? Especially with him smiling up at me and his two front teeth missing. “Oh wow! Kindergarten. How could I forget?” I hold my fist out for him to bump. “Good job on the goal last night.”
I lean over and plant a kiss to Granny’s forehead before depositing Ollie next to her. “Sorry for missing you this morning. It won’t happen again.”
She looks surprised. “It’s okay. Issi said you had an early meeting.”
I blink at her. Right. Of course Issi covered for me.
I turn and walk over to my brother and Issi. “Brother,” I say to Ford before muscling him out of the way. “I’m cutting in.”
He just smirks and walks away as I take Isabella into my arms.
She tries to resist me, but I hold her tighter. “Dance with me, Bella.”
Her eyes widen at the nickname, but at least she’s not trying to pull out of my arms any longer. I know I shouldn’t ask or even say anything, but jealousy is coursing through my veins. “You and Ford were looking awful chummy.”
She won’t look at me. She’s looking over my shoulder instead. “He’s nice to me,” she answers.
I dip my head to force her to look at me. “And I haven’t been.” It’s not an accusation or even a question. I know I haven’t been nice to her, but I’m starting to realize that maybe I’ve been this way for a reason. I’m really good about not letting myself get close to people.
She doesn’t answer me, and I spin her farther across the room away from Granny, Ford, and Ollie. “Do you like him? Do you like my brother?”
She doesn’t answer me, and I say her name. “Bella, answer me.”
Her long eyelashes flutter. “Do I like Ford? Of course, I do. He’s a good guy.”
I try to refrain from holding her even tighter than I already am. “So you want to date him?”
Her mouth falls open, and she whisper-hisses at me, “What is even wrong with you, Lucas? Yes, I like him but no, I don’t want to date him. Your family really gets involved, don’t they? I think I’ve answered more personal questions this week than I ever have in my life. Geez.”
Finally, now after that reluctant reassurance, I feel a little better. “Okay, good. So you don’t like Ford... not like that.”
She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, you don’t have to worry about me trying to force myself into the family or anything like that. I’m here to take care of G. That’s it.”
I slide my hands down her back, pulling her against me. The feel of her soft curves against my body has me thinking things I shouldn’t be thinking in the presence of family, especially my nephew Ollie. With her breasts flattened to my chest, I caress my nose against the side of her neck and breathe her in. Her scent is pure seduction for me. I barely hold my groan in. “You feel good in my arms, Bella.”