our place. Looking at Jenna as she watched her daughter dance around I said, “Yeah, sure is. I really don’t have food since I wasn’t planning on being here after tomorrow. I can run to the store or we can order something for dinner.”
Jenna smirked and said, “Let me take a look. I’m sure you have something that I can make.”
Gesturing towards the kitchen with my hand, I mumbled, “Go for it.”
A few minutes later Jenna yelled from the kitchen, “This is hopeless! Let’s just order pizza or something. You sir, have nothing.”
Shrugging I said, “Told you. Just pepperoni for you?”
Jenna smiled and nodded. “Yes, please.”
Walking away I pulled out my phone and called the pizza place a few blocks away.
After dinner Jenna, Larkin, and Evie told me goodnight and all went to my spare bedroom, well the one that wasn’t covered in Evie’s toys.
Trying to fall asleep was nearly impossible. Just knowing the girl I loved was a few rooms away was torture. It felt like I had just got to sleep when there was knocking on my door. Slightly opening the door, Jenna poked her head in and said, “Hey. It’s a little after eight. Our flight leaves at eleven, do you still want to drive or would it be easier if we got a cab?”
Sitting up I ran my hand through my hair and yawned. “I told you I would take you. Give me ten minutes and we can leave.”
Jenna rested her head on the door and sighed. “Gage, I don’t know what’s wrong with you but I’m here. If you need to talk…” Jenna shrugged before continuing, “I’m always here. I love you and you mean so much to not just me but Evie and Larkin, too.”
Plastering on a fake smile I said, “I’m fine. I am living the life.”
Jenna rolled her eyes before stepping back and closing the door. Feeling my smile fade I got out of bed and took a quick shower and got dressed.
Grabbing my keys and wallet off my dresser I walked out my bedroom door and into the living room asking, “Ready?”
Pulling into the airport I put my Mercedes in park and climbed out. Pulling the two suitcases from my trunk I sat them on the ground and pulled Evie into my arms. “Be a good girl, ok? I will see you in a few weeks for your birthday. Love you, babygirl.”
“Wub you too, Unky Gage,” Evie said as she squeezed her tiny arms around my neck.
Standing Evie next to Larkin, I shook his hand and told him bye. Turning to Jenna I placed my hands on either side of her face and kissed her forehead. “Love you, be safe. See you soon.”
Dropping my hands I turned to walk back to my car. Just before I opened my door I heard Jenna say, “Love you too. Remember what I said and just know, I know you better than you know you.”
Smirking I said, “Not anymore babe. See you in a few weeks.” Not waiting I opened my door and jumped inside, speeding off.
I spent my day on the phone making plans and arrangements to open my own bar on the beach. But, in the back of my mind I couldn’t stop thinking about Jenna. After a long day I decided to hit up a few clubs in the city, hopefully clear my mind…if only for a few hours.
Five beers, eleven shots, and three jack and Cokes later I was feeling pretty good. When the pretty girl with jet black hair walked up beside me, she had my full attention.
“Hi, I’m Tara.”
Nodding once I tipped my beer in her direction and said, “Hi Tara, I’m Gage. But, I’m sure you knew that.”
Tara winked and pushed her tits together. “You look like you could use some company.”
Smirking I asked, “Wanna help me out with that?”
2
Cobie
Yawning, I tapped my pen on my notebook. Who knew libraries were so damn hot? I felt my eyes getting heavy and struggled to continue reading about and memorizing the two hundred and however many bones in the body. I had been at this for three hours and I still couldn’t tell you where your scapula, ulna, or sacrum were. If all this studying didn’t pay off I’m pretty sure I would kill myself. Whoever gave me the great idea to become a doctor should be shot. Oh yeah, my damn brother. Always pushing me. Even from the opposite side of America he still manages to have a say in my life. If I didn’t love his wife and daughter so much I might just kill him.
Taking a deep breath I leaned back in the uncomfortable library chair. Closings my eyes I removed my black frame glasses and used my fists to rub my eyes until I was seeing stars.
“Cobie?” I heard a familiar voice ask. A voice I never thought I would hear again.
Popping my eyes open and looking around it took me a moment to find the person that voice came from. Leaning against the bookcase, feet crossed at his ankles and arms crossed over his chest was Braylon Edwards. My childhood crush and my brothers best friend from high school. Sexy as sin. And the one person my brother now hates and does not want me around.
Knowing I shouldn’t but doing it anyway, I scooted my chair back and stood, watching as Bray pushed off the bookcase and walked toward me. “Bray? What the hell?” I asked a little confused.
Wrapping his arms around me he hugged me to his chest, lifting my feet off the ground. “Damn girl. Look at you all grown up.”
Setting me back on the ground Bray took a step back, looking me up and down. I wanted to crawl under the table. The expression on his face was unreadable, maybe slightly amused.
Trying to get the focus off me I asked, “Why are you here?”
“Hell, I go here now. Figured it was time to grow up and do something with my life.”
Smiling I said, “That’s precious. Look at you growing up and being responsible.”
Bray glanced at my large anatomy book on the table then raised an eyebrow and brought his gaze back to me. “So what are you going for, nursing?” Bray asked, his voice deep.
“Ha. I wish. I let my pain in the ass brother talk me into going to be a doctor. I have to know all the bones in the body by tomorrow.”
Bray scrunched his face. “Ugh tomorrow of what year?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Looking at my book and notes I said, “I have been at this for three hours and couldn’t tell you ten bones in the damn body. This shit ain’t no joke. I am ready for spring break and spending time with Evie on the beach.”
Looking confused Bray asked, “Evie? I didn’t know you had a kid.”
Shaking my head I grabbed my phone off the table. Unlocking my screen I saw the picture of my beautiful niece. Handing Bray my phone I said, “Evie is Larkin’s daughter. She will be two next month.”
While staring at my phone he said, “No shit. I didn’t know he had a kid either. Is it with that one chic he brought home a few years ago?”
“Yes, her name is Jenna. They got married about seven months ago.”
“Damn. I’ve missed a lot. I follow his football but I didn’t know he was a family man now. Never figured that life for him.” Bray tried playing it off but I could see he was jealous of my brother and the life he had.
Larkin had worked his ass off to get where he is. True, in his teen years he was fucked up but he was my brother and he deserved happiness. He had that with Jenna and Evie, I was happy for him.
“Yep. He grew up and found an amazing girl that straightened him out.”
Bray scratched the back of his neck nervously. “I guess I’m a little late to grow up. But, better late than never. Maybe I need to find that special girl to straighten me out.”
Laughing I placed my hand on Bray’s shoulder. “Braylon Edwards, there is no straightening you out. I don’t think there is a girl out there that could tame you.”
Giving me a half smile Bray said, “Probably not but we’ll see.” Bray ran his hand across my shoulder and bit
