by Jaci Burton
“What Jackson said,” Kal said. “We love both of you. Your happiness is all that matters.”
Rafe nodded. “A house is just a thing. It’s not our family. You and Mom are our family.”
“Besides,” Jackson said. “You know Mom has never liked this house. The closets aren’t big enough and she’s always talked about having that spa bathroom in the master. Plus she wants a home office.”
Dad laughed. “This is true. I’m the one who never wanted to move. We bought this house after we got married.”
“So why now?”
He shrugged. “Because it’s not always about what I want. I kept telling her after you guys arrived that we were making memories here. Family memories.”
Now it was becoming clear to Jackson. “So you were the one who wanted to stay. And you used us to make it happen all these years.”
His dad gave a half shrug. “Used is kind of a harsh word. But yeah, kind of.”
“We loved growing up here, Dad,” Kal said. “But if Mom wants to move . . .”
“She has never once said she wanted to move. You know how your mom is. She’s content here. But I know there are things she wants. A bigger kitchen, for starters. And that garden. And a pool. And like you said, Jackson, the nice big bathroom and an office. But there’s only so much renovation we can do here. The house is small. And only two bedrooms. We made do with you guys, but someday there’ll be grandkids.”
He looked at all three of them.
“I’ve got nothin’,” Kal said.
Rafe raised his hands. “Don’t look at me.”
Which left Jackson. “Not making any grandbabies for you yet, Dad. Sorry. But I understand what you’re saying. Get a new house. A nice big one with a garden and a pool and extra bedrooms and someday we’ll all fill the place with annoying grandkids.”
His dad beamed a smile. “Great. Your mother will love that.”
“What am I going to love?”
Jackson turned to see his mom leaning against the doorway.
“Hey, babe,” Josh said. “You’re home early today.”
She came in and set her bags down on the kitchen counter. “Yes, I had an appointment that was close to home, and nothing else this afternoon, so I figured instead of driving all the way back downtown, I’d just come home. What’s this all about?”
His dad looked at all of them, then back to her. “Come sit down.”
“Oh, no.” She touched her thin gold necklace, the one Dad had given her for her birthday when they were kids. She always fingered it when she was nervous. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
“Nothing’s wrong, Mom,” Kal said. “We’re all fine.”
She slid into the chair next to their father. “What is it?”
“What would you think about a new house?” Josh asked with a huge smile.
She frowned. “That’s it? That’s the big deal that made my heart flip over with dread?”
“Well, yeah,” Dad said.
She let out a sigh. “What’s wrong with this one?”
Dad grasped her hand. “It’s small. And you’ve always wanted a garden. And a bigger kitchen. That spa bathroom you’ve always dreamed about. An office. And a pool.”
She pulled her hand away. “Is that right. And you and our sons have been deciding this while I was at work today. Without my input or even asking what I wanted.”
Uh-oh. Jackson knew that irritated look on his mother’s face. And that meant they were all in trouble.
“Not exactly. I wanted to run it by the boys first. They grew up here, after all. If they were going to be upset by the notion of us selling the house, there’d be no point in even suggesting it to you.”
She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it and looked at Dad. It took her a few seconds before she said anything.
“You really want to leave this house? You love it here.”
Dad laid his forehead against Mom’s. “Who says I love it here?”
“You always talk about those marks we made in the hallway as the boys got taller, and how cozy the living room is, and how much you love working in the big garage, and how convenient the location is to the fire station.”
His dad nodded. “Yeah, all that’s great, but it’s still just a house. Brick and wood. What I love is you, Laurel.”
Oh, damn. So that was what love was all about. Jackson knew how much this house meant to his dad. But he’d give that up so his mom could have her dream house.
“That’s our cue to get the hell out of here,” Kal whispered.
“Yup,” Rafe said, and stood. “So, we’re gonna go.”
Their mom pointed at all of them. “You can all stay right where you are. You’re here and we’ll all have dinner together and talk about this.”
And when Mom said you were staying for dinner, you were staying for dinner.
They ended up grilling pork chops and talking about the possibility of moving. They told their mother the same thing they’d told their dad, that the house was just a thing and she and Dad were where the love and memories were.
Mom said she was hesitant, but then Kal opened a real estate app and they all started house searching. Jackson could see the light spark in her eyes and the smile on his dad’s face as he watched her.
It was a done deal. They’d find a new house and put this one on the market. Jackson sat back and thought about what it would mean to never see this house again. He waited for that pang of nostalgia or pain.
Nothing. The house was just a building. And he’d always be a Donovan, regardless of his parents’ address.
And he’d still be the luckiest damn kid who ever lived.
CHAPTER 24
The day had zoomed by. Becks’s schedule had filled up with back-to-back clients and before she knew it, it was nine o’clock and her last customer was walking out the door, an hour past closing time.
She’d sent Hwan home at six. Martin had finished up and left about thirty minutes earlier. Becks cleaned up her equipment and emptied her trash out back, then packed up her things and headed toward the front.
Aria was still at her desk.
“You don’t have to stay just because I’m here late,” Becks said.
“I don’t mind. Besides, you have electricity. Running water. Internet. And air-conditioning.”
Becks laughed. “Okay, then. I’ll give you a lift back to the park.”
“I appreciate it.”
They piled into her truck and Becks headed out. They’d eaten lunch about four, but hopefully Aria would have something else to eat before she went to sleep tonight.
She knew she shouldn’t worry, that Aria was likely fine and capable of taking care of herself. But she couldn’t seem to help it.
“Do you want to stop for something to eat?” Becks asked.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”
She pulled up in front of the park. “You did great today, Aria. I’m really happy to have you working for me.”
Aria laid her hand on the door handle and smiled at her. “Thanks. I like this job. I’m busier than I thought I would be and it’s a lot more interesting than the last job I had.”
“Glad to hear that. I’ll pick you up tomorrow about eleven.”
“See you then. Night.”
“Night.”
She watched Aria disappear into the darkness, then drove home. When she got there, the driveway was empty. No trucks. Clearly, none of the guys were home.
Interesting. She wondered if they were all out somewhere together. She checked her phone. It was nearly ten. Maybe they’d gone to a bar together. Or out separately.
Not that she cared. She was exhausted. She planned to take a shower, eat something and then crash.
She glanced next door, wondering how Jimmy was doing. She hoped he was okay after his
fall last night. But she wasn’t going to go over there and ask, considering how rude his granddaughter was.
But then the porch light flew on and Carmen came outside, shocking the hell out of her by heading her way. Becks hoped there wasn’t going to be another confrontation, because she was not in the mood.
“Is Rafe home?” Carmen asked.
“No, he’s not. None of the guys are.”
“Well, damn.”
“Is your grandfather in trouble?”
“No. He just wants to go to bed and I’ve been struggling getting him there lately. I could use some help.”
Despite her personal feelings about Carmen’s rudeness, Becks couldn’t let an old man down. “Hang on. Let me shove my things inside and I’ll help you.”
She popped the garage door up, tucked her bags inside and dropped the door back down. She shoved her keys in her pocket.
“Let’s go.”
Carmen gave her an uncertain look. “You sure you don’t mind?”
“I don’t mind. Let’s go get your grandpa to bed.”
She followed Carmen into the house and into her grandfather’s bedroom.
The old man frowned. “You’re not Rafe.”
Becks put on a smile. “You noticed. My name is Becks. I’m Rafe’s roommate. And you’re Jimmy, right?”
His frown turned into a smile. “Yes, ma’am. Nice to meet you, Becks. Is that short for Rebecca?”
“It is. Though no one’s called me Rebecca in a very long time.”
Becks noticed Carmen pulling the covers down on Jimmy’s side of the bed, and also giving her the side eye while she did it.
“Becks is a nice name. So what’re you doing sharing space with those three crazy young men?”
“My tattoo business went up in smoke, and my apartment above it, too. Since the three of us grew up together, they were kind enough to take me in until I can find a new place to live.”
“They’re nice boys, those Donovans.”
“Yes, sir, they sure are.”
“Let’s get you into bed, Grandpa,” Carmen said.
“You sure you two little things can do this?”
“I’m pretty sure we’re stronger than we look, Jimmy,” Becks said.
“Lift him under his arms, like this,” Carmen said, showing her by putting Jimmy’s arm around her shoulder. “He’ll help as much as he can, and I’ll take his side that doesn’t work so well.”
Becks nodded. “Got it.”
She slung Jimmy’s other arm around her shoulder, and between the two of them they managed to hoist him up and slide him onto the bed. Jimmy wasn’t a small man. He was tall and had some weight on him, despite his disability. But he did help and she sensed he still had strength on his right side, which helped. They got him into position on his side, and Carmen tucked a pillow behind his back.
“You okay, Grandpa?”
“Perfect. Don’t forget to turn the television on for me, bebita.”
“Like I’d forget the classics channel. It’s your favorite.” Carmen turned the television on, which was already set to the black-and-white movies. Humphrey Bogart was busily romancing Lauren Bacall.
“I love this movie,” Becks said.
“Me, too,” Jimmy said with a soft smile.
Carmen kissed Jimmy on the cheek. “Good night, Grandpa.”
“Night, bebita.”
Becks took that as her cue to leave the room. She was on her way out the front door when Carmen said, “Hey, Becks.”
She stopped and turned. “Yeah?”
Carmen made her way up to her. “I get frantic when my grandpa is in jeopardy. And because of that I lose my mind. Which was no excuse for me being a rude bitch to you last night. I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. Family is a priority. It’s obvious you love your grandpa.”
“Thanks. I’m sure you’d do the same for yours.”
Becks smiled. “I don’t have a family. But I do understand where you’re coming from. And anytime you need my help, even if the guys aren’t here, feel free to come get me. At least as long as I’m living there.”
Carmen gave her a strange look, as if she didn’t understand the family comment. Becks wasn’t sure why, since she’d told her the same thing last night. Did she think Becks was making it up?
Maybe she did think that. Not that it mattered, since it was doubtful Becks and Carmen would ever be best friends.
“Night, Carmen.”
“Good night, Becks. Thanks again.”
Becks nodded and walked out, heading across the lawn to her house—correction, the guys’ house. It wouldn’t do her any good to start thinking of this place as hers when it wasn’t. She’d be leaving soon enough.
She’d had a really good day today. Her expenses were up, like higher office rent and paying Aria, but she also had Martin to help pay those expenses. It wouldn’t be long before she had money saved to rent her own apartment.
But as she stared up at the cheery house that seemed to smile down at her in greeting, the thought of leaving this place caused a pang of pain in her heart. It was funny how quickly she’d grown to think of this place as her home. But it wasn’t her home, it was temporary housing. She should be used to that. She’d had plenty of it growing up.
But it was more than just this house, it was the people who occupied it—Rafe, Kal, and more importantly, Jackson. She liked seeing all of them, liked living with them. It was as if she had a family.
She inhaled and let it out.
Let it go, Becks.
She went inside, washed her dirty dishes from the morning and put them in the drainer to dry, then headed upstairs, stripped and took a long, hot shower, washing away her emotional state and clearing her head. When she got out, she combed out her wet hair, slipped into shorts and a tank top, then went downstairs to make something to eat.
As soon as she hit the landing she saw Jackson sitting at the island looking up at her with a smile on his face. She felt ridiculous about the way her heart leaped in her chest when she saw him.
So much for the washing away of her emotions. Whenever she saw him, there they were.
She also smelled food. There was a bag on the counter.
“Hi,” she said. “I didn’t know you were home.”
“I got here a few minutes ago. You look squeaky clean.”
She laughed. “I feel squeaky clean.”
“I brought food. I thought you might be hungry. I stopped by the house about an hour ago and you weren’t home yet, so I figured you had a late night. I went out and got you some chicken curry and rice.” He slid the bag in her direction.
“That sounds perfect. I was just coming downstairs to look in the fridge for leftovers because I was hungry, so thank you. I thought maybe you and your brothers had gone out to eat.”
“We went to my parents’ for dinner tonight. Dad wanted to talk to all of us.”
“Oh? Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine. Dad wants to sell the house.”
Her hands stilled on the bag just as she was opening it. “Uh-oh.”
He laughed. “Go on and eat. It’s not a bad thing.”
She took the container out of the bag. Jackson handed her a fork and while she ate, he told her the whole story about his dad’s suggestion that they buy another house. And then he told her about some of the houses they’d looked at online.
“I think it’s incredibly sweet and romantic,” she said, as she finished eating and put the top back on the container. She put the leftovers in the fridge and came back to her seat and took a swallow of ice water. “Your dad loves the old house, but he loves your mom more.”
“Yeah, it’s romantic, I guess.”
“You guess? Don’t you know what a romantic gesture is all about, Jackson?”
&nb
sp; He gave her a hopeful look. “Good sex?”
She laughed. “No. A romantic gesture is when you do something sweet or surprising, or make a sacrifice for someone you love. It’s when you make it all about the other person.”
“So if I make you come first . . .”
She rolled her eyes. “I can tell you are not taking this seri- ously.”
He leaned over and kissed her, a brief kiss followed by a teasing smile. “I know what a romantic gesture is, Becks. I witnessed it firsthand with my parents tonight.”
He pulled her onto his lap, smoothing his hand over her leg. “I’ve got a few gestures I’d like to try out on you.”
“You do?”
“Yeah.” He picked her up and brought her over to the kitchen island, sitting her on top of it. He spread her legs and stepped between them, ran his hands up her back, then slid one hand into her damp hair.
Goose bumps skittered across her skin at the feel of his hands on her body. She leaned forward for his kiss. It felt like it had been an eternity since the two of them had been together. She missed the meeting of their lips, the electricity of his tongue at the first touch of it against hers. If she could bottle that delicious lightning, she could retire right now.
Instead, she sank into the feeling of his hands coaxing along her back and his thighs between hers. When he moved in to deepen the kiss, she felt the hard ridge of his erection through his shorts and wanted nothing more than to get skin to skin with him.
She pressed a kiss along his jaw. “Where are your brothers?”
He lifted up to look at her. “We’re making out and you’re thinking of my brothers?”
She laughed. “No. I want to get naked with you and I don’t want them walking in.”
“Oh. They went to Tommy’s bar. They won’t be home for a while.”
He bent to kiss her, but she laid a palm on his chest. “A long while?”
“Long enough to lay you back on this counter and make you come. Long enough to slide my cock inside you after that and make us both come.”
The images his words evoked elicited waves of need soaring through her. “Let’s definitely do all of that.”
