“I thought we’d agreed not to bring him up.”
“We also agreed not to bring up Jed, but look at you go.”
“It’s not the same and you know it. You just admitted to boinking Jed. I’m not doing anything with Shane.”
“Actually, I’m dating Jed, not just sleeping with him.”
Jasmine stopped and started at me, her eyes widening, then, to my surprise, they filled with tears.
“Hey,” I said, forgetting my teasing and taking her in my arms. “What’s with the tears? What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” Jasmine said, but her voice caught. She took a deep breath and patted my back before pulling away and pacing. “It’s nothing, really, I’m happy for you. It’s great that you and Jed are dating … you deserve an awesome guy like that … it’s just, well, I’m the last man standing. Gabe, Reardon, and Dillon are all basically married with babies, and now, you’re in a relationship too … It’s just … I don’t know … I guess it’s glaringly obvious that I’m alone. No prospects … not even a booty call, let alone a man suited for marriage and babies.”
“Oh, Jaz, you’re not alone,” I argued. “And, honestly, this thing with Jed snuck up on me. Just a few weeks ago I was with you in that bar, and I had no prospects, no idea that I’d be falling for my neighbor in such a short amount of time.”
“You’re falling for him?” she asked, her green eyes filling again. “That’s amazing.”
I laughed and lifted my hands.
“I wasn’t expecting it, it just sort of happened, which means it’ll happen for you, too. Probably when you least expect it.”
“Well, I least expect it now, so … let me have him, universe,” Jasmine said with a chuckle, sounding more like herself.
“Hey, you’re coming Friday, right? I didn’t get your RSVP.”
“Yeah, of course, I’ll be here. Especially now … I need to see you and Jed in action, with my own two eyes.”
I rolled my eyes again.
“And, get some rest, okay? You look tired.”
“Gee, thanks,” I said sarcastically, even though I was tired.
“Must be all that boinking,” Jazzy said with a laugh.
Jerk.
Chapter Thirty
Jed
Whoa, how many people are coming over?” Reardon asked as he took in all of the food on Dillon’s kitchen counter.
“Just us,” Dillon replied with a chuckle. “Laurel wanted to try out some new recipes. She’s been on a cooking kick lately. Who am I to tell her no?”
“Yeah, I sure wouldn’t,” I said as I took a whiff of the air. “It all looks, and smells, delicious. If you ever need to get rid of some of her experiments, you can take pity on the guy who lives alone.”
“Wow, it smells great in here,” Gabe said as he entered the kitchen.
That meant the only one we were still waiting on, was Shane.
Dillon had offered to host UFC this time, which was cool with me. Not only because of Laurel’s cooking frenzy, but because Dillon’s place was bad ass.
He lived in his childhood home, and it was awesome. A large, sprawling house with a wraparound porch on a good stretch of land, it was exactly the kind of place I’d like to own one day.
It had a great foundation, and what I wouldn’t give to do some refurbishing and make some updates in there.
Plus, he had dogs. Two golden retrievers named Copper and Penny.
I needed a dog in my life.
“You can eat now, during the fight, after, whatever,” Dillon said, grabbing a plate and starting to pile food on it. “We have enough to go around and then some. And, Jed, feel free to take as much home as you’d like, man.”
“Thanks,” I said, wondering if Serena remembered to eat dinner, or if she was so busy that she’d forget.
Since I was thinking about it, I shot her a text, telling her to make sure she ate.
When she replied, Don’t worry, Jazzy and I stepped out for a burger. BTW, she’s totally Team Jed, I let out a chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” Rear asked as he put about a pound of chicken wings on his plate.
“Nothing, just something your cousin said,” I replied.
He looked at me, then around the kitchen, and asked, “Rena or Jazzy?”
My gaze lifted from my screen as I told him, “Serena.”
“Yeah, I was going to ask about that,” Dillon chimed in.
“Ask about what?” Gabe asked, looking at all of us in confusion.
“A couple weeks ago when I was helping Jed out with deliveries, he was taking Rena dinner at the gallery,” Dillon replied.
I braced, wondering how the other two men were going to take the information.
Maybe I should have spoken to each of them individually, to get a gauge on how they felt about me dating their youngest cousin.
“Really?” Gabe asked, “You and Rena?”
I waited, tense, not sure how the oldest, and I’d guess call him the leader … no that wasn’t right … the most father-like of the cousins, the one they all looked up to and listened to … Lewis, was going to react.
“Yeah, me and Rena. We’re dating. Officially, dating,” I replied, hoping I didn’t sound as stupid as I felt.
I was a grown-ass man, for fuck’s sake, I didn’t need their permission. Except, I liked and respected all of them, especially Gabe, so I really hoped they were okay with it.
“Cool,” Gabe said.
“Cool,” I asked, my voice not coming out quite as strong as I’d like.
“Yeah,” Gabe said, his gaze intent on me. “As long as she’s happy, I’m happy. You’re a good dude. I know you. Trust you. Plus, you know if you mess with her, you’ll have to deal with us, so…”
“Got that right,” Dillon said.
“Yeah, just treat her right, and you can live,” Reardon added.
“Who are we killing?” Shane asked as he joined us in the kitchen.
“Me, apparently,” I said dryly.
“Why, what’d ya do, mate?”
“He’s dating our cousin … Let that be a warning to you,” Gabe told him, causing Shane to throw up his hands and ask, “What’d I do? I just walked in the door.”
Gabe shot him a knowing look, then let him off the hook and went to go grab some food.
I guess Shane’s crush on Jasmine wasn’t a secret to anyone … except Jazzy herself.
Once we all had our food, we went down to the basement where Dillon’s family room was. It had a big sectional sofa, a couple of recliners, and a big eighty-inch UHD TV. It even had its own refrigerator, which Dillon kept stocked with beer.
We all claimed our spots as Dillon found the fight on TV.
The next three hours were filled with beer drinking, smack talking, great food, and even better friends.
This was what I’d been missing all my life. The core reason why I’d decided to finally settle in one place. Not just because Cherry Springs was quaint and quiet, but because these men had become great friends, and I shared a comradery with them that was hard to find.
There was no way I wanted to disappoint them by messing things up with Rena.
I probably should have thought about the possible consequences before we’d gotten too involved, but it was too late now. I was falling for her, hard, so I needed to make sure I kept her happy, because if I didn’t not only would I lose her, but I’d lose the men who were like brothers to me.
Chapter Thirty-One
Serena
I’d been fighting back nerves all week, but now that the grand opening of the gallery was finally here, I felt as cool as a cucumber.
The place looked fantastic, Laurel had outdone herself with the décor, food, and drinks, and we had a full house. People were everywhere … Snacking on canapes, drinking champagne, and perusing the art.
Laurel and her team were all dressed in black slacks and white button-up shirts, and I was wearing a black cocktail dress. Of course, we were all just the backdrop, with the real stars being the a
rt.
Most of the town was in attendance, including my cousins and their significant others, and my aunts and uncles.
“How are you doing?” Jed asked, coming up behind me and placing his hand on the small of my back.
He’d been checking up on me every half hour or so. Offering to help out where needed, and just making sure I was okay.
It was very sweet.
“I’m good,” I replied with a smile. “Your table has been a big hit, I think Mr. Johnston and Mrs. Poole were about to go to blows over who got to buy it.”
“Really?” he asked, obviously surprised.
“Of course,” I said, because I’d known when I saw it that people would want it in their homes. “I was thinking you could make more. All unique and individual pieces of course, but along the same vein.”
“I could do that,” Jed replied, then looked out over the room. “I see your aunts and uncles … Did your parents come out?”
I shook my head and beat back the disappointment.
“No, they couldn’t get away.”
“I’m sorry.”
We’d spent the last few nights together, going back and forth from Jed’s house to mine. When we were laying in the dark, headed toward sleep, I’d told him my parents had mentioned trying to come to the opening, and what it would mean to me. Unfortunately, my mom had texted me today and said it wasn’t going to happen.
“It’s okay,” I fibbed. “Everyone else is here.” I turned, and put my arms around his waist. “You’re here.”
Jed grinned and dropped a kiss on my nose.
“Anytime you need me, I’ll be there,” he said softly, and warmth seemed to light me up from inside.
I let him go, then moved to do another turn through the room.
The two young women I’d hired that week were there, working the room discreetly and letting me know when someone wanted to make a purchase. All sales would be made on the spot, but the deliveries wouldn’t be made until next week.
“Great event, Rena,” Gabe said as he and Zoey crossed to me.
“Thanks, Gabe, and thanks so much to both of you for coming, it really means a lot,” I said, giving them both kisses on the cheek.
“Of course we’d come,” Zoey said easily. “I have my eye on that waterfall piece. I keep hinting at Gabe, but he doesn’t seem to be getting it.”
“Oh, I got it,” Gabe said wryly. “You aren’t exactly subtle.”
We all laughed, then Gabe placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Proud of you, Rena.”
“Thanks,” I said, my heart full. Gabe’s opinion had always mattered to me.
“Hey, I need to talk to you later, okay? After,” he said, causing me to pause and look at him curiously.
“Sure,” I said, then kept mingling.
“I have to say, I’m impressed.”
I turned to see Sadie coming toward me.
“Sadie,” I greeted, happily. “You came.”
“Yes, girl, I did, and I already see a few things that would go great in a couple houses I’m decorating,” she said, giving me a quick hug. “Let me warn you, I’m not the only one from the show who heard about tonight and said she was coming…”
“What?” I asked, my gaze automatically sweeping the room. “Are you serious?”
Sadie nodded and said, “Unfortunately.”
“Why would she even want to come here?” I asked, the warmth in my belly turning to lead. “She hates me.”
“If I had to guess … it’s not to do or say anything nice,” Sadie said with a frown. “But don’t worry, lady, I’ve got your back.”
I wished that made me feel better; instead, there was a black mark on my night as I waited for Kylie to show up and ruin my opening.
When we were down to the last half hour, with less than half of the guests left, Kylie finally made her move.
I walked down the hallway, intent on finding Laurel to open the last bottle of champagne, when suddenly, she was there waiting. She was in a sapphire-blue cocktail dress, with her hair flat-ironed and her makeup understated, but it was the look on her face that had me stopping in my tracks.
“Well, if it isn’t little miss too good for everyone … all grown up and trying to pretend to be someone important,” Kylie said snidely.
“What’s your problem, Kylie?” I asked, frustrated and angry that she was there. “Why are you here?”
Kylie’s eyes flicked over my shoulder, and her grin became feline.
“To see about our bet, of course.”
At first I was confused, then I remembered her saying something about being able to get Jed in the sack before I could even get his number, and I glared at her, bringing my wall of ice up around me to fend her off.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jed
Most of the guests had cleared out, so I went in search of Serena to see if there was anything I could start cleaning up, packing up, or whatever. I was getting tired and needed something to keep me busy before I found a corner and nodded off.
I walked into the back, and when I first saw her chatting with Kylie, I wanted to run in the other direction.
Kylie was not my favorite person, and the last thing I needed right now was to have to fend off her advances.
But the way they were talking, the closeness, the whispering, gave me pause.
Did they know each other? I didn’t think they did, other than a little interaction during filming, which didn’t seem like enough for Kylie to be attending Serena’s big night. Rena had never said anything about Kylie at all, but if they knew each other, why wouldn’t she?
I stepped closer and heard something about a bet … What the hell was going on?
“Give me a break, Kylie,” Serena said, her voice taking on a frosty tone. In fact, her whole demeanor had changed, making her look more like the woman who’d first moved in next door, rather than the one I’d been spending my nights with.
“It’s okay, Serena, you can be honest. If you were able to land Jed, when I obviously wasn’t, I’ll pay up,” Kylie said, sending my thoughts scrambling. “C’mon, you’ve known me forever, you know I always pay my bets.”
What the fuck?
“What’s going on here?” I asked, stepping forward, unable to hold my tongue any longer.
Serena’s façade cracked a bit when she saw me, but Kylie’s smile grew coy as she said, “Jed, just the man I was hoping to see.”
“Serena, what’s going on?” I asked again, ignoring Kylie and focusing on the woman I was falling in love with.
“Nothing, ah, Kylie just stopped in to see how the show was going,” Rena replied, her lie filling me with anger and betrayal.
“Don’t lie,” I ordered, my tone hard. “What bet is she talking about?”
“There was no bet,” Serena argued, but I cut her off and turned to Kylie. “What were you just talking about?”
“Just a little wager we had about who could bag you first,” Kylie explained innocently. “It was no big deal, Jed, nothing to get your panties in a twist about. Just something between two high school friends.”
“Jed, I never agreed to any bet,” Serena said, placing her hand on my arm.
I jerked my arm away, too angry to have her touching me.
“But you knew about a bet, and you know her … have known her since high school,” I stated, wanting her to deny it, but not sure if she’d tell me the truth regardless. She’d lied to me a few seconds ago, maybe she’d been lying the whole time.
“Oh, even longer than that,” Kylie offered.
I shot her a glare, then turned back to Serena, who was in full haughty ice queen mode. Her head held high, nose in the air, looking at me the same way she’d looked at the movers that day.
“I already told you I didn’t make a bet about you. Yes, I’ve known Kylie a long time, but we aren’t, and have never been, friends. She’s here trying to cause trouble.”
“So what were you doing with me, then, huh? Slumming it?” I asked, so angry
and confused that I had to clench my hands at my sides to try and rein it all in.
I was cognizant of the fact that we were still at the gallery and there were other people around. As angry as I was, I didn’t want to make a scene. I wasn’t that guy anymore. But, I also wasn’t a guy who enjoyed being fucked with like I was some sort of boy toy.
“No, of course not,” Serena replied coldly, her tone pissing me off even more. “I’m afraid we’ll have to finish this discussion later. I still have clients … guests, and I need to see to them and finish out the night. Jed, I’ll talk to you later. Kylie, you need to leave.”
Serena turned and glided out, like a queen going to see her subject.
“Now that she’s gone, what do you say we get out of here?” Kylie had the nerve to say.
I turned my head and said, “How about you stay the fuck away from me.”
I ignored her gasp, walked around her, and headed out the back door.
My mind was reeling and my emotions were going haywire. I needed time to think, to release some of this anger and energy, and I needed to get far away from Serena, her fucked-up friend Kylie, and whatever the hell had just happened inside that gallery.
I drove home, a little faster than necessary, and headed straight for my workshop.
I turned my music on, loud, took off the stupid jacket and tie I’d been wearing, along with the button-up shirt, which left me in my T-shirt and slacks.
I looked around the room, nothing I was currently working on was calling to me, and decided to start on a new river table. It would take a lot of time, muscle, and concentration, and was just what I needed in that moment.
I got out everything I’d need: Power jointer, jigsaw, hand saw, circular saw, and some other smaller tools, then went to the back of my shop to pick out the wood I wanted to use. Once I had a few nice pieces of cedar, I went back inside, set them against the wall, then grabbed one for my table.
I took a few deep, calming breaths, needing to get my head on straight before I worked with power tools. I may have been a hot head, but I wasn’t an idiot.
Too Enchanting Page 11
