“No problem,” I said casually. If Jared only knew the half of it. “It was no big deal. And I got two hot meals out of it; one on the night of the reception and one tonight. Not bad for a guy used to eating pizza and Chef-Boyardee most of the time.”
“Speak of the devil,” Jared whistled as he finally spotted his sister across the room. “Must be here with that hot date Grannie was telling me about earlier. Damn. What’s she got on? She must be seriously into that guy.”
His words grated on me. “I’m shocked Grannie let her walk out of the house dressed like that.” There was no way I was entering that hornet’s nest, but with a little luck, I might get Jared to act like the big brother and send her home to get changed.
“I don’t recall you complaining when she was at our house an hour ago,” Derek shot off before his words caught up to his brain. He visibly flinched at the daggers shooting out of my eyes at him.
Jared raised his brow at our interaction. “Are you kidding? Nobody tells Jordan what to do. She’d probably deck me if I told her to change. Not that I don’t want to. Every sleaze ball in here has his eyes glued on her. But she knows how to take care of herself. I made sure of that at least. Lord knows the girl has a solid right hook. Besides, it looks like she brought a chaperone. What the hell is Leah doing here?”
I quickly scanned the high top table and stools at the end of the pool table and saw Leah sipping on a bottle of beer. How had I missed her earlier and what was she doing here? My stomach churned slowly. Had Jordan asked Leah to bail her out of the date when I alluded to a night in my bedroom? Could it be that she had called off her date with Steve for me and I had repaid her by wanting to hide our relationship? If so, she must be furious with me.
We all watched Jordan for a minute before recognition set into Jared’s face. “Hey, don’t we know that guy?”
“Yeah,” I said. “That’s Erik’s cousin. We used to hang out with him sometimes when we’d go clubbing.”
“Right,” Jared nodded and then chugged down the remainder of his beer. He playfully punched me in the arm. “Let’s go say, hey.”
We descended upon Jordan and Steve. I smiled inwardly as Steve’s face paled at the sight of three men, each well over six feet tall, approaching their table. Apparently he hadn’t expected to share his date for the night or to be faced with Jordan’s brother. It felt good somehow to glare down my nose at Steve. Testosterone was rushing through my veins. If I had a club in my hand, I probably would have thumped it on my chest before knocking Jordan out and dragging her away with me by the hair. The thought lightened my mood considerably.
“Long time, no see,” Derek laughed, giving Jordan a fist bump. “Hey Leah! What up?”
“What’re you guys doing here?” Jordan asked, staring at us with a cocked brow.
“What,” Jared said, crossing his arms over his chest. “You think you own the place Jordan? I wanted to play some pool. How was I supposed to know you were here? And what’re you doing here Leah? Date crashing?”
Jordan stared at me with a slight grin but held her tongue. I probably should’ve been embarrassed but instead just shrugged it off. I couldn’t wait to hear Leah’s explanation.
“I was supposed to meet some friends but they bailed on me at the last minute,” Leah said casually. “Jordan was nice enough to adopt me for the evening. But now that you guys are here, maybe I can round out your table? Make it two on two?”
“Sure,” Derek said and flashed a grin. “You can be on my team.”
“Are you kidding me,” Jared said. “We’ll whip your asses all night long. You and JT against me and Leah. That’ll be fair.”
I waited for Leah’s scathing retort about playing as well as any guy but she kept silent and went to retrieve her purse while Jared and Steve caught up, reminiscing about old times. I snorted in laughter when a pained look reflected off Steve’s face as Jared described a particularly hot chick Steve had scored with at the bar one night. Jordan and Leah shared a disgusted look. Not really what a guy wanted to talk about when on a date with another hot babe. Jared was so flipping oblivious. Or maybe he was doing it on purpose. Either way, it was high fives all around.
My euphoria didn’t last. Before long my name was called over the loud speaker and we made our way over to our own pool table. It was three down from Jordan and Steve; close enough to see what was going on but far enough not to be able to hear their conversation. The next hour was pure torture. I should’ve heeded my gut and convinced Jared to play pool somewhere else. If I had to watch Steve bend next to Jordan one more time as if trying to help her set up a shot, or place his arm casually around her shoulder or waist, I was definitely going to explode.
The only thing that kept me rooted to the spot was Jared. I hadn’t figured out yet how I was going to approach Jared. His earlier comments made it clear he thought his sister was as big a pain in the ass to me as she was to him. Not that Jared didn’t love his sister. They had a great relationship over all, but grated on each other’s nerves sometimes like any brother and sister might.
Still I had the feeling it was going to be a complete shock to Jared’s system. Why couldn’t Jared be like Derek and just accept it for what it was and be happy for me? After my outburst at the house earlier, I knew my kid brother was on to us. Yet he hadn’t said a word. Wisely. Probably because Derek thought Jordan was awesome and would be happy to have her around.
Frustration slowly built in me the longer we played and I couldn’t help but take some of it out on the balls. I relished the opportunity to smash the cue ball over and over with the full force of my anger. So what if I inadvertently sent the balls flying off the edge of the table from time to time. On the fifth time, however, I sent the ball flying into Leah’s arm and Jared went off on me, punching me in the arm. Hard.
“What’s your deal, JT?” Jared asked. His voice was laced with irritation. “You’ve been acting like a jackass all night.”
But I didn’t hear him. My eyes were trained on Jordan and Steve as they weaved their way out of the pool hall and onto the street. They paused directly in front of the window and stood face to face talking. Jordan had her hands shoved into the front of her jeans and was staring up at Steve from her five foot six height. Even if he was a midget to me, Steve still had four inches on her. I felt mesmerized by the scene. Something in my gut told me this was it. My brain screamed for me to turn away—not to witness the kiss. But I couldn’t get my muscles to function, like I was caught in a nightmare, partially paralyzed, causing my movements to be painfully slow.
Yet the moment Steve moved in for the kiss, I felt myself propelled forward at lightning speed toward the door. I yanked my arm forcefully away from the hand that tried to stay me in my tracks. Nothing was stopping me from getting outside and telling Jordan what she and I already knew. She was my woman. I’d had enough of this nonsense.
What an idiot I had been over the past couple of weeks. Of course I could study and have a relationship with Jordan. Hadn’t I raised my brother single handedly while working a part-time job and going to school? And still I had aced my classes. Besides, Derek was growing up and leaving to go away to college soon. He simply didn’t need me as much. It was time to face that fact and start living life a little. Jared would learn to deal with it. I forced my way through the door with long purposeful strides, not stopping until I stood directly behind Steve.
“It’s time for you to go,” I said in a quietly menacing voice which brooked no argument.
“JT,” Jordan started. But I was beyond reach.
“Now. Or this is going to get really ugly, really fast.”
“Whoa.” Steve backed up an inch or two with his hands splayed outward in a defensive position. “I was just leaving. Jordan already made it clear to me that she isn’t interested.”
I hadn’t realized how tense I was until I heard the words come out of Steve’s mouth. I instantly felt myself relax; which is probably why I wasn’t prepared for the right hook that came crashi
ng into my jaw and left me splattered on the sidewalk a second later. Damn that had hurt. I ran my finger over my split lip and glanced up to find Jared towering over me, fists pumped and ready for more action.
“You bastard,” Jared yelled. “Since when have you been nailing my sister?”
“Back off, Jared,” Jordan yelled and came to kneel down next to me. She cradled my head in her hands and surveyed the damage. “You’re bleeding. Here. Put this tissue on it to stop the blood. That’s going to swell up like a balloon in a minute. We need to get you home and put ice on it.”
She stood up with her hands squarely on her hips and glared at her monstrously large brother. “What the hell do you think you’re doing Jared?”
“Get out of my way,” he said and would’ve shoved past her if Derek hadn’t stepped in and restrained him from behind. Jared was big but he was no match for Derek’s football build.
Leah stepped in front of Jared between us and laid her hand on his arm. “Jared. Stop!”
“Not now Leah.” Jared’s eyes were trained on me, but she held her ground and glared up at him.
“Enough,” I said, standing up and placing myself protectively in front of Jordan.
“Don’t be an ass, JT. I’m not going to hit my own sister. But I can’t promise the same about you.”
“Which is why you’re coming with me.” Derek pulled Jared away towards his Camaro. “You need to cool off before you’re going to be able to talk about this rationally.”
“I better see you two at home,” Jared called out while he struggled against Derek’s strong grip on his arm. “Let go, I got it.”
Leah walked over to Steve, who stood still as a statue in a semi-state of shock. “Let me walk you to your car Steve. Whew. Now that was intense—awesome date. Bet you want to do that again. Has anyone ever told you you’re a dead ringer for that guy in Pacific Rim?”
As they walked away, Jordan came around to stand in front of me and shook her head in disgust. I could feel my lip swelling and it throbbed like a son-of-a-bitch. Pulling the tissue away I tentatively touched it with my tongue. The blood had stopped flowing so it couldn’t be that bad. For some reason I wondered if I should’ve taken the beating from Jared because the fire shooting out of Jordan’s eyes meant there would still be hell to pay and I’d much rather take it at the hands of my best friend.
“What were you thinking storming out here and making a scene like that?” she demanded as her pointy index finger jabbed hard into my chest. “I’ve always thought you were a smart guy but tonight you proved you’re nothing but a dumb caveman.”
For a moment I considered setting her straight but then thought better of it. I had, in fact, acted like a dumb caveman. What had I been thinking? This was not the way I envisioned Jared learning about my feelings for Jordan. I’d mucked it up pretty bad. At least it was out in the open now and we would all be able to move on. Hopefully.
“I’m sorry, babe,” I said, pulling her rigid body into my arms. “You’re absolutely right.”
“Damn straight, I am,” she said forcefully, but the heat of her words were somewhat negated by the way she automatically snuggled her face into my chest. She was shaking. Whether it was from the cool night air on her exposed skin or the rush of what had just happened I wasn’t sure. But I wrapped my arms protectively around her and rested my head on top of hers. I could barely make out her next words, they were so soft.
“I thought he was going to kill you.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I chuckled as I pulled her face up by the chin to look at me. I knew she was serious but I couldn’t help my reaction. “I am bigger than Jared you know.”
“But he was fueled by anger.” Her shoulders jerked with a little shudder. “And you’re wracked with feelings of guilt. I was worried you might actually let him beat you up.”
“You might be right about that,” I sighed and kissed her on the head. I winced at the pain it caused, inhaling sharply. “My body thanks you for coming to my rescue. Your brother packs a damn good punch.”
“Come on,” Jordan said, grabbing my hand and heading towards her car. “Thank God both Grannie and my mom are home tonight. They’ll set Jared straight. Lord knows he won’t be in a mood to listen to me.”
Chapter Thirteen
The Confession
Jordan
“Don’t even go there.” I hissed at my brother over my shoulder upon entering our house, wisely deciding to move the argument into the kitchen and away from the concrete driveway. “You’re my brother. Not my father. How dare you try to tell me who I can or cannot date? If I fall in love with JT, it is none of your damn business.”
“He’s my best friend,” Jared yelled, clearly past the point of trying to reason with me. “You’re going to screw that all up if you try to date him. This isn’t just about you and what you want.”
“No, it’s not,” JT threw in, pulling up the rear of the group with Derek as we all entered the kitchen. “I think I have a say in this as well.” Derek just nodded his head in agreement.
Jared’s face contorted with anger as he glared at JT. “You’re supposed to be on my side here, JT. You stinking traitor.” He placed his hands on his hips to pause a moment while closing his eyes. “I can’t believe you want to date my sister. I mean, that’s just gross. You’re like her brother.”
A deep chuckle rumbled in JT’s chest at the absurd comment. He shoved his hand through his hair and it seemed like he wanted a shot at decking Jared. “Well I beg to differ. I promise you my feelings for Jordan are far from brotherly.”
Jared’s eyes popped wide open and he leaned forward, ready to lunge at JT again. Derek quickly placed himself between the two men. I was glad Derek was smart enough to know my mother would be pissed if we trashed her house. I violently shook my head at JT to knock it off. I had just convinced Jared that JT hadn’t nailed me yet. Why stir the pot? Jared’s biggest issue seemed to be his fear of losing JT as his best friend. As far as I was concerned Jared could still be JT’s best boy friend and I’d be his best girl friend. And I had no intention of messing it up with JT. I was keeping him for life.
“What in the world is going on in here?” Grannie demanded as she and my mom rushed into the kitchen from the basement. Grannie gasped at the sight of dried blood pooled on JT’s split bottom lip. It had grown to three times its normal size. “What happened to your lip?”
I pointed my finger at Jared, “He happened to it. Jared attacked JT out of nowhere.” I walked to the pantry to fetch a zip lock bag for ice.
“Whoa! I didn’t attack out of nowhere.”Jared said and then pointed a finger at JT. “He was acting like a jealous prick all night at the pool hall. And didn’t even try to deny that he totally has it bad for you. My sister. Come on Grannie, I know you have my back on this one. Mom? JT can’t date Jordan.” He paused to clear his throat and made a small gagging noise. “I mean, they’re like brother and sister.”
“Oh my,” Grannie sighed and hid her facial expression with her hand as she turned to share a knowing look with my mom. I smiled behind Jared’s back. I knew exactly what was going through Grannie’s mind. Jared would flip out if he knew Grannie was in cahoots with me to snag JT. Perhaps I should have sought Grannie’s advice on how to break the news to Jared lightly. It probably wouldn’t have mattered because I couldn’t have anticipated the guys crashing my date and JT losing his cool.
“See.” Jared turned to me with his hands planted squarely on his hips and his head bobbing back and forth with serious attitude. “I told you Grannie would see it my way. She’s going to totally set you two straight.”
Grannie and my mom burst out laughing and all eyes turned to stare at them in shock; everyone’s except for mine, of course. Jared was going to be sorely disappointed when he learned that the two women couldn’t be happier that JT and I were finally going to be a couple. I felt giddy with anticipation. Poor sucker.
“Jared, my love,” our mom said while wrapping h
er arms around him. Her head fit neatly into the crook of his shoulder. “I hate to disappoint you but you could not be further from the truth. Grannie and I are ecstatic that Jordan and JT are falling in love.”
“What?” The disgust dripping from his word was nearly visible. He reared back out of our mother’s arms. “Have you two lost your minds?”
My hand flew over my mouth. I could not believe he had just said that. Oh, crap. The shit was about to hit the fan. Nobody talked to my mother and Grannie that way. And Jared was no exception. It didn’t matter that he towered in height over the two women. He was going to wish he’d kept his fat trap shut. By the look of dread that came over his face, he was probably beginning to wish it already.
“You sit your butt down, boy.” Grannie glared at him and he immediately sat down, assuming a proper and respectful facial expression. “You think you can talk to me that way? Clearly you have lost your mind. Don’t you dare forget that I’ve got one foot in the grave and I have no problem cutting you out of my will if you keep up this childish behavior. I’ll give every last dime to your sister and JT. You just watch me.”
“And I’ll kick your butt out of this house so fast it’ll make your head spin,” our mom added with cocked brows. “You may think you’re an adult but you’re still my kid and I’ll treat you like one when you act like one.”
“I’m sorry,” Jared said and even managed to sound contrite. “I don’t know what came over me. It’s just been a shock I guess. Cut me a little slack. It’s not every day my own sister and best friend betray me.” The sullen look on his face must have tugged at our mother’s heart strings because I perceived a noticeable softening in her body language.
“Why do you consider this a betrayal?” our mother asked while rubbing Jared’s arm gently. “It shouldn’t change anything for you. You’re both grown men now with full-time schedules. You’ll still work out together and hang out when you have free time—which quite frankly isn’t often these days.”
Date Night (Wish Come True Book 1) Page 13
