Unsocial

by Dykes, Nicole

  Cassie and I usher Michael and Gabby out the door to walk the neighborhood. They’ve haunted it in years past, and between Michael and Cassie, they know exactly the best houses to hit. We all have a blast. As we walk the sidewalks and wait for our charges to collect candy, Cassie and I catch up on the last few days after her stunt on Saturday. She hasn’t seen Brent much, and Dylan has allowed Stacey to come over after school to hang out even though Cassie is grounded. I suspect it’s so she doesn’t get tempted to make crazy decisions anymore.

  When we’re at our last house, Gabby and Michael ring the doorbell, and the owner answers letting a little beagle pup run out to greet them. It winds itself around Gabby’s legs and jumps on her to be picked up. Gabby giggles. An actual joyful giggle. The pup continues its pleas to be picked up and even adds little whines and yips. Gabby’s giggle get louder and stronger as she kneels down, and it adds licking her all over to her entertainment. Cassie and I stand there stunned. I’ve never seen her like this, and from the look on Cassie’s face, it’s been way too long since she’s seen her this happy as well. The owner finally pulls the puppy away, and I notice how sad Gabby is to let it go, but she still has a smile on her face as we head back home.

  After I shed my costume and help tuck the younger kids into bed, it’s past 10. Then I’m left alone with Dylan. We sit in the same places as Saturday night. It’s so comfortable and easy, but there’s no mistaking the charge that’s all around us. “Thank you for tonight, Brooke. You have no idea how much this meant to them.”

  I smile feeling pleased, “I had a lot of fun. How did you and Luke do?”

  He nods looking surprised, “We had a good time too. He’s still pissed as hell, but he didn’t piss and moan nearly as much as I thought he would.”

  I laugh, “Oh, hey. I forgot to tell you about the last house we went to. I wish you could have been there. They had a puppy, and Gabby loved it. You should have seen her, Dylan. She was so happy playing with that puppy.”

  “Really? Did she say anything?” He asks hopefully.

  “No, but she giggled and let it lick her. For that brief period, she was like the little girl I picture her to be before the accident. I read something about how animals can be very therapeutic for trauma victims. Maybe you could get her pet?”

  He scratches his chin, “Yeah, maybe. That’s something I’ll have to think about.”

  “I’m free this Saturday. Maybe you and I could take her to adopt a dog?”

  He laughs, “So I only have until Saturday to think about this?”

  “Dylan, I think it would help her,” I say seriously.

  “You are really into this idea.”

  “I am. If you could have seen her reaction, you would believe in it too.” I urge.

  “Okay, sounds good. We’ll look, but I want to see this reaction of hers before I commit to owning a puppy.”

  Suddenly I have the best idea I think I’ve ever had. I grab my phone and call Paige. She mentioned earlier today about adopting a puppy this weekend. After she answers, I start right in. “Paige, it's Brooke. I wanted to ask you if I could borrow your puppy this week for a couple of hours?”

  “I guess you can, but what for?”

  I explain Gabby’s reaction to the puppy this evening. “I’m trying to talk her brother into getting her one, but he needs to see it for himself before he’ll get her a dog. Hold on a second.” I cover the phone and turn to Dylan.

  “What day can I bring the puppy by to show it to you and Gabby?”

  He shrugs his shoulders. “Thursday, I guess. We can meet you at your office after I pick her up from school.”

  “Perfect.” I turn back to the call with Paige. “He says he can come by the office on Thursday. Can you have it there after work?”

  She assures me she can pick it up, and Dylan and Gabby can meet it then. I know this is going to work. I look at him in triumph, “So, will you be picking me up about one on Saturday?”

  “By the look on your face, I guess I will be.”

  It’s now nearly 11, and I get up and head to the door. “I need to get home.” I stop to pull out his boxers and shirt from the other night. “Thank you for lending them to me. I washed them.”

  He grins, “That’s too bad, Brooke.”

  “Goodnight, Dylan.” I grin back. This man’s bad feels all kinds of right. I can’t even remember the last time I tried to shut down this thing that swirls in the air around us. It seems everyone else has taken up that cause while Dylan and I just continue to navigate the tension that seems to increase each time we’re together.

  “Bye, Brooke.”

  I walk out to my car knowing that Alex is going to be super pissed when I see her. But I’m secure in the fact that once again nothing we did today crossed the line. It just blurred it a little.

  Right?

  Chapter 17

  Dylan

  “Cassie, are you the one who threw up Halloween all over the front porch?” Jax asks coming into the kitchen. It’s been two days since Halloween, but Cassie and Gabby haven’t wanted to take the decorations down.

  “We all did it, Jax. Brooke came over for Halloween, and we decorated for the trick-or-treaters.” Michael supplies.

  Luke walks up to him, and they bump fists. “You should have seen her costume, man. Even I have to say it was hot.”

  “Costume? She dressed up for Halloween?” He asks.

  “Yup, picture this. Hot chick, tight-ass racing suit….”

  “Racing suit?”

  “And it even had Monroe Racing on it,” Luke adds proudly.

  That was easily the hottest fucking thing I have ever seen.

  Jax looks over at me, eyes squinted, and clearly wanting to say something. He doesn’t in front of the kids, though. I interrupt everyone’s replay of Tuesday night. “Okay, everyone out the door. Michael, don’t forget that you’re going home with Mrs. West.”

  “I remember, you’re taking Gab to see Brooke,” He answers. Last night I had a talk with Luke, Cass, and Michael about taking Gabby to Brooke’s office to watch her interact with a puppy for therapy. They all agreed it would be a good idea. While everyone gathers up books, I slide a cup of coffee to Jackson and refill my cup. By the way he’s looking at me, I can tell we’re fixing to have another ‘Brooke’ conversation, and it’s going to be one I’m not going to be too happy to have.

  The garage door closes, and he wastes no time. He places his untouched cup heavily on the island and then he rounds the island. I won’t back up and show weakness, and I’m not anticipating anything physical. This is just Jackson’s way of intimidation or making a point.

  I jump in first. “What?” My tone is all kinds of defensive.

  “I don’t even know where to fuckin start. So, what she just shows up with a Halloween costume for her weekly visit? What social worker does that?” He keeps his voice low and steady, but I can tell he’s on the edge. Seeing as how I’m already on the defensive, not to mention the fact that I’m sick and tired of his attitude and constant bitching at me on this subject, I just go all in.

  “No, as a matter of fact she didn’t just show up with a costume. I asked her to help me Tuesday night. She showed up with a costume and decorations for the kids. And you know the rest. It’s not a big deal, so for the last fucking time just drop it.” I turn to the sink to rinse dishes and load the dishwasher.

  “Dylan, man, I think it’s a bigger deal than you’re letting on.”

  “Yeah, and how’s that?” I turn back to stare at him.

  Dead seriously he scares the shit out of me. “I think you’re falling for her.”

  “Fuck you, Jackson. You know me better than that. I want to fuck her not marry her.”

  “You sure about that, because from where I’m standing you’re acting like a fool in love. Hanging out, cooking dinner with the kids, decorating houses, trick-or-treating with the kids, it’s like you guys are playing house. The list is long and getting longer. I heard Michael say something about
meeting her after work to see a puppy for Gabby. Since when do you need your social worker to buy a fucking dog?”

  I do not like what he’s insinuating. There’s no fucking way I’m in love with Brooke. I don’t want or need to fall in love with anyone, and he knows this about me. I need to shut this shit down. “What the fuck are you talking about? A woman she works with is bringing in a puppy so I can see how Gabby responds to it. Brooke said it might be therapy for Gabby, and I’ll do anything to get her back to normal.”

  “Dylan, you can deny this bullshit all you want, but there’s something there. More than just wanting to fuck her. And you need to figure your shit out real quick. You’re risking everything for this girl, and you better make sure she’s worth it. You’ve got four fucking kids depending on you not to screw up, or they’re going into foster care.”

  “I have no idea why the hell you’re even saying this shit. You’ve totally lost it. So I like hanging around with her and so do the kids. She just happens to be hot as hell, but that doesn’t mean I want anything more than to fuck her.”

  He laughs and walks closer to where I’m standing in front of the sink and with all seriousness asks, “If that’s true, then you wanna tell me about the Roadrunner?”

  Play stupid.

  I huff out a confused laugh. “What about it? It’s a fucking car.”

  He clenches his jaw and grabs the edge of the counter before looking at me and shaking his head. He keeps his voice low and measured like he’s trying to make me understand something simple, and I’m just not getting it. “Dylan, you don’t buy some girl’s damn dream car just to fuck her.”

  “What the hell, man? I did not buy that car for her. I thought she might like seeing one restored, but it has nothing to do with her.”

  Yeah, I bought it with Brooke in mind, because I know when she sees it restored it will make her smile, and I love her smile. Just a little sappy there, man. See her smile? Really? Shouldn’t all I be wanting is to hear her scream my name a few times?

  He doesn’t say anything for a few moments as I continue putting breakfast shit away. I can feel him watching me, and I know he’s thinking hard about something. Finally, he breaks the silence. “You need to fuck her.”

  What. The. Hell. I turn to face him. “Excuse me?”

  “Yeah. You need to fuck her. Just fucking do her and get on with your life. You’re right, I know Dylan Monroe. It’s all about the pussy for you, and for some reason you aren’t giving up until you get some of hers, so just do it. But you better make sure she understands and is okay with it. Don’t for a second forget who she is.” I stare at him stunned. Maybe this is some reverse psychology bullshit. “Don’t look at me like that man. Just fuck her and move the hell on. Hell, I’ll even keep the kids for a few hours while you do your thing.” He laughs. “Just roll your usual way, and then it’s over.”

  He claps his hands together like he’s signaling the end of the discussion. “So the reason I stopped by is to see if you want to go the Chief’s game on Sunday.”

  I have absolutely no idea what I’m supposed to respond to right now, but if it shuts down the first topic, I’m all for the change. “Fuck, yeah. You have tickets?”

  “You know it. On the 45 and 30 rows up. I figure we could take Luke too. I’ve got four tickets from Mr. Henderson. He liked how we finished out his car, and just wanted to show appreciation. I’ve already asked Trevor, and he said yes.”

  I give him a, what the fuck, look. “Trevor?”

  He nods. “We’ve been hanging out some. I’ve been to a couple of his jam sessions. He’s good people.”

  No, he fucking is not. He wants to fuck Brooke. “Your call man. It’s fine by me. I know Luke will be excited.” I grab my keys, and he follows me out the door to head to work. I’m stoked about the Chiefs’ game, just not so much about spending time with one of Brooke’s ex, whatever the hell he was. I don’t like that he wants to start something with her while he’s in town. I also can’t stand the fact that they have history and have had for a long time. What sucks the most is that he’s the safer bet, and it would be easier for her to be with him and not me. But what I hate more is why all this gets me as worked up as it does. I just know Brooke is going to be mine, well for at least a night.

  The day passes pretty uneventfully. I’m really happy with the way our business has taken off. Kansans seem to like their cars and bikes just as much as Oklahomans, and we’ve picked up customers from Missouri as well. I should never have doubted that we would make this shop as successful as our first one. It’s also good to know that things in Oklahoma are running just as smoothly as when we left. Jackson’s no bullshit factor has pretty much made sure we hire the right people. My good ole boy charm just makes sure we have repeat customers who like to spread the word.

  At 3:00 I pack it in and head to pick up Gabby. We’re meeting Brooke at 3:30 since she has a meeting with a client at 4:30. She has assured me through multiple texts that I’m going to be amazed by Gabby with a puppy. I damn sure hope she’s right. I just hate that everyone except Gabby seems to be getting better, and I’m out of ideas how to help her. She’s already waiting for me outside the school with her teacher when I pull up. After she’s buckled in the back, I ask her, “You ready to see a puppy, Gab?” She looks up at me and meets my eyes in the rear-view mirror and smiles. I have to admit it’s the biggest smile I’ve seen on her yet. That’s a good sign at least.

  When we enter the building, I immediately spot Brooke talking to another woman. I have to take a moment just to take her in. She’s laughing at something they’re talking about and just looks so goddamn sexy. Call me a bitch, but she takes my breath away, and that’s something I’ve never associated with a woman. Jax is right. I just need one night of fucking this girl out of my system, and I can’t understand why she thinks she needs to fight it. One fucking night, no one has to know, and we can go right back to the social worker and client.

  Gabby releases my hand and walks straight up to Brooke and grabs her leg leaving me to follow. More and more she’s relaxing around Brooke, and I guess she’s opening up. I’m curious to see how she’s going to react to the puppy. Brooke kneels down in front of her and gives her a loose hug and Gabby returns the affection. Then Brooke stands back up and looks up at me giving me that smile that I see every fucking time I close my eyes.

  “Hey, you guys ready to meet Boomer?” she says excitedly. Gabby gives a small bounce on her feet and nods her head before looking around expectantly for the puppy. “Okay, follow me.”

  She takes Gabby’s hand and guides her to a conference room. As soon as the door closes, our feet are attacked by a black and white pup, that I couldn’t identify as a certain type of breed if I tried. My little sister is instantly beside herself. She’s on the floor being licked, slobbered, and climbed on. She is obviously in whatever it is she considers a happy place. She is even laughing out loud, not the same little girl who’s been so silent for the last few months.

  Brooke slips her hand into mine, and I squeeze hers back. We’re both caught up in the miracle that is Gabby emerging from her silent shell. Soon Boomer settles down in Gabby’s lap, and she begins to sing softly to him. It’s soft enough that we’re unable to hear words, maybe she’s even humming, but she is making noise from her mouth other than the grunts, moans, or growls that we’re used to. I know right then that we’re going to be adding a dog to our family.

  Brooke gives me a tug and motions for me to follow her to a corner of the room. “Dylan, we have to get her a puppy.”

  “I know. There’s no question about it. So I guess we’re definitely on for Saturday.”

  She gives me a sheepish smile. “About that. I knew you weren’t going to be able to say no, so I did a little research. There’s a lady who has therapy dogs that she trains herself. I called her and explained Gabby’s situation. She has the perfect pup. He’s six months old, and we can meet her Saturday to see it.”

  I feel a place in my chest squeez
e a little. I’m not sure what the sensation is, but what’s going on in my mind is crazy. I slip my arm around her waist and pull her to me looking down into her eyes. “You did that for Gabby?”

  “Of course, I want her to have the best.”

  I can’t help it. She’s in my arms feeling so soft and good. She’s clearly shown that she cares for my family. I want to kiss her, and I’m not even thinking about the fact that we’re in a room at her work with my little sister so close. I just lean down and kiss her. I automatically seek entrance, and she gives it. I guess both of us are caught up in the same moment. Just like at the club, I can’t get close enough to her. Every damn time I’m near her or every time I fucking see her, I want more; more of her time, more of her body. I haven’t wanted to kiss a woman in years. Haven’t wanted that kind of intimacy. But with Brooke, I can’t get enough of kissing her. Jackson’s words from this morning briefly move through my mind. Am I falling?

  No. Falling for Brooke isn’t possible. I just want to sleep with her, maybe a couple of times, but I’m betting that once will do the trick. Once has always been enough. I just need to remember this. I need to dial things back from emotional connections to physical with her.

  I lift my lips from hers. Immediately I want to taste her again, but I need to stop this kissing and remember that kissing is off limits. I don’t miss the whimper when I draw back, and I both welcome it and hate it. “Thank you, Brooke.”

  She’s about to say something when there’s a knock on the door. We both step back further when it opens. Her coworker, Paige, steps in. “How’s it going in here?”

  I notice the blush on Brooke’s skin, and her voice is a breathy version of her normal. “Everything is wonderful, Paige. Thanks again for bringing in Boomer for us.”

  “Yeah, I would like to thank you as well.” I approach her and hold my hand out in greeting. “I’m Dylan Monroe, and this is my little sister, Gabby.” She’s seriously checking me out.