It’s the last Thursday of the month, and that means I also had to meet with the judge and Janice about the Monroes. The judge seriously hates Dylan, and now that I know why I have no respect for him. It was hard to sit there with him and tell him everything positive just to have him sneer or roll his eyes in disbelief at anything good Janice, and I said about Dylan. I did, however, get the courage to ask him to reconsider the full year. He said he would, but I won't hold my breath.
At 7, I finally decide to call it a day, and as soon as I make it to the parking lot I see Dylan's car parked near mine. I hear my phone ring, and I answer it when I see its Dylan, "Hello?"
"Follow me."
I bite my lip, "Okay." This must be about the text I received earlier asking me when I would be getting off work.
I follow Dylan for about 15 minutes out of town to a rural area. He turns to go down a gravel road. As I follow him, the anticipation is killing me, because I have no idea what he’s up to. Finally, he pulls off the road and into some trees. There isn’t a house or sign of any traffic. The sun is almost down. We both get out of our cars, and I hurry over to him unable to hide my excitement. "What are we doing out here?"
He wraps his arms around my waist and looks out at the sunset. "I missed you and didn't want to have to wait until late tonight for you to sneak into my room to be with you.”
My day doesn’t seem so bad anymore. "I’ve missed you too." I look around at the abandoned land, "How did you know about this place?"
"Cruising with my friends in high school. We used to come out here and drink beer."
He gives me a quick peck on my lips then releases me. Reaching inside his car, he pulls out a blanket and hands it to me to spread before reaching back in and grabbing a pizza box, two solo cups, and two bottles of beer. "I know we can't stay too long, but I wanted dinner with you, and not have to wait on every other Tuesday night.”
Lying on the ground with our beer and pizza on a beautiful Kansas spring evening, I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be than here. “This is perfect.”
He nods, "I always wanted to live in the country. It would be nice to lay in bed and not hear an ambulance or your neighbors."
I lean my head on his shoulder, "I've never lived anywhere other than the city. Hard to believe somewhere this beautiful is only a 15-minute drive outside of the city."
He smiles, "So how was your day?"
"It sucked until you came along and rescued it.”
"Well, I'm glad I could help. Anything you can talk about?"
“Even if I could I wouldn’t want to. This is our date, Dylan, and I’m not going to let my work spoil our time together.” The only thing I can tell him about is the meeting with the asshole judge, but I don't want to get his hopes up. “I now know why social workers can get burned out.”
He looks concerned by that, "But you love it. And they’re all fucking lucky to have you.”
I feel a sense of pride when he says that. "I'm not quitting. It’s just that days like today make me understand the high burnout rate in this profession. It’s hard to help people who don’t want to help themselves or hate you for wanting to help them.”
He takes a sip of his beer, "I can't even imagine."
“Enough about my day. How was yours?”
"Not much better. Too many fuckups out in the garage. The guys at my shop are normally great at their jobs, but shit, today I contemplated sending them all home."
After we finish eating, he moves everything out of the way and pulls me down next to him
"I think maybe I have a little country girl in me. First the lake cabin and now this place. Or it could be the company.”
He laughs and gives me a quick kiss. Laying back on the blanket wrapped up in each other we discuss some of our hopes and dreams. He seems interested and supportive of everything I say which seems so different than my relationships with Adam or Will. With them, hopes and dreams were all about what they wanted. With Dylan, it’s more about what we want, together.
I feel a drop of water hit my nose, then feel another one drop on my forehead. “Oh, shit. What was that I said about being a country girl?”
We both jump up and start grabbing stuff to throw in the trunk of Dylan’s car before climbing in the cramped back seat. By now it’s pouring, and we’re both soaked from just the few minutes outside.
I grin up at him, “This is cozy.”
“And it’s about to get a lot more cozy.” He slouches as far as he can in the seat letting me straddle him. His lips meet mine hot and wet. He kisses me into oblivion started at my mouth and working kisses down my neck. I slide my hands underneath his shirt to explore the hills and valleys that make up the muscles of his abdomen and chest. He begins to peel away my clothes, and with each piece, his mouth heats my skin. Every touch, every kiss, every whisper drives away the lows of a bad work day leaving in their wake the highs of ecstasy.
Slowly we come back to ourselves with gentler caresses and slower kisses, savoring the tail end of our lovemaking. As our breath returns to normal, we breathe each other in. I lean back just slightly and frame his face. “I love you.” Just three simple words; my promise, my declaration.
I felt it for a while but had no intention of saying it so soon because I don’t want to scare Dylan away. He looks like he is about to say something, and I grab his hand, "Please don't say it back. I didn't say it to make you say it. I said it because I truly love you, and I'm happy with you."
He places his forehead on mine and closes his eyes, and then exhales before he whispers, "You know I care deeply about you."
"Yes, I do. And that's enough for me."
He grasps my face in his hands, and I think he might say it, but he gives me a kiss, "I don't want to, but I think we should head back."
I nod, "Yeah, we probably should.”
Since the rain has stopped, we climb out and finish fixing our clothes. He walks me to my car and kisses me slowly and sweetly, reverently. It is different in many ways than any other kiss he’s given me before. I wasn’t expecting to return the words, but his actions say what he’s too afraid to voice, he loves me too.
For now, I’ll love him harder.
Chapter 33
Dylan
I love you. I lean my head back against the headrest and picture Brooke’s face. I love you. This is only the millionth time those words have run through my mind since driving away from Brooke 30 minutes ago. They were both soothing as well as terrifying to hear. I love you. Should I have said it back? No. She said not to say it back. But why? Did I want to say it back? Do I love Brooke? I love you. Those are three words that I’ve never said to another person. I don’t remember saying them to my mother. I never said them to my father. Hell, I’ve never even told my brothers and sisters that I love them. Do I even know what love is?
I lift my head and stare at the wall of the garage in front of me like the answer to all these questions are going to magically appear, and if they did, then what? Fuuuck. All I wanted to do is see Brooke after having a shitty day at work because just being around her grounds me. Suddenly what sucks isn’t so bad anymore. Is that love? No. That can’t be it. But I’ve had this reoccurring picture of coming home to her, telling her about my day, sharing good things and bad things. Those thoughts scare me a little, okay they scare the shit out of me.
When she told me she loved me tonight, I froze. I know I care about her. I know I don't want to be with anyone else, and I sure as hell don't want her with anyone but me. But I don’t know if that means love either, even though I’ve never had these jealous or possessive thoughts for anyone else in my life. Again, is that love? What the fuck is love? What does love feel like? Am I seriously so fucked up that I don’t know an emotion that billions of people feel for someone else every day?
I shake my head and enter the house. Okay, so I couldn’t say it. Luckily I have a kickass girlfriend who knows how difficult it is for me to say the words and didn’t force it; she didn’t even expe
ct it. Hell, she told me not to say it. There’s not a man alive who’s that fucking lucky.
From the kitchen, I see the glow of the television in the living room. Since it’s after 10 and a school night, I’m a little curious. All the kids have their own televisions, so I have to wonder who the hell it could be. When I approach the back of the sectional, I’m surprised to see two heads, and when they hear me coming in, they jump away from each other. Interesting. I flip the light, and wouldn’t you know it, Cassie and a boy. Go fucking figure.
She looks totally freaked out while I stand there with one eyebrow raised waiting on what I hope is a damn good explanation. Because shouldn’t this little shit be home at ten on a school night? "Dylan! I thought you were going to be out late."
I glance at the clock on the wall and then back at her, "It's after 10, Cass. It’s late.”
My attention goes to her little friend on the couch. I'm feeling a little froggy anyway. Needless to say, I’m ready to jump. Until I get a look at him, then, Holy shit. This kid has about as much game as my baby brother, probably less, because Michael is a Monroe. He can't be too much older than Cassie. He's a scrawny kid with glasses, and he looks like he’s about ready to shit his pants. The exact opposite of that prick, Brent. Still, this isn’t good. I look at Cass, "Who is this?"
Cassie grabs the kid’s hand and stands to pull him with her. "This is Austin, my boyfriend."
Austin stands next to her frozen stiff, and I almost laugh watching his Adam’s apple bob in his skinny neck. This is way better than catching them in her room nearly naked. This kid is going to be way too scared to be making any moves. Cassie dating him isn’t going to be a bother at all.
I hold out my hand, "I'm Dylan, Cassie’s older brother."
He holds out a shaky hand and manages a weak, clammy handshake, "N-n-nice, to meet you, sir."
I grin and look at Cass, "No boys in the house when I'm not home unless you ask me first, understood?"
She nods, "Sorry, we just finished watching a To Kill a Mockingbird for English. I tried to call you, but you weren’t answering. We needed to get it done for tomorrow.” Must have been when Brooke and I were laying on the blanket eating our dinner and….. No time for that now.
I shrug because by the looks of this kid I believe this story, but I do have a question for him, “Your parent’s let you stay out this late on a school night?”
He nods nervously, "Yes sir, they know I’m here. I have to be home by 11.” His voice is cracking wider than the San Andres Fault.
“Well, if you two are done with the movie, it’s probably time to head home. It’s about 10:30.”
“Yes, sir. It was nice to meet you, sir.” Shit, he really needs to stop with the sir. He’s making me feel 46 instead of 26. I just nod and smile at the poor kid as Cassie walks him to the front door. She gives him a kiss on the cheek while he stands there looking scared as hell. Then he fumbles for the door knob and practically runs out. I want to laugh so badly.
Cassie walks happily back over to me, "Thanks for being so cool. I thought you were going to flip out like last time.”
“Last time you were in your room and not a lot of clothes were involved,” I remind her. She grimaces at the unfortunate memory. But I’m not about to tell her that I’m not worried about this boy. No way, I like this kid just fucking fine. He’s still a teenage boy and will be on my radar, just not as much as her other punk boyfriend. “Just remember to check with me before bringing him home. And for God’s sake don’t take him to your room. He seems like a good kid.”
She lights up, "Oh he is! He's a freshman and just turned 16. He’s in choir and English with me. He was held back in kindergarten because of some health reasons.”
Well, shit. Now I feel bad for thinking that he’s scrawny and has no game.
I grin, "You better get to bed."
She gives me a quick hug before heading to her room, then turns back. “Dylan, can I invite him to dinner Tuesday night? I really want him to meet Brooke."
I nod, "Sure, just make sure he gets here after the meeting."
After she’s gone, I snag a beer and take their spot on the couch to flip through channels. Nothing registers except Brooke’s voice, I love you.
When the front door opens at 11:30 I look up to see Luke coming in. "What the hell? I thought you were in your room."
He shakes his head and gives me a smartass answer, "I'm gonna be in just a minute."
I rub my temple, this kid. "I thought we talked about this, 9:30 on school nights, Luke. It’s 11:30. Curfew is 11:30 on weekends.”
"Well, tomorrow's Friday, so it's practically the weekend."
Swear to God….
I try like hell to remain as calm as possible, "You have what, less than a month left of school, and then this summer I’ll give you midnight. Just obey the 9:30 curfew until then. Next school year we’ll talk about a new one.”
He acts like he's thinking it over, "Deal."
Damn, another Brooke tactic worked, negotiation. “Alright, go to bed.”
He heads downstairs, and I sit back pretty pleased with myself for that one. I’m getting this parenting thing down.
After another beer, I shut down the TV and head to bed after checking on Gabby and Michael. With the two older ones surprising me tonight it wouldn’t hurt to double check.
I'm in a damn good mood Tuesday afternoon when I answer the door for Brooke. I answer the door with a wicked grin planted firmly on my face, and there she stands in a pair of cutoff jeans and a t-shirt with her own sexy little grin. Goddamn, my girlfriend is hot. I’d like to drag her to the garage and dirty up the hood of my Camaro, but everyone’s waiting.
I grin, "Hey, babe.” My voice is just loud enough for her ears only.
“Hey, yourself.” Then she bites that bottom lip. She knows that shit drives me crazy.
Just a few more months, I remind myself. We can do this.
I want to kiss her sweet lips right now, but I resist and change the direction of my thoughts. “I met Cassie's new boyfriend."
She laughs. Shit, she already knows. "I know, Cassie said you caught them watching TV in the dark and didn’t even freak out.”
“Wait until you meet him, and you'll see why."
She gives me a curious look, "Why?"
And I give her a secretive smile, "Just trust me."
She’s dying to ask me questions, but my baby sister comes flying into the foyer to pull her to the living room.
All the usual suspects in all the usual places and all the usual protocol. Boom, we’re done. Pretty much everyone is feeling spring fever and is ready for the end of school. Michael rants on about the summer reading program; Gabby wants to swim, Cassie is ready for cheer camp, and Luke is wanting to clock time as much as possible at the shop. He’s already started work on two of Shriller’s bikes that he’ll be taking on his European tour.
She and Luke discuss what’s going on at the shop for a while. I’m only half way listening because I’m burning away her clothes with my stare right now. “You excited about prom?” She finally asks him.
He nods and grins. “Yeah, and I might need to talk to you about some flower thing.” Holy fucking shit! It’s a good goddamn thing I’m sitting, or my ass would be on the floor. She’s accomplished the fucking impossible and won my shithead brother over.
Cassie says, "He's going with Morgan Pearson, the prettiest girl in school."
Brooke shakes her head, smiling, "Is she the girl you were with at the birthday party?"
He shakes his head, "Nope, a different one."
Michael chimes in, "Told ya she wouldn't last long.”
Luke looks at Michael, "Too many hot girls at school to save all this awesomeness for just one, little man. You’ll see.”
Brooke laughs again. God, I love that laugh. “Alright, we need to get dinner going so go do your thing.” She dismisses the bunch, but Cassie hangs back.
She knows Cassie is about to burst with the need to talk,
"Austin is coming over for dinner. I can't wait for you to meet him. You're going to love him!" She squeals.
"I’m sure I will, and now your brother and I need to get cooking, and you need to get ready for him.”
“Oh and Jax is coming too, so don't forget to make enough food."
Brooke looks a little worried when she says that, "Jax is coming to dinner to meet your new boyfriend?"
Is she worried about being around Jax? She was just with him for the day at the races, and everything was fine. I’m the one who was a fucking wreck.
Cassie nods, "Well, Jackson’s like another big brother. I want him to meet him. I want him to meet the whole family."
Luke pipes up from the stairs, “This is going to be fun." Brooke and I shoot him a warning glare. He holds up his hands in surrender, “Just saying, Jax is a scary mo-fo.”
In the kitchen, I grab Brooke and kiss her like I’ve wanted to since she walked in. It doesn’t last near as long as I would like, but at least, I get to taste her.
Instead of starting to cook she places one hand on her hip, "Jax is meeting Cassie's boyfriend tonight?"
I get a pan out to bake marinated chicken breast cooking. "Yeah, she wanted him to meet him. Why are you worried?”
"Uh, because he’s intimidating, and I don’t want him to scare off her boyfriend this soon. Just the five of us would scare somebody, but add Jax and that’s a whole new level of ‘oh, shit.’ And if he’s anything like that Brent kid, Jackson may not be very nice at all.”
I laugh at that. "What has Cassie told you about Austin?"
"Everything, it's Cassie. She says he's smart, funny, sweet, and cute. I also know what they ate for lunch at school."
I laugh again, "Trust me, it won't be a problem, and I'll keep Jax at bay. It'll be a fun dinner."
She raises her eyebrow at me, "Okay, what is going on? You seem way too okay with this boy.”
I’m about to give her an answer that won’t spoil the surprise when Jax walks through the kitchen door. He claps his hands together, "Alright, where is the little fucker and what's the plan? We going for subtle intimidation or scare the living shit out of him?”
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