Page 25 of Jet

“What did you want to say?” I ask him.

“I was just wondering if you’ve spoken to your mom and-”

“Brian,” I interject. “My mom and Brian.”

He smiles at me, looking relieved. “Stella was wondering if you wanted to invite them for dinner or something?”

“That’s a really sweet idea, but they are no longer going to be a part of my life. They’ve done the bare minimum since I was about five years old. Before the visit where they told me that you are my dad, I hadn’t seen them in four years.”

“OK, we both wanted you to know that we don’t expect to replace them if you don’t want us to.”

“I do want you to.” I decide to get it all out there. “I want this. All I’ve ever wanted is to be a part of a proper family. Max and I did our best, and we will always be brothers no matter what, but he has Bron, Bron’s family, and his hockey guys. I want to have you. I want to do things like have a birthday cake for the first time and get a present. I’m excited about Stella’s Christmas stocking. Although, Fizz did tell me to keep anything that I might not want a personal cover for hidden. I don’t really know what he means by that.”

To my surprise, Kenny just goes red. “I think Booker can explain that one.” He laughs uncomfortably.

“You’ll always have us, Nicky. I know I only found out about you a few weeks ago, but I love you, kid. I love all three of my boys, and in an ideal world, you will all stay close by.” He stops walking. “No matter what happens, we’re your family now.”

I smile, and we carry on and catch up with the others. I can’t help but run it through my head. No matter what, we’re your family now. Was he trying to tell me something? Was it his way of giving the okay for me and Booker? Or was that himempasizing that we’re all a family now, so I shouldn’t be thinking that way about Booker? I don’t know. It’s all fucking confusing.

Why did Booker have to be my stepbrother? He could have been just any regular biker member.

Although, with Kenny being the president, that probably still would have held me back.

Maybe the stepbrother thing isn’t an issue.

Maybe it’s me.

Maybe I just don’t know how to give someone my heart.

Chapter twelve

Booker

“Nicky, how do you feel about us getting you completely drunk and then asking you a bunch of embarrassing and invasive questions?” Tony says with an evil smile.

Nicky grins. “I’d rather you didn’t, thank you for asking first, I guess.”

“Okay, how about we play spin the bottle instead?”

“Not a fucking chance.” There is no way I want to risk someone else landing on Nicky. I don’t want to watch anyone else make out with him. I don’t think I’d let anyone else make out with him.

We had a really great ride a couple of days ago. I got to take him to my favorite place and just talk and be with each other. Nicky also had a great time looking at my ass.

“You’re not being very fun, you know,” Toni pouts.

Jet and Fizz arrive and sit down at our table, distracting me from making a comeback.

“What’s the plan for tonight? I’m thinking shots?” Fizz practically bounces with glee.

Nicky looks at me. “Why is everyone trying to get me drunk today?”

“Booker is horny, and we’re trying to make it easier for him.” Jet smacks Fizz around the head.

“Don’t be gross, dude. Consent is sexy,” Jet tells him. “But seriously, are we getting fucked up tonight?”

“I could get a little sloppy,” Nicky grins. “I have no scheduled web designs or extracurriculars tomorrow.”

“I could have a few drinks,” I say, grinning at him.

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