Page 102 of Hard Knock Hero

But Harper had a wild side like Madison. With Jessi in the mix, there was no telling what those three women would get up to once they’d joined forces.

“Then Jessi must really be special,” Jake said.

“She’s…everything.”

Jake’s eyebrows lifted. He and I didn’t look much alike, especially given that smile Jake usually wore, but otherwise our facial expressions were spot on.

“I tried to drive away from her, and I couldn’t. I’ve rarely needed anyone but myself in my life—”

“No kidding,” Jake interrupted.

“But I need her. I’m falling for her. I’m going to try to make this work. ” I crossed my arms. “Lay it on me. Tell me I’m stupid, falling for a woman I’ve known less than a week.”

Jake stuck his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall next to me. “I can’t do that. I fell for Harper just as quickly when we met in high school. Took us a very long time to figure things out. But when you’ve found your perfect match, your heart has a way of telling you. And you’d be a fool to let that go.”

“Thanks.” My older brother and I had never been very close, but I had the feeling that was changing. I was glad for his approval. And his advice, even if I’d never welcomed it before.

“When are you bringing her back to West Oaks?” Jake asked. “If you need help getting her settled, you know we’ll all be there for you.”

“Uh, no. I’m moving back to Hartley with Jessi. Permanently.” The idea was still solidifying in my head, but I had no doubts that I wanted this. I’d have to get my stuff moved out of the house I shared with my roommates. Pack up thirty years’ worth of life in California. It was worth it, but it was still going to be a headache. Hopefully Jessi would come with me. I wanted to show her around West Oaks. Romance her on the beach.

Jake’s expression froze. He blinked at me. “Mom is going to flip out.”

I pressed my hands to my eyes. “I know. I can start putting out feelers about an executive chef to replace me. I’ll run the interviews over Zoom if I have to. I won’t leave Mom in the lurch.”

Jake grabbed my shoulder. “Are you kidding? I’m not talking about the company. Mom is going to demanddetails. Like Jessi’s life story and proposed wedding dates for the two of you.”

Oh, jeez. He was right. “Jessi needs to take things slow on that front.”

“News flash, but moving to another state to be with her? Introducing her to this circus? Not moving all that slow.” Jake laughed at my expression. “I’m happy for you, man. Amazed that you found a woman who could stand you, but really, really happy.”

“Yeah. Me too.” I chuckled. “On both counts.”

* * *

I had to head back to the kitchen. The wedding dinner was in just a few hours. And now that we were all caught up and running like the well-oiled machine that I usually expected in my kitchen, I didn’t need Jessi as an extra set of hands.

I hoped she was enjoying herself and that my family was taking it easy on her.

As soon as the last entrée was out of the kitchen, I wrapped things up with my team. The servers still had to do cake, coffee, and dessert, but that wasn’t my domain. I was off the clock. I hurried to take a shower and change my clothes.

The moment I stepped into the ballroom where they were holding the reception, I saw my beautiful girl. Her dark hair fell around her shoulders, and her eyes were accentuated with liner. She was wearing a long, shimmery black dress that hugged her curves. She looked absolutely incredible. I was stunned all over again.

Jessi’s eyes landed on me, and she looked even more gorgeous as she smiled.

But before I could reach her, my parents accosted me. I gave them each a hug, and my mom scrutinized me like she always did. Her gray-blond hair was styled up in a twist, and her dress blinded me with glittery sequins. “Aiden. We need to talk.”

“Yes, Mom. We will. I have a lot to share.” I’d already planned to spend all day tomorrow with my family. I would break the news about my move to Colorado. Jessi could either join me or hide in the hotel room. I preferred the first, but I was fine with either. “Sorry I was late,” I added. But my mother’s frown told me I wasn’t forgiven for that yet. I probably owed her a few more details. Maybe omitting the fact that I’d gotten arrested.

“Jessi’s lovely,” my dad said. He was the peacemaker of the family.

“I know.”

Mom sighed. “That’s all you’re going to say? Impossible as ever, aren’t you?”

Dad leaned into her and said, “We should let him off the hook. Just for tonight.”

“I guess I can be merciful. We’ll talk, second son of mine.Tomorrow.”

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