Page 18 of Hero: Claimed

We talk more than I’ve probably ever conversed with anyone, especially without a beer or a pool cue in sight. We play-bicker over these ugly-ass frog salt and pepper shakers wearing a white veil and a black tux that she adores and I clearly don’t, but end up buying them for her anyway. That leads to the game where we each set out to find the ugliest thing in the market.

It’s a day spent laughing and finding out all the best likes and biggest dislikes each of us has to offer. Why didn’t anybody tell me it could be this good? In their defense, most of the brothers and all of the old ladies already did. Per my usual, I was to stupid and stubborn to listen.

Turns out Brinley’s amazing. But it’s those way-too-appraising-looks she’s getting from other men as she saunters past them wearing that sexy sweater and leggings that has me pulling her in deep until she’s plastered to my side. So what if it makes me look like a possessive asshole? She’s with me.Move along, fellas. Brin’s mine.

By the time we leave, I’ve got a dining table and four chairs, that once they’re refinished will look amazing, a rocker-recliner for Brin that’ll have to be recovered and she found an eggshell-colored, antique linen tablecloth.

Today has been one of the best days of my life.

7.

Brinley

When we reach the clubhouse, Levi calls up Blaze to come help us move the table and chairs inside the old garage. There’s a small section where he can work on fixing up the furniture as he finds the time. I feel self-conscious. Blaze keeps looking between Levi and me right up until they’ve moved the last chair inside.

Can he tell we’ve kissed?

I don’t want to embarrass Levi. It was the moment. I know that. I kissed him because that phone means more than he’ll ever realize. That’s why his reaction didn’t faze me. It was an automatic reaction to someone attacking his lips.

We’re walking to the entrance of the clubhouse when Duke’s gruff voice reaches us from behind us. Stopping short, Levi and I turn around. “’S’up, prez?” Levi calls over to the burly, tattoo-covered, mustachioed man.

“Jade’s party. C’mon over.” Then the man walks back inside through the white door.

“Jade?” I ask.

“Duke and Caity’s oldest. It’s her birthday.”

Oh… “Well, it was a nice day. Thank you.”

Levi glares at me like I said I worship Baldar, Emperor of Mars. “What?” He laughs.

“Didn’t he call you over? I was only saying I had a nice day. You know, trying not to keep you.”

“Bird, he means the both of us. We’re going together.”

“Bird?” I ask. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Short for ‘songbird.’ Brin, you’ve got a beautiful voice.” Is he serious? I mean, I know I don’t croak like a frog or anything, but does he really mean it? Does he really think I sing like a songbird? “I’ve heard you sing now four times and you blow me away every time.”

Wow. That’s incredibly sweet.

“Why would you think he’d want me at his daughter’s birthday party?”

“What do you mean,why? You’re my old lady, babe. It’s a family event and you’re family.”

I’m family?In my confusion, I miss Levi leaning in until his nose nuzzles the side of mine. It feels nice. Intimate. And then when he presses his lips to mine, so soft and so sweet, my stomach drops in the most pleasurable way possible.

“Okay,” I whisper against his lips. “I’ll go with you.”

It strikes me as we reach the side door to the blue house that we don’t have a present for the little girl. How awkward. Me showing up to a family event as if I belong there, and with no toy or anything? Suddenly, I feel sick to my stomach.

“What’s wrong?” Levi asks me. “You’re turning green.”

“We don’t have a gift and this is my first time showing to a family event and Levi… I really shouldn’t be going. You don’t have anything to prove—swear. Today you’ve been nicer to me than just about anyone else in my life. It’s okay. Go. Be with your friends.”

“Woman,” he says forcefully. “I’ve got something for her. Now get your butt in there.”

He’s not holding a package, but he does grab my upper arm, not hard, but enough to move me along with him. It’s actually kind of sweet that he wants me there. I’m not sure why. I’ve given him out after out and the guy refuses to take them.

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