Page 68 of Bad Habit
“Oh.” She frowned a little.
“But you’ll love him. He’s great, really. He just takes his time to decide what to say, who to talk to, who to trust.”
“And your younger brothers?”
“Shane’s next, then Nick. Nick may be the youngest, but since he turned fifteen, he’s been the biggest. He’s about four inches taller than me.”
“But you’re so tall.”
“He’s taller. And bigger.”
“Eats too much?”
“No. Well, he eats a shitload, but he’s muscular. Built like a weightlifter, except that he doesn’t do anything like that. He was just genetically destined to be strong and big. Our mom’s father was a big guy, too, so I’ve heard. But he was mean. A fighter.”
“And Nick’s not?”
“Nah. His size is so intimidating, he doesn’t need to fight. He’s a teddy bear, really. And he’s met a girl.” I smiled, thinking of how vulnerable Nick had been when Jade rejected all his apologetic gestures. “I think he’s in love.”
She rubbed her body against mine. “You skipped over Shane.”
“Shane.” What could I say. “He used to be fun, the one up for mischief—and he’d take a bullet for any one of us. We’re all loyal, but Shane…” I shook my head, thinking about how he’d done hard time rather than turning in Nick. “He’s a great guy, but he’s got problems.”
“What kind of problems?”
“Addiction problems.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“We’re trying to get him help.”
“And you and your brothers are all in business together.”
“Yup.”
“That must be so nice.”
“In some ways, sure.”
“How did you know it was what you wanted to do?” she asked.
“Working with my brothers?”
“That, and being an importer. How did you choose it?”
“I didn’t reallychooseit. Family business.”
“But you enjoy it.” Her hand circled my abs.
I drew a long breath. “You know… Not really. I mean, I like dealing with people, and solving problems. I love that aspect of my business. And I like that it’s not routine or boring, but lately…” My voice trailed off. This was headed into dangerous territory.
I was an accomplished massager of truth when it came to negotiating deals, but I didn’t like lying to Faith. Not about things that were real. Not about me.
“Lately what?” She looked up at me, eagerly anticipating my answer.
“I’ve been thinking about making a change, I guess. Trying something new.” Nick wanted out of the business, and Dillon had hinted the same. They’d got me thinking about it, too. Or maybe it was Faith.
“New? Like what?”
