Page 79 of Mark Us Little Bear
After a few more rounds of stories, Cole and Tiffany go back to the house. Bradley lights another cigarette, getting a scowl from Ronnie.
“Amber was always independent.” Dad continues to reminisce. “She was like ‘Look at me Daddy’ and I was paralyzed. I had no words except ‘Look at my baby girl’ she’s fearless. Nothing will stop her.” He tilts his gaze down at me. “Even when you fell, you stood up quicker than you went down.”
I pull him closer one more time.
“I’ll go to have a dance with your sister and mom if she’d be persuaded.” He kisses the top of my head and walks inside.
Ronnie snatches Bradley’s cigarette and dips it in the glass of water Cole left behind.
Bradley’s eyes follow his movements carefully, and he smirks when their eyes meet. “Why do you hate them so much?”
“Because I want to smell you. Your cologne—my cologne, your sweat, your fucking attitude not those damn cigarettes.”
He grabs Ronnie’s face and pulls him in for a passionate kiss that stirs every emotion in me. They ink each other’s hearts with all the enchanting colors they possess. “God, I love it when you fight me.” He crushes their mouths again.
Smiling from ear to ear, I start walking toward the house but two hands land on either side of my arms, stopping me and pulling me back between them. “Come here, you yellow vision.”
Ronnie’s hands are on my belly and inside my hair, tugging it gently down. Bradley grabs my throat firmly. Something in me calms when they hold me like this.
Music starts playing again and we sway gently.
“Kiss us, Little Bear.”
Soft words are whispered in my ears before my lips are guided to Ronnie—comfort, trust, and acceptance roll on our tongues with each kiss. The same force and passion crushes against my lips when I kiss Bradley.
Ronnie
“Come on Kat we’re going home.” Melanie storms out the front door, shaking with rage.
“Melanie, wait. Let’s talk to the kids first.” Tiffany calls from behind.
“But Mom let me explain,” Kat stumbles outside the door, her voice filled with worry.
“No buts. These kids are trouble. First you, now Kat.” She points at Amber with an icy expression and my nostrils flare. “You need to focus on your future, both of you, not these brothers with their wide smiles and broad physiques.”
Yet all she cares about is getting Amber back with her ex.
“It’s okay sweetie,” Johnny rushes outside, holding Kat’s shoulders. “Thank you Tiffany for this lovely dinner, I hope we get the chance to do this more often.”
“Absolutely.” Tiffany grins at him and Kat, understanding it’s better to let them go than to have this conversation in front of everyone.
“See you later boys,” he waves at everyone and ushers his daughter to the car. Melanie slams the door after she gets in thepassenger seat, curling her lip and pinning Amber with a deadly stare.Why can’t she pretend to have a nice time? Why ruin it for her daughters?
“Bye, Mr. Turner.” The brothers chant.
Right before he hops inside he blows Amber a kiss.
“Love you, Dad. Love you, Kat,” Amber shouts as they back out of the driveway.
“Family meeting,” Tiffany announces sharply and dashes inside the house.
“What did we do?” Cole glances at all of us, searching for an answer. “I was in the bathroom and I heard them arguing.”
We file inside the house, confused about everything that happened outside. Josh is standing near the counter, crossing his legs with Teddy in his arms. Ryan gazes at the ceiling. Bradley paces in the space between the kitchen and the living room. I glance at Amber, digging her fingernails into her palm. The vein in her neck pulses violently. Her skin is flushed. Her eyes are calculating yet her embarrassment is caught in them too.
“Come here,” I whisper, digging my fingers inside the firm seam she created until she loosens her fist and allows our hands together.
“Did you know about him and Kat?” Tiffany points at Ryan, raising her brows.
