Page 69 of Fresh Tracks
“Hey, guys,” a familiar voice says from behind me. “I see you made it back from the airport.”
My head jerks to look over my shoulder to see a tall, imposing man with inky dark hair and a beard standing at the elevator door. It takes me a second, but I realize I know his voice and face from our calls.
“Jake,” Tommy says gruffly, slowly lowering me back to my feet. “I thought you weren’t coming over until later.”
Jake’s grin grows wider and he lets out a short laugh. “Missed you too, TJ.” He turns to face me and his smile softens. “Nice to finally meet you in person, Grace.”
“Hello there!” I wave awkwardly at him, definitely feeling a blush creeping over my cheeks.
Tommy pulls his shirt back down to his waist and steps to his brother. Jake brings him into a hug, patting him on the back.
“Next time, please call or give me a heads up.”
They might not be biological brothers, but the bond between them is so obvious. With their hug and the deep sighs of relief coming from both of them, it’s impossible not to see how close they are. The other thing that’s impossible to ignore is that Jake is freaking huge. Tommy is six-two and my brothers are six-threeand six-four. Looking at the way hislittlebrother towers over him, it’s almost comical when Tommy has to wriggle out of the hug and fix his ruffled hair.
They share a glance and Jake tilts his head to me. “I can give you guys a minute or come back later?”
Tommy shakes his head. “No, it’s fine. You two get to know each other. Maybe talk business. I’m going to unpack and grab a shower.”
He turns and steps to me, resting his hands on my hips. “You OK hanging with Jake for a bit?”
“Yeah, it’s fine. We’ve got plenty to talk about. I’ll see you in a bit.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Sounds perfect.” I watch as he walks away, taking our bags to his bedroom.
A few seconds later, I find myself alone with Jake. He leans back against the massive kitchen island, watching me with an entertained grin.
“So,” I hum awkwardly, grabbing my Nalgene bottle from the island and fidgeting with the lid. I’m not exactly sure what the right words are for ‘sorry you just saw me wrapped around your brother like a spider monkey’.“Sorry about that.”
He laughs and shakes his head “Please, don’t be sorry. I knew he was full of shit when he tried to tell me he wasn’t interested in you. I’m just glad I can give him crap about being right and I don’t have to deal with him pretending that he’s not obsessed with you.”
“Oh.” I feel my cheeks heat again hearing that from someone else. Still, part of me is glad that someone else, especially someone so close to Tommy knows about the two of us now.
He looks in the direction that Tommy went and laughs again. “It’s still weird seeing him with anyone though.”
My lips pull to the side and Jake spots my frown.
“I don’t think you get it. That’s a compliment. Don’t get mewrong, he was right about your work. You’re doing great.” He stands up and heads to the fridge on the other side of the island, talking over his shoulder. Again, I can’t help but notice that he has to be six-five or six-six. “Honestly, I can’t remember the last time he went on a date, much less liked someone enough to bring them into his life like he has with you. He seriously can’t make it more than a minute without mentioning you when we talk.”
“Thanks. That actually means a lot. He’s pretty special.”
Jake shuts the door to the fridge, after pulling out a bottle of sparkling water, nodding with a pleased smile. “Yeah, he is. Now can I get you a drink or something?”
I hold up my empty Nalgene bottle. “I could use a refill.”
He plucks it from my hand and takes it to the sink, filling it from the filtered water tap. When he moves, I spot something familiar on the kitchen counter next to the sink.
I point at a tea kettle and box of tea on the counter behind him. “Is he a big tea drinker? I’ve never seen him have any but he has that same one in his office in Jackson.”
He looks over his shoulder and grins wide when he sees what I’m pointing at. “Nope, not at all. He asked me to put that there after he knew you were coming with him.”
I feel my cheeks heat again. Even when he’s not here, somehow Tommy finds a way to make me feel special. Jake must see my reaction judging by the smirk on his face. “I told you he’s obsessed with you.”
“I’m starting to see that,” I say, stepping next to him to make myself a cup of tea. The feeling is mutual.
“I love it.”Walking down the sidewalk with Tommy and Jake on either side of me, I look up at the four story corner building. The red brick and carved stone definitely has PacificNorthwest vibes with its old, weathered industrial look. He described it perfectly and I can easily picture people sitting outside at the bistro tables under the awning.
Making my way toward the corner, I feel Tommy’s hand on my lower back, gently guiding me back to the center of the sidewalk. I look up just in time to avoid walking into a parking meter.
