Page 49 of Jilted Jock
Pixy and CJ were right behind her and I could see how excited they were. CJ didn’t really understand of course, he was just excited anytime anyone else was. Pixy nudged my hand and I petted him. “Who is going to bring you strawberries?”
Chance cleared his throat and I looked up into my brother’s face. No excitement there.
“Hi,” I said cautiously and crossed the room. I hugged him quickly and stepped back. “I take it this is your disapproval?”
“Ignore him,” Aubrey said, gluing herself to his side. “He’s happy for you, he’s just doing a bad job of showing it.” His arm went around her automatically and something about that made it easier. My brother would be fine without me. He had his little family. He didn’t need me. It’d been the other way around – I’d always needed him and now it was time to let him focus on Aubrey and CJ.
Chance grunted. “Congratulations.”
“Real believable, bro.”
Aubrey chimed in, “Let’s sit outside where CJ can play, and you can tell us all about the job.”
Chance stayed quiet, staring out at the yard while I told them about the position, the guy that would be my boss, how close the building was to Richard, emphasizing how excited we were to be in the same city and be done with the long distance.
“I think it’ll be good for all of us.” I nudged Chance’s foot with mine. “It’s about time I let you guys move on with your life and stop worrying about me. I can do this. I think I need to do this.”
I left out all of my worries that I’d fail and that I’d hate it and that I’d miss them so much. I was already having a hard time breathing just imagining it.
My brother’s gaze fell on me. Worry etched in the lines around his mouth and eyes. “This is what you want?”
I swallowed around the lump in my throat. “Yes.”
Resignation slowly smoothed out his features and he nodded. “Alright. I’m gonna miss the hell out of you, but that’s all I want – for you to have everything that you want.”
“When would you move?” Aubrey asked.
“Two weeks.”
Adele
The night before I left for New York, Chance and Aubrey threw a going away party for me at their house. Richard had flown in, everyone from the office came, as well as some of Richard’s friends.
“Wow, you look amazing. Is that dress new?” Aubrey did a thrice over with her mouth hanging open.
“Is it too much?” I asked, running a hand down the front. The long dress was more daring than anything I’d ever owned. Cutouts on the sides showed a small triangle of skin and the light pink skirt was made entirely of tulle. I felt like a sexy princess.
“No, it’s perfect. Moving to New York agrees with you.”
I nodded. “To new adventures.”
We walked outside where everyone was gathered on the porch or in the yard. Twinkle lights hung all around and a long table held platters of catered food. It was the most fabulous party anyone had ever thrown for me.
I looked out at all the people, not focusing on any one person, but just enjoying the happy chatter humming through the night.
Aubrey motioned with her head to the food table. “I’m gonna grab a soda out of the cooler. Do you want anything?”
“Sparkling water?”
“You got it.”
I smiled and waved to a few people across the party. Everyone was in conversation, so I stood and waited for Aubrey.
“You look beautiful.” He appeared at my side, gaze sweeping over me with heat. All the air fled my lungs. I’d missed that voice. Rough Australian accent that was all confidence and arrogance. Missed it but hated the way it affected me.
“What are you doing here?” I whisper-screeched.
“I wanted to see you. We need to talk.”
