Page 65 of Golden

“Yup.” Dad nods. “Come on. Let’s get going.”

I knew Jacey seemed excited when she asked if she could meet him, but I didn’t realize I’d be introducing Wes to his stalker. Shaking my head, I follow my dad down the steps to the path. “I told him to get here around eleven thirty. Is that okay?”

“Perfect,” Mom says from the doorway.

Dad squeezes my shoulder. “I’ll make sure we’re back in plenty of time.”

* * *

A run was exactly what I needed. Dad set a grueling pace, chatting as we ran, which he’s always been able to do better than me, which means I’ve barely thought about Wes. Sort of.

By the time I’ve showered and changed, the smell of bacon, eggs and pancakes is filling the house and my stomach grumbles in appreciation. There’s still twenty minutes or so before he’s due to arrive, which should give me enough time to try and calm the nerves that are currently playing dodgeball with my internal organs. Right before I head upstairs, I drop him a pin, just in case.

My hair is still damp from my shower when I reach the landing and I immediately get barreled into by Jacey.

“Hey, bro!” She squeals, squeezing my middle before stepping back and punching me in the arm.

“Ow!” I rub the spot. “What did I do to deserve that?”

“You didn’t tell me,” she says, trying to frown but her face is alight with excitement.

I shake my head. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”

She grabs my arm and drags me toward the kitchen. “You didn’t tell me Wes was coming!”

I frown. Perhaps Mom and Dad decided to tell her after all. But as we round the corner to the kitchen, my heart drops into my stomach as I find Wes sitting at the island, a cup of coffee in his hand and a smile on his lips as he talks to my mom.

“Hey,” I croak out. “You’re early.”

He gives me an apologetic smile. “I over-estimated how long it would take.”

“He’s only twenty minutes early,” Mom scolds. “Do you want to eat in here or take things out to the dining room?”

“In here,” Jacey pipes up.

Mom gives her a look. “I was asking your brother.”

I shrug. “I don’t mind. It all looks incredible though, Mom.”

“It really does, Mrs. Brooker,” Wes agrees.

She gives him a smile of thanks. “Please, call me Diane.”

I cautiously pull up a seat leaving one empty between me and Wes. He looks sexy as hell in black jeans and a navy short-sleeved button down covered in little white dots. I feel underdressed in my white tee and dark green sweats.

“I see you’ve already met your biggest fan,” I say, pouring myself a glass of orange juice.

Jacey hisses at me, her elbow hitting me squarely in the kidneys.

Wes smiles. “I’d say it’s the other way around. I’ve heard so much about Jacey it feels like meeting a celebrity.”

The giggle my little sister makes has my eyebrows raising and my mom snorting over what she’s stirring on the stove.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t upstairs when you arrived,” I say, giving Wes an apologetic look. “I went for a run with my dad this morning.”

“I heard.” His dark brown eyes roam over me with an intensity that has my heart racing.

“Ah! Here’s the man of the hour.” Dad strides into the kitchen and clasps Wes’ hand in a firm shake. “I’m sure Jacey has done it already, but thank you so much for working on the fundraiser with Sol.”

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