Page 52 of Never Going to Care

While I hate the doubt she has about my motives, I can also understand them. I just can’t let them persist.

When we’re sitting, I take her hand in mine and stare into her eyes, willing her to understand, to hear me, to let me just a little farther into her heart because I’ll never hurt her on purpose. “I was going to tell you, but then in the car you seemed so fucking nervous about meeting my family. I didn’t want to stress you out about it, but I also wanted to bring you here. Their éclairs are the best and you have a sweet tooth,” I coo the last part at my woman and one side of her mouth twitches like she’s fighting a smile.

She blows out a breath and nods slowly. “Meeting family is a big deal. I know how much your family means to you.”

“They do mean a lot to me.” I give her hands a squeeze. “You mean more to me, though, Starlight.” When her eyes widen, and she blinks at me in surprise I laugh at how adorable she is.

Justice sets a sample plate on the table between us at that moment, a big smile on her face. “Wow,” there’s wonder in her voice as she looks between us, “it’s been a while since I’ve heard you laugh with so much genuine warmth.”

I frown at her words and protest, “I laugh at family dinner.”

Justice’s smile softens, but there’s a haunted quality in her eyes. “You do, but it’s not the same. Since you discharged, your laughter was guarded and sometimes forced.” She looks at Celeste and I can see the tears glistening in her eyes. “Because of you, it’s not anymore.” Before I can even process her words, Justice is giving Celeste another hug. “Thank you,” she whispers in my Starlight’s ear.

I swallow hard and Celeste looks at me with her big brown eyes. Her voice is small, but there’s a hint of pride in it, “I don’t think I did anything.”

Justice stands up and gives my woman a look of censure which has my teeth clenching. “You did even if you didn’t mean to or realize it. I don’t remember the last time I saw him looking so,” she pauses as if she’s searching for the right word, “light.”

“Justice,” there’s so many questions in my tone.

My sister waves her hand dismissively. “It’s okay, we all understood, but I’m just glad we get you back now.” She gives me a meaningful look. “All of you.” She claps her hands together. “Now, enjoy your éclairs. I’ll try to hold off Raegan and Bella as long as I can.”

I bark out a laugh and my sister blinks at me while Celeste gives me a coy smile. As Justice walks away, Celeste grabs a classic éclair and takes a big bite. When she lets out a little moan, I almost throw her over my shoulder and run out of the bakery.

“If you keep making sounds like that, I can’t be held responsible for my actions,” I warn her.

Celeste bats her eyelashes at me and I grin at her. She reaches across the table holding up the other half of the éclair, offering it to me. I lean over the table and eat it right out of her hand, causing her eyes to widen and darken with desire.

Fucking good. Now she knows what she does to me.

Every time she tries a new flavor, she lets out a little moan and my cock is painfully hard in my jeans. I try and shift on my seat to relieve some of the pressure, but it doesn’t work. Not when she’s looking at me with playful knowing in her eyes.

I grab her hand and bring it to my lips, kissing each one of her knuckles. My voice is deep and dark, “You’re so fucking sexy, Starlight. I can’t wait to get you back home.”

“Oh my God! Justice, have I died and gone to heaven? I thought you were full of it, but now I’m seeing it with my own eyes,” the declaration is shouted from behind the counter.

Celeste lets out a little squeak of surprise as we both turn that way. All three of my sisters are standing there looking at us. Justice looks smug as fuck while Bella and Raegan’s eyes are almost bugging out of their heads with their mouths hanging open.

“Told ya,” Justice singsongs.

I shake my head at their ridiculousness with a big smile on my face. They share a look and then Raegan and Bella are booking it around the counter and coming our way.

“Brace yourself,” I mutter under my breath.

Celeste puts down the éclair which was almost at her lips and gives it a mournful look. It’s for the best though.

Before I can stop them, Raegan and Isabella are pulling my girl up to standing and sandwiching her in a Torres sister hug. Celeste laughs and tries to hug them back. My heart lifts at the sight. I didn’t know it would feel this damn good, but I should have known. Everything with Celeste feels good.

“I didn’t believe her,” Isabella mutters. She pulls away from Celeste and looks her over. “It’s still hard to believe even though I’m looking right at you.” She cuts her eyes to me. “Are you sure you’re my brother?”

“Hey,” my voice is indignant.

Raegan waves her hand. “You can’t blame her. I was wondering the same thing. I don’t remember ever seeing you do anything so sweet.” She looks at Celeste, her voice full of wonder, “You must be very special for him to love you so much.”

Celeste freezes, her eyes widening as she looks at me. I know why. Raegan wasn’t ever really good at having a filter. We haven’t said those little words that mean so much. That doesn’t mean I don’t feel it.

I give my Starlight a soft smile, hoping she knows how I feel about her even though I know I’m going to need to put words behind it. Soon. I’m going to need to tell her soon.

Just not right now in front of my sisters. Not for the first time anyway.

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