green, blue, and yellow striped cushions covering the seats. Instantly, I had visions of Lena and me sitting out here sipping wine spritzers and making last minute wedding plans. I startled at the bark that came from the far end of the porch as Rufus jumped off of the large swing, causing it to sway and creek by itself. “Hey, Rufus,” I said, kneeling down and letting the huge hound dog lick my chin as I stroked his back. This place reminded me of the home I’d always wished we’d had. Not so much for its location or size, but because of the charm and the inviting way it made me feel at home.
Chapter 3
Brodie
So much for trying to impress the girl and make her think I knew what kind of coffee she liked. Thanks a whole hell of a lot for revealing that little secret for me, Lena. Now, Gabrielle not only hated me for my poor attempt at a kiss last year but must also consider me a liar.
Jackson and I left the women with their ooohing and ahhing at each other and carried Gabrielle’s bags in the house. It looked like the girl was planning to stay for a year with all the crap that must be inside. They had to weigh at least fifty pounds each, easy.
I had to give myself kudos for not ogling her legs when she got in the truck this morning. God, that short skirt was enough to make me forget I didn’t like her much . I had to mentally slap myself from thinking about how silky her thighs might feel under my hands.
“Thanks for picking Gabby up this morning , Brodie,” Jackson said after we put the bags in the spare bedroom and headed for the kitchen. “It was a good thing I went with Lena to see the caterer. They had a mix up with the entrees. They were all chicken and no steak because the price option Lena had chosen only included the chicken. I’m not sure Lena would have caught that since she’s so used to juggling her expenses to make ends meet. ”
“Well, soon she won’t have that to worry about.”
“She doesn’t really have to worry now, but she’s rather stubborn about wanting to pay her own way and all.”
“Could be worse. You’re lucky she’s not one of those women who expects you to pay for everything.”
“I suppose. Have you seen the pictures of the house since they added the sunroom onto the back?”
“No.”
Jackson walked over to the counter in the kitchen, opened the laptop and pushed a few buttons. Up popped a slideshow of pictures of their new house they’d be moving into right after they got married. The three-bedroom house was right down the street, with a backyard equal to the size of the one here so Rufus would still have plenty of room to roam around. I was looking forward to them finally moving into it. I liked the idea of having my brother close, just not under the same roof anymore. I liked Lena, but I’d been feeling a little guilty lately about having women over as much as I’d been. That’s why I’d been spending most of my nights away; out of respect for her.
“We’re going to have a spa built into the ground right outside the back door after we move in.”
“Sounds like a great idea. Maybe I should have one put in here , too. I like the idea of putting it in the ground rather than having to step over a wall to get into one of those portable ones. Makes total sense.”
“It was Lena’s idea.”
“That girl’s pretty smart. Hey, maybe you should marry her.” I slapped Jackson lightly on the back, and he laughed, nodding in agreement.
“Hey, everything set for tonight?” he asked.
“Brother, don’t you worry about a thing. Doc and I have it all under control.”
“I don’t suppose you ’re going to tell me what we’re doing.”
“Nope ,” I supplied rather smugly and opened the door to the refrigerator to grab an apple. My stomach was rumbling and I didn’t have time for much else.
“Figured. Just keep it clean. I don’t want any stripper s trying to get into my pants,” he said before guzzling down half a carton of