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The sound of laughter echoes from the kitchen, and Logan nods in that direction. “What do you think is going on in there?”
“I can’t even begin to guess.” My smile widens, and we head to the double doors. “It could be anything.”
“I like seeing you smile, brother.” Logan grips my shoulder, giving it a shake. “Feels like the start of something good.”
“Yeah, maybe.” I can’t quite commit to that yet.
Optimism is a tricky bitch. I’ve dared to go there so many times, only to have it thrown in my face.
The first time was Thanksgiving, twelve years ago. I dared to think we’d survived, that our future was bright, that we’d rounded a corner, and I ended all of that. Hurting Dylan was a wound I couldn’t shake, no matter how many times she let me off the hook.
Karma took care of that. Karma is my enemy, I’ve learned, and I’d do good to remember it. My stomach twists painfully at the thought, and I remember lying in that hospital bed almost two years ago.
When that game started, I sat on the bench watching theguys play, thinking I’d found my place. I wasn’t sure at first, but things were good. I liked where I was, and I could see a promising future.
It was the last game I played.
Logan walks ahead of me into the restaurant, and I consider what experience has taught me. Getting close to Rachel feels like a risk. I can only watch things play out so many times before I start to believe them.
“Hey!” Her sweet voice greets me as I enter the double doors, and my hesitation evaporates.
Good intentions aside, I can’t resist Rachel Wells. She’s in my blood, and I can’t be without her. Hell, I’m thinking long-term thoughts about this girl.
“Hey.” My voice is low, and I know that goofy smile is on my face again.
They’re all going to see it, but good thing for me, the only big mouths who would give me a hard time are Garrett and Hendrix. And they’re not here.
“I was starting to think you’d stay at the house.” She’s not touching me, but the energy between us is so strong, it might be visible to the naked eye.
She’s being very respectful of my space, and I know it’s because this is all so new. As much as people have been pushing us together, she won’t do anything presumptive. She’ll let me take the lead, and it makes me want to wrap both my arms around her and pull her to me.
I want to plant a kiss on her right here in front of everybody.
“I still need dinner.” I gaze down at her, lifting my finger to trace a stray lock of hair off her cheek and behind her ear.
Can’t she see how important she is to me? Why wouldn’t I come down here to see her?
Blinking away, a soft laugh puffs through her lips. Her cheeks flush as if she’s embarrassed, and she’s so fucking adorable.
“Dylan said Eddie Nashville has been at the pool tables sinceAllie dropped him off. He’s playing like it’s a science experiment, memorizing every move.”
“If I know your brother, he’s going to wipe the floor with all the other players next Sunday.”
Placing her hand over her forehead, she looks up at me. “I think he might!”
“Why would he do something if he’s not going to be the best at it?”
“Uncle Zee!” Kimmie Joy dances in front of me holding up her hands, and I automatically reach down to swing her onto my hip. “Ed won’t let me play pool. He said I have to wait until after the tournament. He said it’s important because it’s for the horses.”
She puts her little head on my shoulder, and I glance down at her rosebud pout. It’s funny how much she looks like Dylan as a little girl, considering she only has half of Jack’s genes. Still, it kind of makes me spoil her a little, like she’s a second chance.
Second chances… The thought takes hold in my mind.
“Austin could teach you.” Even if I want to spoil her, I’d rather spend time with Rachel.
“Aussie said he has to play football. He doesn’t have time anymore.” She scrubs her face against my shoulder. “He never has time anymore.”
I give her a little bounce. “I bet Smokey is lonely now that everybody’s playing pool and football. You know he hasn’t been away from his family very long.”
