Page 112 of Big Dill

“See, the problem is,” Devon continues and scratches the scruff on his face. “I don’t let anyone stay at my place unless they’re family. And the only way you can become family is if you get screeched in…” He snorts and points between himself and Brody, “…or marry one of us.”

“I’m not marrying anyone.”

He twirls the keychain around his fingers. “Then you know what to do, Brody.”

Before I can react, Brody scoops me up. I squeal as he carries me back toward the car.

“Brody, don’t you dare.”

“You want somewhere to sleep tonight, don’t you?” he asks.

“I’ll get a hotel.”

Devon shakes his head. “All booked. Iron ore safety conference.”

I glare at him. “That sounds made up.”

He arches a brow, smirk firmly in place. “You want to risk it?”

“Well… no.”

Brody sets me in the passenger seat. I consider bolting, but to where? Devon hands Brody the keys and climbs into the back. I twist in my seat to glare at him.

He just grins. “So,” he asks casually. “How long have you two been hooking up?

26

Jami

Churchill Falls is quieter this evening. Brody’s headlights sweep over shrinking snowbanks as the low glow of the small airport fades behind us. I stifle a yawn, exhaustion finally winning. I didn’t sleep well last night. Maybe it was the strange town, the strange bed. Or maybe it was because I had to kiss a damn cod.

I can’t help smiling at the memory.

“Something funny?” Brody asks as we navigate the narrow road. Jaxon shifts uncomfortably beside me—the flight home hadn’t been easy on him. At least Frank didn’t dive-bomb us to point out wildlife.

“I guess I still can’t believe I kissed a cod.” I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. The taste is long gone, but I pretend it’s still there.

“No man is ever going to kiss you after that,” Brody teases.

“Good,” Jaxon chimes in. “The last thing she needs is a man in her life right now. Isn’t that right, sis?”

“That’s right,” I say, aiming for normal. It doesn’t sound normal at all. I cover my mouth and blame the wobble on a yawn.

Silence settles over us. I notice Brody rubbing at the scruff on his chin, like something’s weighing on him. My eyes grow heavy, slipping shut, then flying open when he breaks the quiet.

“Jami, you can sleep in my bed tonight.”

What the what?

My heart stutters—once, twice.

I snap my gaze to him. He flicks me a quick look before returning his attention to the road. “Jaxon needs his bed,” he adds, and my pulse kicks up all over again.

“Oh. Right.” I laugh too quickly. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. But no, I’ll take the couch.”

“No.”

“What do you mean, no?”