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“Jaxon,” my brother said. He hardly ever used my full name. “You already know how so. It’s why you called me and made the stupidest fucking bet in history.”
Of course, he was right.
I didn’t want her to hate me. Just the opposite, in fact. So I’d made the bet thinking the possibility I wouldn’t buy the land was the only way to get her to soften. And it had somewhat worked. Problem was, I really wanted the land too.
“I guess you’re right.”
“Got yourself in a real pickle, little brother.”
“Yeah,” I admitted. “I did.”
“Guess you have to decide what you want more. The girl, or the land.”
“Trouble is, I want both.”
He laughed. “You of all people should know life doesn’t always work like that. It’s not neat and clean.”
True. It was the opposite, actually. Life was messy, filled with the worst sort of people imaginable, so much worse than the general public imagined.
“I know you gotta go.”
“I do, but call me anytime. Actually, glad you did. Feels like old times.”
Before the Army, when I was younger, I’d gone to Nate for everything and anything. He was one hell of an older brother, and I probably never appreciated it fully.
“I am too,” I admitted. “Thanks, brother.”
“Good luck. Keep me posted. And get your ass down here to see the girls. They miss their uncle.”
“I miss them too.” Then I remembered. “I’m actually heading to Sicily in a few weeks. Do you remember Gian DeLuca? He’s getting married and invited me to the wedding. But I’ll get home after that.”
“Sicily? No shit. Of course I remember him. You have the life, Jax. I’ll say that.”
“No complaints here.”
“Glad to hear it. Talk soon, Beans.”
Smiling as we hung up at the childhood nickname, one I’d earned by stealing the jellybeans from everyone’s Easter basket, I wondered why I didn’t get my ass home sooner. After this deal, after Italy, I’d go home to see my mom and nieces. And I guessed my brothers too.
Smiling to myself, I looked down when my phone buzzed.
A text had come through.
I could have saved myself a call to Nate. The fact that my heart raced seeing the name pop up was all the answer I needed. I’d dated. Had girlfriends. But not once had my entire body come to life over a simple a text question.
Have a sec?
Damn straight I did.
For her, I had more than a second. And it was time to kick this bet into high gear.
Yes. But since you couldn’t come here this morning, be here at six. I’ll have dinner. Bring your question then.
As I waited, and watched my phone, I was glad not to be with the guys. My unit would laugh their asses off watching me watch my phone like a damned lovesick puppy.
Fine
Short, though not sweet, but I’d take it.
