ZOEY
“But who is goingto get us our beers?”
“Byron, I love you, but you need to grow some ovaries.”
“The phrase is, grow some balls,” Donovan points out.
“Ovaries are tough,” I point out.“Balls are sensitive.If I aimed a kick between your legs, what would you do?”
Unconsciously, my brother guards his privates with both his hands, as if he thinks I’m going to enact the hypothetical situation.
Point proven.
“Exactly.Balls make you weak.Grow some ovaries, apologize to the girl, and stop dating people at your favorite hangout spots.”
Byron grumbles while Donovan watches me with wary eyes, still trying to figure out if my question was rhetorical or not.
The four Gunner boys are gathered in the driveway, putting off their departure with an endless list of excuses.Some more valid than others.
“There’s no cell signal here!No Wi-Fi!”Carver holds his phone up to the sky, as if an extra foot of height might change things.
“I’m going to fix that.”Warner clomps down from the front porch, stepping over a napping Bruce on his way.My man looks delicious in his work boots and worn jeans.He’s left his leathers off today, in work mode.
When I decided to stay in Pine Falls, my mom announced she was signing the cabin over to me.An early Christmas present.And birthday present.And next Christmas too.
She left the day after the confrontation with Rebecca, needing to get back to her job.
My brothers also have jobs, but they’ve dragged their feet an extra day, as if that’s all that’s needed to get me to return to Denver with them.
Their efforts are futile.
Since I’m officially staying, a few upgrades need to be made to Minnie’s place.
My place.
And my werewolf is all too happy to help.
Despite their whining, Carver, Byron, and Donovan seemed to have warmed up to my boyfriend, reaching out to give him farewell back slaps and one-armed hugs.
Abram’s arms stay crossed, and his face remains blank.That is, until we hear the crunch of tires on the driveway, and the hood of a familiar truck appears.The yellow vehicle has my oldest brother scowling.
“The building crew has arrived!”Courtney shouts from the driver’s seat as Tanya leans out the shotgun window, gaping at my brothers.
“Oh my God!Is this what men look like in Denver?”Warner’s sister asks at full volume.
Carver grins while Byron and Donovan shift in discomfort.Good.Maybe the besotted teenager will finally get them to go before they collectively lose their jobs.
“You need to get out in the world, girl.”Courtney climbs out and saunters over to our little gathering.“Did I miss the glitter wrestling?”
If it’s possible, Abram’s frown gets deeper.He is not a Courtney fan.Too bad because she’s one of my new best friends.
“Why are you here?”he asks, and I slap his arm for the rude tone he uses.
Courtney just smirks and flicks one of his bulging biceps before strolling to the bed of her truck and gesturing at an abundance of wood.“Building crew.Like I said.”
“How much do you bench?”Tanya asks Donovan, staring up at my brother with sparkling eyes.
“Uh …” He shifts uncomfortably, glancing my way for a rescue.“Around two fifty, I guess?”
