Jacine stared at Jersey in wonder.
“The family you want?” she repeated.
"Jacine. We told you we aren't interested in a romp. We want forever. But we understand you have reservations, so a starter home is appropriate."
“This is genius, Dys,” said Rory.
“Until now,” said Cole, “I didn’t realize how devious you were. I’d marry you if you bought a house like this for me.”
“Thanks, asshole. It is for all of us, that is if Jacine says yes.”
Jacine stared at Jersey for a few long seconds and then glanced at each of us. She opened her mouth to speak.
A phone’s ringtone broke the silence first, and we all scrambled to see if it was ours. It turned out to be Jacine’s.
“Hi, dad,” she said brightly. “Yeah, sure, I’m fine. The concert was a huge hit. We’ve been celebrating.” She stopped talking and listened.
“When will I be home? Well, that’s the thing. I am home. It just won’t be with you anymore.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Jacine
When I climbed out of bed on Saturday, it surprised me to see all four of my guys sitting at the kitchen table of the house we had moved into two weeks ago. This was not supposed to happen. Cole and his band Arcane was supposed to be at a charity concert in Tucson, while Jersey was supposed to be in Las Vegas. Only Tobias and Rory were supposed to be home. Or did I get the dates mixed up? When you live with four men, it’s easy to mix things up. In more than one way.
Plus the expressions on all four handsome faces said they pondered consequential ideas. Trust me when I say, you do not want four men to think seriously about any single subject for too long. You’re apt to get some unusual ideas.
Or at least something that requires that you, the woman, to do something.
And these men kept me plenty busy.
“What’s up, guys?” I said.
“Hey, baby,” said Cole. He took a piece of paper that sat in front of him and crumpled it.
“Okay, fess up. What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” said Tobias.
“Jersey?” Most times I can get a decent answer from him.
“Nothing to worry about.”
“Hmph,” I said crossing my arms. “Rory?”
Rory always tells the truth.
“We’re just making sure.”
“Of what?” Now I’m tapping my foot which they all know is a danger sign.
“Let me get you a latte,” said Cole uncharacteristically. He rose and hurried to the fancy cappuccino machine that came with the house.
“Yes,” said Rory. “Have a seat.”
“What did we discuss about communication?” I said. “I’m not a mind reader, and I don’t have enough hours in the day to play detective to your thoughts. So?”
“Sit down, Princess,” said Tobias. “We have something to discuss with you.”
