Nash’s return to Crossroads caught many of us by surprise, but more so was his decision to stay. The way his relationship with Bailey unfolded, and all that came to light between our families, leaves a man with a lot to think about, but his love for my sister was too strong to ignore, and they’ve made it work.
He’s been quieter than the others all night, hanging back, watching me with that same wary edge I’d gotten used to, which stung more than I wanted to admit. He’d been my best friend once, the guy I’d trusted with every secret worth keeping, a man I treated as a brother. Now, we were two men with so much history, standing on opposite sides of Monroe, both wanting the best for her, yet neither understanding how we could achieve it together.
I want to fix it, because I know regardless of their rocky relationship, he’s a staple in her life and if I’m going to be a part of it, that means making sure everything is worked out with Nash. We thought we could go on and pretend the shitty stuff didn’t happen, but if we don’t make amends, truly talk shit out and move on, this past between us will linger like a ghost haunting all our futures.
As the others drift toward the kitchen to grab some more food, I catch Nash’s eye. Grabbing a bottle, I nod toward a quiet corner of the bar.
He follows me, understanding my signal, while Bailey glances over her shoulder watching us. I can tell she wants to come over but gives us space to talk things out.
“Didn’t think you’d invite us all here,” Nash says, crossing his arms. “More like I didn’t think you’d be bold, or stupid, enough to take us all on at once.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Figured it was time,” I say, pouring him another glass. “Can’t keep pretending nothing's happened.”
He snorts. “Of course not. Too much has happened, Jase.”
“I know.” I let out a breath, steadying myself. “And I screwed up. With you and Bailey, with Monroe. With all of it, but I’m trying to do the right thing now.”
Nash’s jaw tightens, knowing exactly where I’m going with this conversation. He may not be ready to hear it, but like I said earlier, I’m ready to prove to everyone I’m in it for real with Monroe.
“She’s tougher than she looks, but you already know that. What you don’t seem to understand is she’s also vulnerable. She’ll give everything to someone, and if they walk away…” He pauses, shaking his head like he’s unable to say the rest without choking up. “I nearly broke her when I did that. I won’t let you hurt her, not after everything she’s been through.”
I meet his gaze, understanding where he’s coming from and slightly surprised he’s so self-aware. “I’m not walking away, Nash. Not from her or the baby. I want this with her more than she probably realizes. Definitely more than I ever thought I would. It’s been maddening trying to get her to open up to the possibility of this working out.”
I can almost see the hint of a smile creeping onto his lips, but he tightens his jaw to suppress it. “Then prove it. Be the man she deserves, Jase, the one she’s scared to want.”
It’s the only thing I want, but saying it and doing it are two different things. The hardest though is getting her to believe it. “I will, but I need your help.”
For the first time in months, years actually, it feels like the bridges burned between Nash and me are being built back into place. We’ve not only grown as men, who’ve lived life in so many ways, but we’ve fallen in love and it shows.
“You love her, don’t you?” he asks, and it catches me off guard. I do, but I’ve never said it out loud. Not to her or anyone.
“I do,” I say, just as the door chimes and in steps Monroe, looking like the figment of my dreams come to life. Her cheeks are pink from the cold, her hair falling in loose waves framing her face, though it’s her body that has my heart skipping a beat. She’s wearing a long light gray dress that’s fitted around every one of her perfect curves. From her jaw-dropping plump breasts, to her wide hips and round ass, but most alluring is the swell of her stomach now more noticeable than ever before.
She’s a fucking goddess, and she’s all mine.
Monroe glances around the bar until her eyes find mine, and when they do, her lips curve into the brightest yet shyest smile.
“You all look like you enjoyed yourselves,” Billie says as she and Raven enter behind her, taking in the half-empty bottles on the tables. “Must have lost my invitation in the mail, huh, Jasey Casey?” She nudges my shoulder as she walks by me, stealing a bottle off the bar and leading Raven over to an empty booth. It’s been a while since she used the nickname she gave me when we were kids.
“It must have,” I agree, my eyes fixed on Monroe as she heads our way.
Her eyes flick to mine and then to Nash, whose scowl makes her seem anxious. “Everything good here?” She asks as I lean down just enough for her to hear me, my voice low.
“Perfect now that you’re here.” I drop a kiss onto her cheek, loving the way they instantly flush a beautiful rosy color.
“What have I told you, Jase? Your sweet talkin’ won’t get you anywhere with me.”
I’m smiling so wide my cheeks fucking hurt. “It’s worth a shot, Moonshine.”
“You guys are sickening,” Nash says, pulling his sister in for a hug and dropping a kiss to the top of her head.
“Like you and B are any better,” Monroe jabs back at him playfully.
Nash shakes his head. “Oh, I can’t keep my hands off my woman, and I’m not ashamed of it one bit.”
“What was that about your hands on me?” Bailey asks coyly as she comes over to join us.
“Just telling your brother here I can’t keep them off you, Angel. Or my mouth, and my tongue,” he adds, pulling Bailey into him as he kisses her, not a care in the world that he’s got quite the audience.
