“It’s good to be home, Mom. I’m sorry,” I whispered in her ear. “I’m sorry for—”
“Stop that!” She raised her finger at me. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I’m so proud of you.” Her lip quivered as she cupped my cheek. “My baby boy is back.”
My petite mother came up to my chest but still called me her baby boy. I knew better than to tell her to ever stop.
PJ stepped back before lunging at me and threw her arms around my neck so tightly I sputtered out a cough. My smile faded when I caught Dylan’s gaze over her shoulder. We hadn’t spoken much since that one tense phone call.
Although PJ and Dylan together would probably always weird me out a bit, I wasn’t mad anymore. I wasn’t overjoyed, but I took a tiny bit of solace knowing the kind of guy he was and that he’d never hurt her.
I walked up to Dylan after PJ let go. He studied me with wary eyes before I smiled and held my hand out. “Good to see you.” He took my hand, his shoulders relaxing when I pulled him into a hug.
“Good to see you, too, man.” He slapped my arm. “You look good. See, this doesn’t have to be weird.” He slid his arm around PJ’s waist and pulled her into his side.
I looked between them with a grimace. “Oh, it’s weird, all right.” I held up my hand at my sister’s sneer. “But it’s good. I’m happy for you both. Honestly.”
My concession didn’t stop PJ’s icy glare. “Stop saying it’s weird—”
“It’s fine, sweet girl. Pick your battles,” he whispered before kissing the top of her head. She shrugged at both of us before leading him back to the table. It was the first time I’d ever seen my sister calm down with such little effort. I had to admit I was impressed, if not a little nauseated when he’d called hersweet girl.
“Welcome home, son.” Dad slapped my back and pulled me into a hug.
“Good to be home, Dad.” I jutted my chin to PJ and Dylan at the table. “I have to say, you’re handing this pretty well.”
“You say that like I have a choice,” he huffed. “Things could be worse, I suppose. I still don’t like it, but your sister is happy, and he’s willing to play by my rules. That has to say something. And, at least, it’s someone we know, and I can scare a little more easily if I have to.” He smirked around his beer bottle before taking a long pull.
I’d been afraid coming home would require a little time for reentry before it felt right, but it didn’t. As I sat at the table bickering with my sister, teasing my mother, holding in a laugh at Dad’s growl whenever Dylan would put his hands on my sister for too long, things seemed back to normal. Whatever my new normal would be after I went back to my apartment, I’d find a way to deal.
“I’m sorry for not knocking; the gate was open.”
My head turned toward Danielle’s tentative voice, and my eyes widened at the sight of Danielle in a dress. The gauzy material clung to her body just enough to highlight every inch of lean curves, and seeing her bare legs for the first time made any coherent words still in the back of my throat. I was already counting the seconds until I could leave and get her alone.
“Jack,” Dad whispered, nudging my elbow and pulling me out of my trance.
“Right, sorry.” I popped off my chair and rushed over to her. “Dad, this is Danielle, although I think you probably remember her.”
“Sure, I do.” He stood and reached out his hand. “Nice to see you.”
“You too, Mr. Garcia.” Danielle’s smile was bright as she shook his hand. She was relaxed and gorgeous, and took my fucking breath away.
“Danielle Marsh! Didn’t you grow up beautiful?” My mother beamed at the both of us. “Thank you for all you did for Jack. Are you going to eat with us?”
“Yes, she is,” I replied before Danielle could. “I invited her to the house right before I left but didn’t get a chance to mention it before you and PJ tackled me.”
“He’s so dramatic.” PJ rolled her eyes and came up to Danielle. “I’m PJ, Jack’s sister. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you.” She shook Danielle’s hand before casting a quick glance at me.
“Well, that’s good to hear.” Danielle’s brow crinkled as she shot me a puzzled glance. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Hi, Danielle.” Dylan stood from the table and waved. “It’s been—how long—since high school, right? What’s Kyle up to these days?”
“Hi, Dylan. He’s the same pain in the ass as you remember. He’s married, has a business in Harrison. You guys should get together for old time’s sake.” She arched an eyebrow at me. I liked Kyle, but the only Marsh I was interested in spending time with at the moment was the hot brunette in my parents’ yard.
“I’m a little early,” she whispered in my ear and wrapped her hand around my arm. “I took the afternoon off so I could change before I got here.” She motioned down her body.
“Good choice,” I rasped and leaned in and pecked her lips. “We’re eating dinner and getting the hell out of here. When they ask if you want dessert, say no.”
“Jack, we can’t do that. They waited for you.” She slid her palm against mine and laced our fingers together.
“I waited foryou, and I promised you new memories.” I pulled her flush to my body and planted a kiss on her cheek, lingering long enough for a sharp gasp to escape her.
