“What about your younger brother? How old is he?”
“Two years younger. There’s two years between each of us.”
“What does Jesse do?”
I chuckle. “Well, he hasn’t found his thing yet. Currently, he’s bartending. He’s worked for me off and on over the years, but construction isn’t for him.”
“You don’t think he likes being a bartender?”
“I think it’s good for now.”
“What doyouthink he should do?” Her expression has shifted. Her lips are shut tightly, and her brows are furrowed. I’m not sure what it means.
“I think he should be a firefighter.”
“DoesJessewant to do that?” There’s an edge to her voice, like she’s defending Jesse’s choice of careers.
“He’s mentioned it.” Running my fingers through my hair, I know I need to say more. “He’s the kind of guy who likes to keep busy––keep moving. Plus, he’s got a fucking hero complex.” I laugh because it’s true. “As a kid, he always wanted to be a superhero when he grew up.”
“Do you have pictures?”
“Maybe.” I pull out my phone and search my photos. When I find one of the whole family, I hand it to her. “This one was taken of all of us after the birth of Keith’s youngest. So, about two years ago.” I point to each member of my family. “My mom, Denise. My dad, Bruce, and his wife, Farrah.” I slide my finger to the left. “That’s Keith, and this asshole here is my baby brother, Jesse.”
“Wow.” There’s awe in her voice as she stares down at the image. “You all are like the Hemsworths. All gorgeous. You look like your dad.”
“I’ll have them all over for dinner soon so you can meet them.”
Colette’s head jerks up. Our eyes meet and then she smiles. “All right.”
We’re both quiet for several minutes. It’s not an uncomfortable silence. It gives me a moment to consider what we’re doing. It also makes me ask, “Should we slow it down?” I hate that idea, but I’ll do it. “Do some hand holding and long walks?”
Colette’s just looking at me. Blinking.
I’m a little afraid of what’s going to come out of her mouth.
“Would you do that?”
“Hold your hand and take walks with you?” Hell, yes.
“Yeah. Go slower?”
I touch her sweet face. It takes my breath away. “Of course.”
She’s looking at me intensely, her eyes staring into mine. “You sure?”
“Positive.”
Leaning closer, she kisses me softly. “Then, I’m going to go home now. I need…”
“To decompress?”
“Yeah. That’s a good word for it.”
“Can I see you tomorrow?”
She rolls her eyes. “I work from home. A home that’s connected to yours. Of course you’ll see me.” She slides off my lap, and I watch her bend to pick up her underwear. Turning toward me, she gives me a small smile and says rather tentatively, “See you later.”
“You will.”
