“I can’t pay you back,” I whisper. “At least not right now.”
Sean smiles wide and reaches for my hand, dropping the keys into it and folding my fingers over. “That’s good, I wouldn’t take your money anyway. Big Mike owed me a favor. And this is a gift for you. My girl doesn’t take the bus.” Sean leans in and kisses my lips. Dell clears his throat and swings the door open wider, standing behind me with an arrogant attitude.
Sean locks eyes with Dell and the muscles in his jaw flex, knowing all I’ve told him about Dell dismissing my feelings and the truth about our parents.
“Sean, this is my brother Dell. Dell, this is Sean,” I say, looking between them pointedly. “Can both of you just be nice?”
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Layla
Sean’s jaw softens at my command and he nods. “Sean Hunter,” he says gruffly, moving toward Dell and extending a hand. Dell takes it and then his eyes grow wide when he sees the tattoo under Sean’s eye. He swallows hard and looks between Sean and me, but he doesn’t dare say a word. He pulls his hand back as his eyes move to Sean’s neck.
“Military man?” Dell asks, swallowing. I can tell he’s nervous, the same way I was when I met Sean.
“Marine,” Sean answers.
Dell’s eyebrows shoot up, relaxing a little. “Were you overseas?”
“Three times,” Sean answers. “You a soldier?” he asks. I stifle a laugh. Dell wouldn’t make it through boot camp.
“No—I, uh, I’m an architect,” Dell answers. It’s apparent he’s skittish and even that pisses me off. He has no reason to be afraid of Sean. “So you’re, uh, dating my sister then?” Dell asks, trying to sound brave and unaffected by Sean’s size and stature.
Sean smirks. “You could say that,” he answers, looking between me and Dell. “What brings you by, Dell?” Sean’s voice is commanding; right now, he’s the man of the house.
“Just came to check in on my sister,” Dell answers.
“Your sister is just fine,” Sean retorts.Fucking hell.
“Dell actually just came to get some paperwork of our parents’, which I just remembered might be in the office.” I look at Dell. “And then he’s leaving.”
I glance between them. The testosterone is way too thick in here. Dell folds his arms over his chest, which thoroughly amuses Sean. Dell is fit but I don’t think he’s ever thrown a punch in his life. Sean would pummel him into the ground with a flick of his thumb and forefinger.
“I’m not leaving, I’m going to cut the grass,” Dell retorts.
Sean chuckles and I roll my eyes, losing my patience.
“Both of you, sit! I’m going to grab your paperwork.”Fuckingmen. “I’m twenty-four years old. Idon’tneed the two of you acting like barbarians, especially when I’m in the damn room. Dell,” I turn to face him, “I’m old enough to date whoever I want. I don’t need you giving Sean the wannabe-Dad staredown.” I turn to Sean. “And you don’t need to speak for me like youownme.”
Both the men take a seat on the living room sofas across from each other and I nod, satisfied they listened before turning to head down the hall for Dell’s paperwork. When I’m halfway down the hall I hear Dell speak to Sean.
“Well, she’s damn touchy today.”
“She doesn’t like being told what to do.” I hear Sean chuckle.Now they’re friends?
I rummage through my dad’s office desk and grab the papers Dell needs and take a breath. I knew the two of them would run into each other eventually. With me being around Sean almost every minute that I’m not at work or school it was inevitable, but for some reason my two worlds colliding makes thisreal. Sean stormed into my life and hit me like a hurricane. The connection between us feels both impossible and undeniable. The invisiblethread between us isn’t made from thread at all. It’s more like corded steel, unwavering just like Sean—and even though it’s been so little time, I’m willing to admit that there’s something special here. Dell is just going to have to accept it.
I make my way back to find the two of them sitting exactly where I left them. Dell stands, as does Sean, and I make my way over to Dell, pushing the papers into his chest.
“So what, you’re going to cut the grass now?” I ask Dell.
Sean laughs. “You’re cute when you’re pissed off.” He pulls his sunglasses out of his pocket. “I’m leaving anyway, so hang out with your brother. I have some work to catch up on.” He kisses me gently then looks at Dell, his eyes serious.
“Since you’re wondering about how long-term this is—to be clear, I’m not going anywhere.” Sean pats Dell on the shoulder. “So you’re just gonna have to get used to me.”
He puts his sunglasses on and gives us both his megawatt smile.
“Be good this afternoon.” Sean looks down at me. “Do you want to drive, or for me to take you?”
