****
Jonah pulled off his filthy shirt, tossing it into the washer when he heard Holden’s panicked shout. He’d heard his name called twice in the past five minutes but ignored him. Knowing his youngest brother all too well, the desperation in his voice was a result of wanting to know what was for dinner. This time,Jonah jerked toward the hall and rushed forward. Did he say she’s got a gun? Who?
He made an abrupt stop in the doorway, taking in the scene. His brothers were huddled close to the wall, Cord blocking Holden. He followed their gaze about ten feet across the room.
What the fuck?
His chest tightened and he sucked in a harsh breath. Of all the scenarios he’d imagined, and there’d been plenty that involved her, not one included her standing in the middle of his living room.
Roxanne Barrett.
He didn’t remember her being so small. If anything, she always seemed a lot taller, model-esque or maybe that was just her looks. Hands down, the most beautiful woman in any room he’d ever been in. Her silky black hair hung down over her shoulders in waves. Against her blue top, it was striking.Hell, everything about her was striking.But nothing more than her blue eyes currently pinned on him with the corner of her mouth curving upward. It wasn’t a smile or a smirk, just an easy, relaxed quirk of her full lips. Too full. And perfect.God, why the hell is she in my fucking living room?
He’d done his best to steer clear of her. He’d kept his distance for his own self-preservation. A woman like her was not meant for him. Now, she was making it impossible for him to avoid her.
“Hi, Jonah.”
He could control his interaction with her but not his body’s reaction to the sound of her voice. He did not need her anywhere near him. Especially in his damn house.
He slowly walked deeper into the room, lifting his chin. “Roxanne.” He glanced at his brothers who looked just as confused as he was feeling. Jonah, of course, was hiding it much better. “What’s going on?”
Holden pointed at her. “She’s got a frickin’ gun.”
What the fuck?
Jonah caught her sharp feminine gasp. “It’s a misunderstanding. Can I explain?”
“I’d appreciate it.”
Roxanne drew in a breath. “Yes, I have a gun but at no time did I take it out or threaten them with it. I promise you. My phone rang in my bag, and I was reaching for it.” She sighed. “Your brother, Holden, assumed I had a gun and was going for it,” she turned to the boys, “which I didn’t.” Her face softened, letting go of some of the stress in for forehead. “He asked if I had a gun and I didn’t want to lie so I was honest.” She licked her bottom lip, and Jonah ground his teeth fighting back his reaction. The woman needed to keep her tongue in her mouth.
“See, see?” Holden waving his arm at her. “She’s got one though.”
Jonah stepped forward into the room and addressed his brothers who remained close to the wall. “Yeah, I see. And I’m sure she’s got a carry permit to go along with it.” He glanced back at Roxanne.
“I do.”
Jonah turned to his brothers. “Perfectly legal, Holden.”
“B-but how do you know she’s not some crazy lunatic?”
Jonah grasped the back of his neck. “I can vouch for her sanity.”
He heard a soft muffled chuckle but resisted the urge to look at her.
“Wait, do you know each other?” Cord asked, shifting his stare between him and Roxanne.
He cocked his brow and nodded. Holden pushed passed Cord with an undeniable glint in his eyes.
“Like how?”
Jonah knew where his little brother’s mind was going. All thoughts of guns and fear had left his mind. Instead, he was focused onhimand Roxanne. Holden’s head swung back to Roxanne, his gaze travelled the length of her body and he widened his eyes. “You guys like date or something?”
Why did everything Holden thought of always relate to dating or sex?Because he’s eighteen. Remember eighteen?Jonah could remember, however, instead of girls and getting laid he was taking guardianship over his younger brothers at that age.
He folded his arms, catching the way her eyes drifted over his biceps. It hadn’t been the first time he’d caught her checking him out. And he found himself enjoying it now as much as he had in the past. The attraction was definitely not one-sided.
“Your brother knows my brothers,” she said.
