Expecting Tomás to head off with the twins I step back, but the space I try to create between us becomes extinguished by him advancing forward. The proximity to one another tricks my body into thinking we’re alone, instead of standing in the entrance lobby of the resort with both of my brothers’ as well as their staff’s stares on us.
Leaning in, his lips brush against my cheek for a kiss, and its tenderness is felt past my skin, burrowing its way into my chest that just minutes before felt tight. They say that time flies when you’re having fun, but with Tomás, time seems to always slow when we’re together. I’d like to think it’s a collective subconscious reminder that we don’t have a lot of it together,so the time we do have we choose to savor. But there’s this unexplainable calm that spreads between us, that allows us to simply exist in the other’s presence. I feel it. And I know he does too. And I’m sure whoever is watching senses it as well. It’s a welcome change of pace.
“Get a room,” Liam whistles, completely obliterating the moment, and a collective flush spreads through Tomás and me. Our cheeks burning, made more evident from the quick shield my hand makes, trying to hold on to the bubble we were lost in for a second more.
“They’re the worst.”
Tomás’ hand lowers mine, exposing us once more to my nosey brothers, and he tips my chin, brushing it gently with his thumb. “No, they’re just observant.”
My brow lifts. “Of?”
“How much we like being around each other.” The grin on his face is infectious. Before I realize it, the sentiment is mirrored on my face, and my cheeks are sore from how wide I’m grinning.
“See? You can’t resist me.”
“Whatever,” I respond, downplaying just how correct he is.
Patience has never been Noah’s strong suit, so naturally, he takes it upon himself to cut in and steal Tomás. “Don’t worry, Ri, we’ll bring him back to you in mint condition.”
“Actually, he gives Tomás the tour, I’m going to stay back with Ri,” Liam says.
Noah grabs Tomás a THC infused seltzer before leaving me with Liam.
Liam is older by fifteen minutes. Him and Noah are technically my half-siblings. Once their mom died, they went to live with their maternal grandparents so we didn’t see each other much growing up. Though, in our adulthood, we’ve all created a bond that I know my father detests, seeing as he has madehis disappointment known for the two of them. Hard to believe there’s more of his children he detests aside from me.
“You don’t want to go with them on their tour?” I ask Liam as he leads the way into one of the multiple dispensary rooms in the building.
“No, I’ll pass. Figured it’s a good time to catch up with my sister since she left us.” Unlike how my dad says it, I know he’s joking and that he genuinely missed me.
“Sounds good. Can you believe Dad moved the wedding up?”
“No, I honestly can’t. I’m sure he had a good reason.”
“Always does.”
If there’s one thing about our dad, it’s that he doesn’t do anything if it doesn’t benefit or serve him. Considering the connections our family stands to gain from Harper’s fiancée Chloe’s family, I don’t doubt there was a deal of some kind that was on the table and expediting the wedding date would ensure that whatever my dad has his sights set on will become his.
“Harper is so excited to finally be Chloe’s wife, she hasn’t complained once about it, but I have a bad feeling.”
“Same.”
“I heard James went to Luxe,” Liam says, putting a pin in our small talk.
“How did you know?”
“I have my ways.”
“That’s vague.”
“I just like to make sure you and Harper are safe, no matter where you live, that’s all.”
“Right,” I say, partially convinced.
Anyone with an ounce of discernment can take one look at my brothers and how they operate, and gather that Hemp Grove may be their business, but their business dealings expand beyond owning one of Colorado’s premier cannabis resorts. Their maternal grandfather, just like our dad, had ties toorganized crime. A tradition, if you will, that has lived on past their grandfather passing away.
“Did you know James was in New York?”
“Not until he stopped by,” I snap. If we’re going to talk about this asshole, I need something to take the edge off. Grabbing the key ring near where we’re standing, I use it to unlock the display case and help myself to a sativa vape.
