Page 44 of Every Beat of My Heart

The older one with gray hair and a beard said, “I’m Al, Jameson’s Dad.”

“It’s so nice to meet you. You raised a good man. He’s so good with the kids.”

He rocked back on his heels. “I was impressed with his coaching the other night.”

Another one of his brothers put out his hand. “Wes Calloway. His brother.”

“Teddy. I’m the oldest.”

I shook their hands. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Have a seat. I’ll grab some apple cider.” Al rushed back inside, and I took a seat in one of the chairs where I could see Jameson talking to Owen.

“How did you two meet again?” Teddy asked.

“Owen was cooking and caused a fire. Jameson was the firefighter who responded to the call.”

Teddy nodded. “That’s right. I remember now.”

I had a feeling Teddy knew exactly who I was. He was testing me to see if I’d say anything different. “Are you the police officer?”

“How could you tell?” Teddy asked as he leaned casually on the railing.

Wes stood off to the side, looking bemused.

“The questioning.” There was also his demeanor. His stance was rigid and his gaze alert.

Teddy’s lips twitched. “I like to know who my little brother’s hanging out with.”

I arched a brow. “He’s not so little anymore.”

Teddy dipped his head slightly. “So he keeps saying.”

“You promised you’d stop saying that,” Wes reminded him.

Teddy waved him off. “It’s my job to give him a hard time. Especially if he brings a woman home.”

I flushed. “Oh, we’re not dating. He’s just helping Owen.”

Teddy gave me an assessing look, then finally nodded.

“We’re just friends.” Why was I still talking?

“He seems happier since he’s been coaching. I wasn’t sure if it was you?” Teddy continued.

“I think he enjoys what he does. I’m positive it has nothing to do with me.”

The look Teddy gave me said he didn’t believe anything I was saying.

“Nothing happened between me and Jameson.” I could say that honestly. What I wanted to happen and what was reality were two very different things.

Teddy seemed to accept that statement. “I’m going to play some football.”

When he was gone, Wes said, “He’s just protective of his siblings.”

“Jameson doesn’t need it.” It was funny because Jameson was protective of me and Owen. He didn’t need his older brother looking out for him.

Wes nodded. “I think you’re right.”

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