Page 29 of Finding Emotion

Skylar’s vision blurred. She wondered if she could say the same about Jack. The thought that she couldn’t made her breath hitch in her throat.

“If you’re worried Andrew will attack me again, please don’t be. I don’t think he will.” A new smile formed on Jami’s face, one that wasn’t so gentle. “Not after I defended myself.”

Skylar liked that particular look on her sister. “Nice, Jame.” Her pacing had stopped. She took a deeper breath before slowly letting it out. “Plus, Muscles beat him to a pulp. That must have been fucking hot.”

The flush returned to her cheeks. “I do enjoy Malcolm’s protective streak,” Jami admitted.

Skylar moved back to the couch. Nerves snaked through her as she tried to forget that stupid hitch her breathing had taken. “Ooh, this is what I’m here for. We can’t talk sex over the phone.”

Jami shook her head. “You know, Erin reminds me a lot of you. You two might get along.”

“Don’t deflect.” Skylar grinned at her sister as her elbow perched on the back of the couch and she leaned her head against her hand. “Give me all the deets before he gets home.”

She enjoyed the way her sister talked about her new man. He sounded sexy as hell, even if Jami refused to give up the juicy bits. Happiness looked good on her sister. For once, Jami made her feel like the younger sister for real. Oh, she’d always been mothering, but a little naïve. Skylar was a lot more worldly, even as a teen. Jami’s new sense of contentedness gave her the maturity she’d been missing.

“Don’t think you’re going to get me to talk about Malcolm all night,” Jami warned. “You’ve been a little off. Does it have anything to do with Damon Lynch?”

Skylar had enjoyed a reprieve from thinking about the confusing rock star. “Nah. He’s way too sweet for the likes of me, Jami.”

“He seemed nice, the few times I’ve talked to him. Malcolm has told me a little about him. It doesn’t sound like he dates much.” Jami’s gaze was a little too knowing as she studied her sister. “Kind of like you.”

Skylar looked away. “I get around plenty.”

“You have sex,” Jami said. “I haven’t heard about any guy in particular since Jack. Was the breakup back then that bad?”

Skylar’s chest tightened. “Fuck him. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You’ve never wanted to talk about it.” Jami frowned. “That’s the reason I’m asking. Honestly, I haven’t been present for a while. Back when Dad was alive…” Jami sighed. “Skylar, I know I wasn’t a good sister over the years.”

“Fuck that. You took care of me after Dad turned into a zombie and Mom died. Hell, even before that. Those two should have never had kids.” Skylar reached out, squeezing her sister’s knee. “I’ve got no angst over you, Jame. Don’t you fucking apologize.”

Jami looked at her steadily. “Guilt can be a strange thing, Skylar.”

Skylar shrugged. “Fuck guilt. Try to be more like me.” Her grin felt a little brittle. “I don’t regret a thing.”

“Is that really true?” Jami asked.

Skylar was saved by the click of the front door. “Ah, that must be Muscles.” She shoved to her feet as he moved into the house.

Malcolm was a fine specimen, if you were into the brawler type. Skylar realized the nickname she’d given him wasn’t a mistake. His arms were fucking glorious, and that dark hair of his wasn’t half bad where it curled around his collar.

“Ooh, I’d fuck him,” Skylar said with a grin.

Malcolm’s eyebrows shot up. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He walked straight to Jami, bending to plant a kiss on her lips, one that surprised Skylar by lingering even in front of their company.

Jami had a glow when he lifted away. “Welcome home,” she said to him. They stared at each other like Skylar wasn’t even there.

“Well, nice to see you, too,” Skylar said with a laugh to break the silence.

Malcolm shifted, sitting on the couch next to Jami. “It’s nice to meet you, Skylar.” His fingers linked with Jami’s, but he wasn’t flaunting their connection. It was more of an unconscious gesture. “I last saw you at the funeral, but that wasn’t a time for introductions.”

“Hell no,” Skylar agreed. Her hands found her back pockets again.

“Damon told me how you helped him out when he stopped by the tavern last night,” Malcolm added. “He’s a good friend. Thanks for that.”

Skylar shrugged. “I’m always good for some tongue.”

“Skylar,” Jami warned.

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