Page 239 of Steamy Ever After

There was so much he didn’t understand about Kade’s relationship with Peyton. It was like he hadn’t confided anything in her. There were also things she’d said that didn’t make sense. Twice she’d told him she and Kade weren’t as close as he thought they were. Yet, more than a year later, she still wasn’t over him.

The only thing he knew for sure was that Peyton Wolf was more to him than his dead brother’s girlfriend, and no matter what had gone down between her and Kade, he couldn’t give her up. He’d pursue Peyton until she was his. Not Kade’s. His.

He was headed to his cottage when Maddox pulled up.

“What’s up, little brother?” Maddox asked.

“Trying to figure out the shitstorm our brother left in his wake.”

“Get in, and we’ll go have a drink.”

Maddox drove them into the village of Paso Robles and pulled up in front of the Pine Street Saloon. “Think we need somethin’ stronger than wine tonight, don’t you?”

Brodie followed Maddox inside.

“Two Angel’s Envy, neat,” he told the bartender. “And keep ’em comin’.”

“You got a ride home, Butler?” the guy asked.

“Yeah, Naughton’s on his way.” After they downed their second shot, Mad changed the subject. “You see Peyton again today?”

“Sure did. You got somethin’ to say about it?”

“Hell, no.” Maddox laughed.

Brodie signaled the bartender to pour him another round. “You in?” he asked Mad.

“Why not?”

“You’re gonna think I’ve lost my damn mind.”

“Oh, yeah? Then you’re thinkin’ I believed you had a mind to begin with.”

Brodie lowered his gaze to the bar in front of him. “I think I’m falling in love with her. I’ve known her four days, and I’m in love. How crazy is that, Mad?”

“Pretty damn nuts, if you ask me, but I don’t know if I’ve ever felt that strongly about someone, so I’m not a good judge.”

“What’s wrong with us? Kade couldn’t tell the woman he loved that he wanted to marry her. I fall in love with the same damn woman in a hot minute, and you and Naught don’t know your asses from your hearts.” Brodie’s head felt heavy. When was the last time he ate? This morning? Too much hard liquor on an empty stomach wasn’t going to end well.

“I need food, Mad.”

“You got it. Hey, Jimmy. Fire up that grill. Three steak sandwiches with all the fixin’s.”

“Medium rare?”

“All three,” Maddox told him. “Food’s on its way. Now, tell me what’s goin’ on with Peyton.”

Brodie recounted everything that had happened in the past four days, including the kiss he and Peyton had shared. He expected his brother to give him shit about it, but he didn’t.

“What can I get ya?” Jimmy asked when Naughton sat down at the bar, next to Brodie.

“Better make it a coke. How many have these jackalopes had so far?”

“Lost count.” Jimmy laughed.

“Shit.”

“They ordered steak sandwiches, though. One for you too.”

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