Page 27 of Tech

Josy and I, we’re mellow, quiet—but not Ollie.

I really do wish he was joking about the fireworks, but I know better. Yesterday, he set three off in the living room. I thought Momma was going to have a coronary.

"Wait up, daredevil," I say loudly, making him laugh and do as I ask.

When close, I ruffle up his hair, making him laugh, before I open the door to a loud room, and I flinch.

Great, it's packed.

I hoped most brothers would be out, especially James' momma. The woman hates me; I know it. She's nice when we're around people, but I see the disdain in her eyes. And I overheard her on the phone last week, calling me a patch chaser when I stopped by to see Liv.

I don't know what I did to upset her, but I do know from Sarah and Liv that she's had her sights on her son dating women who want no part in the club, which is kind of ridiculous, considering she’s married to a brother.

I sigh. How can I go from being someone who does not understand handing your whole heart to someone, knowing they could hurt you, to a patch chaser?

I've done nothing to warrant the kind of behavior she keeps throwing my way, and honestly, it's starting to piss me off.

I smile as Ollie kisses my cheek, bringing me out of my head. He jumps down the four steps, and I wince.

"Be careful, Ol," I say loudly.

He waves his hand in the air and runs over to James' dad, Eagle, who hugs him instantly.

Eagle looks my way as I walk over to them, raises his brow, and asks, "Is everything alright, darling? You look a little stressed."

I snort, ignoring the glare from his wife standing near him. I reply, "Yesterday, little man here decided to set off fireworks in the living room. Daddy forgot he had them in the basement." Eagle's eyes widen in shock, and I nod. "Yeah. And not only did he nearly set fire to the house because of it, but several of our horses freaked out and took off. Beauty, my mare, got hurt on a wired fence."

Ollie flinches and whispers, "I am sorry, Sissy."

I rub my hand in his hair, and say, "I know, bud. Hopefully, James can help get that energy out of you in the ring."

He grins wide, making me chuckle.

Eagle shakes his head and asks, "Fireworks? Really?"

I nod, replying, "Really. I thought his jumping off the barn roof into loose hay was bad. Yesterday, he topped it off. I must admit, I'm looking forward to going away for a week now."

And I am. Ollie is going to end up breaking something, and I know I'll freak out. I can handle animals, but humans, ones I love, not so much. A week in Cali, gaining experience, will be bliss, though I will miss James.

I never thought those f words would come to mind, but hey ho, the guy was relentless, and he's mine. I've come to realize this over the time we've been together.

Eagle's mouth hangs open, still in shock, while Ollie grins wide, proud of himself.

I shake my head and ask, "Is James already in the basement?"

Eagle is still looking at Ollie like he’s a ticking time bomb, who's still grinning, when his old lady, Carol, speaks up.

"He's actually still in his room. Why, uh, don't you go see if he's ready to spar with Oliver?"

I give her a nod, but I don't smile. She has smug written all over her face.

I get a horrible feeling, the feeling I usually get whenever I think of settling down with someone.

Swallowing hard, I ruffle my brother's hair and say, "I'll be back in a minute, my daredevil, stay in this spot, frozen like a statue. No setting things on fire."

He grins wide, making me chuckle.

I turn to the left of the wooden bar, and head down the hallway where the officer's rooms are.

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