Page 47 of Time for Change

Once I’ve swallowed, I say, “Funny thing, turns out Jameson and BJ are my half siblings.”

He chuckles. “You don’t say.”

I move some chicken around on my plate before adding, “In my defense, I was planning to tell you tonight.”

“And the water leak?”

“Also planning to mention it. Both events happened Monday night when I got home from work, and I knew you were busy with your kids.” Over our meal, I go on to tell him about the photograph I found when I was eighteen, and how Jameson discovered it on my counter while he was there to help me shut off the water. I even mention how I found out as much as I couldabout both of my siblings online and it being the real reason I moved to Stewart Grove.

When he finishes eating and I’ve finished telling him all about my family drama, he pushes his plate away and reaches for my hand. “That’s a lot,” he says.

I take a deep breath and slowly exhale. “It is. If it’s too much for you, I completely understand. I’m sure you’re not looking to get involved with a woman with so much drama in her life.”

He holds firmly to my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing my knuckles once more. “I didn’t say that. I meant it’s a lot for you to process and deal with. I’m not running away, Stevie.”

“You’re not? My older half brother growled at you,” I insist, earning a chuckle.

“I’m not scared. The more I learn about you, the more I appreciate and respect your tenacity and resilience.”

Warmth spreads through my chest at his compliment and the fact he’s not running for the hills. “Oh.”

“Yeah, oh. So, what do you say, Stevie? You ready to get out of here?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“Good. I have an apartment to check out for the woman I’m incredibly attracted to, enjoying her company, and frankly, not ready for our night to end yet.”

That warmth? It bursts into a blazing inferno of desire.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” I ask, reaching for my coat and bag.

Jack grins from ear to ear and extends his hand. “Ready?”

To go back to my place? Even if it’s for the simple fact he’s going to check my outlets and wiring for water damage? Just the thought of having him in my home has moisture pooling between my legs.

“Ready.”

Chapter Fourteen

Jack

There’s so much I want to say, but I’m not really sure how to say it.

I knew Stevie had a rough childhood, but hearing her talk about finding out she has a half brother and sister was a bit surreal. I can’t imagine going my entire life not knowing I had siblings and discovering their presence as a young adult. Then, moving to where they live just to get peeks of them, all while trying to build up the courage to one day introduce yourself.

“You’ve been pretty quiet,” Stevie says as I pull into the parking lot for her building.

“Yeah, sorry. Just processing what you shared with me.” I give her a quick grin before returning my focus to parking the truck.

Once we’re stopped, she releases her seat belt and asks, “Is the whole checking my apartment necessary? I mean, I didn’t have that much water on my floor.”

“It’s very necessary,” I assure her, unfastening my own safety belt and giving her my full attention. “Water and electricity don’t mix. Even if we weren’t seeing each other, I’d still insist on checking your place over. That’s also why I’ll be visiting your landlord tomorrow and getting access to any other apartment with water. It’s incredibly dangerous and irresponsible to not verify everything’s okay.”

She gives me a small, knowing smile. “And you’re the type who is always responsible.”

I snort and shake my head. “I try to be now, but there have been plenty of times where I wasn’t.”

She gives me a look like she doesn’t believe me. “Yeah? Name one.”

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