Page 91 of The Roommate Remodel

“I don’t want to miss our plane because you two lovebirds couldn’t stop making eyes at each other.” Her disapproving tone can’t hide her grin. “Also, Grant’s waiting at the airport.”

“Who?” I ask.

“You met him at Mia’s wedding, remember?” Jaz says. “Ella’s husband is a pilot. He agreed to fly Sloan and me to her appointments.”

I kiss Jaz’s forehead one more time, trying not to feel the emptiness that follows me like a cloud whenever she’s gone.

“It’s only two days.” She touches my lips with her finger. “But that kiss makes me never want to leave.”

“I’ll leave you alone so you can make out without me standing here awkwardly, pretending not to watch,” Sloan jokes as she rolls her suitcase outside.

Jaz shakes her head. “She’s just jealous.” Then she gives me an intense kiss on the lips before flying out the door. “Don’t miss me too much!”

I already do.

After watching her and Sloan leave for the airport, I head into Jaz’s bedroom and survey the work Joshua’s done so far. I want to surprise Jaz with a finished bedroom and the downstairs painted before she gets back, but only if I can convince the team to help me. If we make good progress, I’d even like to knock out the wall between the kitchen and dining room.

The doorbell rings and I assume it’s Joshua, here to work for the day.

“Come on in, Joshua,” I call out the bedroom door, but the ringing persists.

When I glance out the front window, a man with tanned skinand enviously thick black hair waits with a leather backpack. I get the vague feeling I’ve met him before.

“Can I help you?” I ask, looking him over with arms folded across my chest.

“Brax,” he says, holding out his hand with no explanation. “Jaz here?” His arm is covered in tattoos, and he wears a camouflage T-shirt under his jean jacket. He looks like some sort of ex-Marine alpha type. What does he want with Jaz? I don’t like strange men showing up at her door, asking for her.

I glance at his hand and reluctantly take it. “Do we know each other?”

“I’m Brendan. We met at the wedding. I’m good friends with Jaz.”

I tighten my grip on his hand as a surge of jealousy snakes through me. “Friend, huh?”

Brendon blinks, like he’s feeling the pressure, but he doesn’t let go. Instead, he returns a fierce grip. It’s now a competition to see who will let go first.

“Just friends, man,” he says firmly. “We go way back.”

I narrow my eyes, still not backing down. “Did you ever date her? Are you that kind of friend?”

“We never went out. Ask her if you need proof,” he urges, finally releasing my hand. I notice he rubs his palm a bit and eyes me carefully. He looks like the type who cares a lot about his appearance, from his immaculate leather boots to his defined shoulders and sculpted body. His hair is neatly trimmed and styled with enough pomade to keep it in place through a hurricane. No wonder he and Jaz hit it off. He’s like the male version of her with his eye-catching style.

He clears his throat. “I didn’t mean to imply anything. Jaz and I have never gone out.”

“Evenonce?” I ask, testing him.

He shakes his head adamantly. “We don’t see each other likethat.I’m more like her overprotective brother, the one who’d rather talk about whatnotto wear than matters of the heart. Shealways begged to join my blended Puerto Rican family. My mom would’ve been thrilled if I had dated her. But we just never had feelings for each other. She’s not into ex-military types.” He looks me over. “But hockey players? That’s no surprise.”

My shoulders ease a bit. As long as he’s not her ex, anyone who welcomes Jaz into their family is a friend of mine.

“You know Jaz just left?” I ask, looking over his shoulder and seeing his Harley in the driveway.

“I wondered if she was gone yet,” he says, setting down his bag. “She didn’t tell you I was coming?”

“Apparently not.” I scratch the back of my head. I guess she’s been so busy she forgot to mention Brendan was visiting.

“I travel a lot, and she offered Sloan’s room while I’m here. She thought I’d enjoy hanging out with the team while I help with the fundraiser.”

“You’re staying with us?”

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