Page 40 of Embracing Hope

Before starting a reply, Isaac erased it and set his phone down. He needed to think things over and decide what to tell CJ.

Billy and Wheeler shuffled into the room, guffawing about something that happened at Mav’s.

Isaac rolled over onto his side and pretended he was asleep. That didn’t stop them.

“We’re curious,” Wheeler slurred as he stumbled over and kicked Isaac’s mattress to get his attention. “Why are you staying here in this dump?”

With an agitated sigh, Isaac pushed up and leaned against the pine wall. “What do you mean?”

“I’m just wondering why you’re not up at the main house sleeping in one of those comfortable king-sized beds with fancy sheets,” Wheeler dropped on the bed across from Isaac’s.

“I’m fine here. Better than a five-star hotel,” he growled. He just wanted to sleep and put the day to rest.

“Appearin’ that you might have the inside scoop, is it true the sisters have to marry?” Wheeler leaned in, practically salivating at the idea.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t have the scoop or any information.” He grabbed his pillow, slammed his fists into it several times, and wedged it between his back and the uncomfortable wall.

“Come on, the secret’s safe with us,” Billy crawled into his bunk.

“Fellows, even if I knew any secrets, I’m not one to turn the rumor mill. I’d suggest you boys stop listening to everything you hear.” Isaac hoped that would cease any further conversation but it didn’t happen.

“You see, I think we’re onto something. Hope’s the only one who hasn’t married within six months. I might not be the brightest bulb in the shed, but I ain’t dumb either,” Wheeler slurred.

“Why are you so curious?” Isaac curled his hand into a fist and felt his chest tighten.

“Well, since you ask.” The younger man blew on the backs of his bent knuckles and swiped them down his stained T- shirt. “Seeing that the sisters like hands, I wouldn’t mind being of assistance. I have something that she’ll never forget.” He grabbed his crotch in a crude gesture.

Billy laughed so hard he almost fell over. “Ah, shit. You’re more of a dumbass than I first believed. Hope Rose wouldn’t give you the time of day if you were the last man on earth,” he said between smacks on his denim-clad thigh.

“What’s so funny?” Wheeler was genuinely offended.

“What’s not funny about that statement, fucker?” Billy’s laughter sobered. “What makes you think Hope would settle for a dickhead like you?”

“And you think she’d be interested in you, dipshit?” Wheeler cursed under his breath.

“Fuck no, but at least I can admit it.” Billy snorted.

“What about you, Marcum?” Wheeler jutted his chin.

“What about me?” Isaac hoped the man wasn’t stupid but hope was lost with the next question.

“What my friend here is trying to say. You’re tall, dark and handsome. Seem to have your shit in order. You interested?” Wheeler said without a sliver of a smile.

“In Hope?” He scraped his nails down his jaw. “I’m here on business.”

“Bullshit.”

The last thread of Isaac’s patience seemed to waver as he focused on Wheeler. “It’s best we place this discussion on the back burner. I need to get some shut-eye.”

“It’s a fair question, dude. If you’re sampling the sauce, we won’t judge you. Fuck, there ain’t one of these hands who wouldn’t plow that pussy like a blizzard in July.”

“Enough, Wheels.” Billy shook his head in warning.

“Hell, you know I’m right. You would, too,” Wheeler jeered. He made a thrusting gesture with his hips and his fists.

Isaac had no clue what left first—the rest of his patience or his calm nature. But he flew off the bed and punched Wheeler in the cheek, sending the scrawny man careening back onto the bed like a limp noodle.

Billy jumped up off his bed and provided a barrier in front of Isaac. “That’s enough. He’s learned his lesson.”

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