Page 59 of Corrupt Idol

She glanced up at him. “You think so?”

He had an extremely satisfied look on his face. “Apparently, I have your father’s blessing. He just gave me the nod.”

His eyes flicked to the left and she followed his line of sight to see Jesse hopping out of his friends’ truck.

“Jesse on the other hand…” Brody’s smile widened. “He’s always been protective of you and no wonder with the guys you’ve chosen. I’ll have to show him my paycheck and retirement before he lets me take you out.”

She elbowed him. “Cut it out.”

“Maybe your dad can vouch for me. I have honorable intentions.”

“You’re ridiculous,” she said as Jesse and Anton came to a stop in front of them. “Hey, bro.”

She was baiting the tiger, but with her dad in sight and Brody’s arm around her, she was feeling safe and daring. Jesse’s eyes flicked from her to his friend.

“What’s this?” he asked.

He sounded calm, but she knew better.

“Getting reacquainted with Vi,” Brody said.

“Man, I called dibs!” Anton said.

Brody tucked her into his side and kissed her forehead. “Vi and I have a connection.”

She smacked his stomach and noticed distractedly that it was just as hard as Jesse’s.

“She’s here for my mom, not for all you hounds to move in on her,” Jesse said.

“I know,” Brody said. “I’m just letting her know who to call if she needs anything. You’re not always gonna be here.”

Jesse stared at her. “You have to pack for our trip, don’t you, Vi?”

She gave him a long look before she went on tiptoes and planted a kiss on Brody’s jaw. “I’ll call you if I need you.”

“What about me?” Anton demanded. “My shoulder’s free to cry on!”

She laughed as she went to him and gave him a hug. “You guys are crazy. Thank you for helping me.”

“Of course,” Anton said. “You’re one of us.”

That put a hitch in her step, but she smiled at them before she went inside. She did need to pack and her room was a freaking disaster. The need to organize and nest was riding her hard. She wanted to do as much as she could before they left tomorrow, but she was waylaid by Lynne’s friends who jumped on her the moment she walked through the door.

“It’s so good to see you!”

“Did you get your college degree?”

“It’s so sweet of you to move home to be with your parents during this time.”

“Jesse is a great brother to help with your move!”

By the time the interrogation was over, she didn’t have the energy to do anything. She plopped on the sofa beside Lynne and sighed.

“They mean well,” Lynne said.

“I forgot what it’s like to have people questioning everything about your life.” She spread her hands. “I don’t have any plans and I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“You don’t need to plan. God will guide your path,” Lynne said.

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