Page 6 of Sunflowers and Surrender

Chapter 5

Alex

I don’t even have to acknowledge Xane. He’s well aware of Ricky’s stance on anyone messing with his sister. Grabbing her arm, I pull her toward where Grace is standing, and the smell of wine cooler hits me in the face. Gone is the sweet smell of flowers and innocence. It didn’t take much to snow this lightweight.

“You’re drunk.”

“So.”

“So? What the hell would’ve happened if I hadn’t been here.”

“I probably would’ve had a good time.” She huffs.

“Grace, I’m taking her home before she gets into any more trouble. Do you need a ride?”

“No, I drove us. Sorry, Alex. We just wanted to have some fun. I didn’t realize she could get this tipsy off of a few wine coolers.”

“Well, the only one who would’ve bragged about his ‘fun’ to everyone would’ve been Xane. No telling what he would’ve done to you, with or without your consent, before he plastered pictures of you all over social media. It would’ve been your word against his. That guy’s a dick.”

Both Grace and Tuesday appear to sober up a fraction at this, but I’m not taking any chances. “I’m letting Ainsley know she needs to find a ride or come with us. Please be careful, Grace. Most of these guys aren’t respectable.”

“I won’t stay much longer. Thank you for taking care of her, Alex.”

“Her?” Hiccup. “I’m standing right here.” Hiccup.

Grace comes in for a hug and whispers something into Tuesday’s ear I can’t hear. They both giggle before Grace turns on her heel, and I lead Tuesday in search of Ainsley.

“Ains,” I yell, spotting her sitting on top of the dining table holding court. She has several men around her, all jockeying for her attention. “I’ve got to take Tuesday home. You coming?”

“What? No. We just got here.”

“Can you get a ride home? I can’t stay.” This is a dumb question. I’m sure any one of these guys will offer.I might have to double up on condoms with her from here on out or break it off with Ainsley once and for all. I don’t trust her farther than I can throw her.

She gives me a deadpan look as if to mock me.

“Okay, be safe. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

As I turn toward the door, I notice Tuesday wiggling her fingers at Ainsley as if to taunt her, and I immediately grab her hand, tucking it into my side. The last thing this evening needs is Ainsley having suspicions about my best friend’s little sister. Not only is Ainsley the center of attention at most of these events, but she has no problem stirring up shit if it’ll bring her more of the same.

I lift my wobbly companion and place her in the front seat of my truck. As I lean over to buckle her in, I feel her nose nuzzling my hair. I should be annoyed at her antics tonight, but I have to tamp down my smile.

I’ve had my suspicions that this freckle-faced beauty might be attracted to me. Initially, it was awkward. The nearly five-year age gap may not be a big deal now, but when she was underage, it was somewhat jarring. But as she grew older, I couldn’t ignore the way I felt constantly drawn to her. Yet I knew then, just as I do now, this girl would be forever off-limits given my friendship with her brother… so, there’s no sense letting my mind go there.

T Ricky and I have been tight since the day we met. His friendship means everything to me. Truthfully, I’m already mourning the loss of him. Four years of medical school is a long time. Even if he attended college closer to home, spending time with him might be too distracting. His studies will likely eat up all of his time. Hell, he even asked his girlfriend to keep a long-distance relationship because her moving with him would be too difficult for the first few years.

I know how protective he is of Tuesday. I haven’t been a dirty sleazebag like Xane, but I’ve enjoyed my youth, and there’s been no lack of women. I’m sure he’s picturing someone more honorable than me to eventually date his sister. Plus, if I did go out with her and it didn’t work out… I don’t want to think what would become of me once I lost their whole family. Because there’s no doubt that’s what would happen if I hurt her.

Giggling from the passenger seat startles me back to the present as I turn the engine and head for Ricky’s place. There’s no way I can take her to her parents like this.

“Alex. Alexander. Alexander Bell.” Another giggle, this one ending on a snort. “Is your middle name Graham?” She teases.

I keep my eyes on the road, trying to ignore her until we get to Ricky’s place.

Her soft hand lands on my forearm, and a jolt of electricity shoots straight to my core. “Is it?” Her body is now twisted in my direction, with her hands steepled together as if she’s begging me to answer. God, she’s cute. Even when she’s drunk.

“My first name is.”

Her mouth immediately falls open, and she begins to cackle, rolling to and fro within the confines of her seatbelt.

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