Page 37 of Thinking It Over

A quick glance at the clock on the oven told me it was just turned five. I sighed, disgruntled my sleep-in with Jasper was cut short. As I opened the door for Penny, I did consider that waking up early meant I could get an extra taste of him this morning. There was nothing to say that when we were spent, we couldn’t head back to sleep. One of the contractors was due, but that wasn’t until nine thirty.

Penny barked, following up with a whine. Confused, I stepped outside into the cool spring air. The sun peaked just over the horizon, casting varying shades of pink across the sky. I walked around the side of the house to the gate separating the main gardens from the front ofthe house, something I’d had to have put in once I’d decided I wanted a dog.

Expectant eyes peered up at me when I reached her side, her tail wagging wildly. A crunch of gravel at the front of the house caught my attention.

What the hell?

I unbolted the gate and bent to hold on to Penny’s collar. I wasn’t quick enough.

She bounded around the partially open gate and was out of sight. “Penny,” I called, no longer attempting to keep quiet. “Get your ass back here.” Once I was through the gate, I took the few steps needed to get to the front of the house, turned the corner, and stood stock-still.

Surprise left me wide-eyed. My mouth fell open, my brows creasing, and my eyes roamed over the man before me. “Frankie? What the hell are you doing here?”

He stood up from having bent down to pet Penny, a wry grin on his face. “Missed me?”

With a few strides, he wrapped me up in a hug, and I hauled him close. “Where the hell have you been? Jesus, we were worried.” We released each other. The guilt on his face was obvious.

“Sorry. It’s been… busy.”

I shook my head, but my relief and happiness at seeing him home and safe was impossible to ignore. “It’s just good to see you.” I flung an arm around his shoulder. “Come on, let’s get your ass inside and put the coffee on.” We took a couple of steps before I paused, looking around. “How’d you get here? You got a bag?”

“Shit, yeah. Hold on.” He ducked out from under my arm and raced over to a large rucksack leaning against the garbage can. Back at my side, he indicated we should go, so I led the way.

“And car?”

“Walked here from town.”

My eyebrows shot up. “You walked?”

“Yeah,” he said with a casual shrug. “Only took about an hour. It was fresh and a nice morning. Hitchhiked into town with a passing truck.”

My little brother was going to be the death of me. I had no idea how he was so relaxed about seemingly everything in life. His safety included. But he was here and well. I let that settle firmer, a more relaxed breath escaping. Despite my busy week and my concern over Jasper, my worry for Frankie had remained.

When I reached the gate, I called for Penny, who now decided it was a great time to be obedient and do as she was told. “Were you out here long?” I asked Frankie as we reached the kitchen door.

“Not really. Maybe fifteen minutes. Then I think Penny sniffed me out. I didn’t mean to wake you.” We stepped inside the warm kitchen, and Frankie placed hisbag near the back door. “Rude Dick in bed?” he asked, a wide grin on his face.

It was then I realized just how long it had been since I’d properly caught up with my brother. Clearly way before Christmas. When I laughed, he tilted his head, his focus intent.

“Why aren’t you pulling me up on the name I love and the nickname you refuse to accept?” Squinting, he seemed to be thinking a little too hard, especially considering it was dawn. “Whose car is out front?” He took a seat at the kitchen table, eyes not moving away from me. “Rude Dick doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who drives an old model Bronco.”

Penny heading to the doorway leading to the hall had us both turning in that direction. Jasper, looking sleep ruffled, wearing boxers and a T-shirt, stood in the doorway.

“So, hi,” he said, eyes on Frankie before moving to mine.

My grin was instant. A few strides and I was by his side, reaching out and taking his hand in mine. Brown eyes dotted with specks of hazel captured my gaze. He looked gorgeous like this. Fresh from sleep and a little confused. “We have a surprise visitor.” I led him into the kitchen, my palm in his.

“I can see that.” While Jasper’s confusion was obvious, there was no trace of unease or annoyance.

“Jasper, this is my brother, Frankie. Frankie, meet Jasper.”

Understanding registered on Jasper’s face, followed by a happy smile. His gaze searched mine briefly, and I was certain he could see my relief. I’d been honest with him about my concern.

Jasper stepped forward, and a wide-eyed Frankie stood, reaching out and shaking his hand.

“Damn, Austin. For the first time in my life, I think you’ve surprised the hell out of me.” He stepped back and sat, a smile lifting his lips high. “How’d you snag Jasper here, ’cause seriously, man, he’s way out of your league.”

He laughed when I flipped him off. Jasper, though, now looked a little startled. “It’s true,” I said close to his ear. “You’re way out of my league.”

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