Page 38 of Thinking It Over

The roll of Jasper’s eyes had me grinning and him relaxing at my side.

“You are,” Frankie clarified. “I have to say, ’cause how could I not, Rude Dick must be pissed as fuck with this younger, hotter, and I have no doubt more intelligent model.”

“Hey,” I defended just as Jasper snort laughed.

“Rude Dick?”

“Yep, that dickwad of a what-seems-to-be ex of his,” my brother helpfully explained.

Amusement lit Jasper’s words. “I’ve seen the guy twice, and yet it feels absolutely appropriate.”

My brother bobbed his head, settling back in the chair. “I have no doubt I’m going to like you a lot, Jasper.” His grin was followed with a wink.

“All right,” I stepped in, “enough with the flirting or ganging up, or whatever this is going to be.” I side-eyed Jasper, who was looking at me, this time with a hint of concern. I faced him and planted a quick peck on his lips. “Don’t worry about Frankie,” I reassured when I pulled away, deliberately loud enough for my brother to hear. “Let me put the coffee on, and you’ll soon discover the truth about what a pain in the ass Frankie is, and that he’s unlucky enough to be straight as an arrow.”

“Okay,” Jasper said slowly, wide gaze bewildered.

He then headed over to the kitchen table and sat while I made drinks. This morning was not at all what I expected. And while my pleasurable plans were scrapped, I grinned in relief.

My baby brother was safely home.

Over an early breakfast,Frankie regaled uswith a few of his adventures, but he still hadn’t explained why he’d gone off the grid. While I didn’t want to necessarily put a stop to the laughter around the kitchen table, Frankie was renowned for his avoidance tactics. Sometimes, though, I simply had to be that guy to cut through the BS.

“Have you called Dad yet to let him know you’re here and safe?”

A frown creased his brow when he responded, “No, but I will in a few.”

“We’ve all been really worried.” I shot my brother a hard stare.

“There was no need to be worried.” He picked up his coffee and took a sip, then looked away.

No way was that going to be it. “You can’t be serious. No apology, no explanation?”

Frankie sighed. “Listen, I’m sorry you were worried, but there was no need to be. I never asked you to be. And as far as I’m aware, I’m a grown-ass man and don’t need to explain myself to you.” He shook his head, taking in my pissed off expression. “I’m serious. Jesus, Austin, I’ve got years on your boyfriend, yet I can imagine the last thing you ever do is treat him like a kid.” Frankie flicked his gaze to Jasper, saying, “No offense or diss at your age, Jasper. It’s just my brother sometimes needs reminding I’m not his responsibility.”

Uncertainty crossed Jasper’s face as he smiled tentatively at Frankie before casting a quick look at me and then answering my brother. “I wasn’t offended, and maybe I should get out of here and leave you guys to it.” He stood to leave.

“No, please don’t. We have plans. I haven’t seen you all week.” Tension tightened in my stomach.

“Yeah, please don’t leave,” Frankie added. “He’ll be even more unbearable if you do.” He followed up with an eye roll.

“And I think that’s my cue.” Jasper stood, gathering our plates and taking them to the kitchen.

“Frankie, you’re a dick,” I hissed, my eyes narrowing as I stood.

Frankie simply laughed as I stood and headed after Jasper. I crowded behind the man, arms going either side of him at the sink. After pressing my lips gently to Jasper’s neck, I whispered, “Please stay. I promise I’ll stop harassing my brother while you’re here.” Another kiss followed. This one caused a small shiver that had my lips quirking.

Jasper angled his head so he could see me. “You sure? I don’t want to be in your way.”

“I want to spend time with you. Plus,” I said, a little louder so my brother could hear, “it’ll give Frankie thechance to get all the gossip about us, so he has one up on our sisters.”

Frankie snorted, and the tension in the room eased a little. “Am I really the only one to know anything about Jasper, let alone meet him?”

I turned toward my brother and watched as he clapped and rubbed his hands together in glee.

“They’re going to be so pissed.” He laughed. “Thank you for giving me this, Jasper.” He threw Jasper a wink when he turned and stood at my side. “It’s rare I get one over on our pain-in-the-ass sisters.” He stretched out his neck. “But before the interrogation, you mind if I grab some sleep?”

“That’s fine,” I answered. “The spare room is made up. There are clean towels in the adjoining bathroom.”

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