Page 123 of Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs
It turns into a staring contest, neither one of us willing to be the first one to spill. Something tells me Houston isn’t going to crack unless I do, and we both can be a little too stubborn for our own good.
“Hey Queens, can you help me find the kitchen towels?” Jordan pokes his head into the living room right as Micah and Fischer return from the bathroom looking more disheveled than they did when they went down the hall.
I give Houston one more chance to start talking, but he keeps quiet. I turn to face Jordan. “They’re in the pantry.”
Jordan shakes his head. “I’m pretty sure I need your help. Tosearchthe pantry.” He raises an eyebrow, and Houston groans.
“Darcy,” he says, voice cracking as he heads toward the kitchen. “Want to help me get the cabinets clean?”
I touch Houston’s arm before he passes, bringing his attention back to me. “You seem happy with Darcy,” I tell him.
I expect him to smile, and he does, but there’s something hidden beneath that smile. A hesitation of sorts. Maybe I can’t read most people, but I can definitely read my twin, and I don’t think he’s as sure of his choice of Darcy as he’s pretending to be. I think there’s still a part of him that can’t get Tamlin the reporter out of his head.
“I took Tamlin out to lunch today,” he says, echoing my thoughts.
I frown. “And now you’re on a date with Darcy?”
Groaning, he runs a hand through his hair and then grimaces at the food left behind on his fingers. “I’m trying to figure stuff out, but they’re both…” He shakes his head, turning so he’s facing me again instead of Darcy and Jordan. “I don’t know what to do, Brook. It’s like half of me is falling for one and the other half is drawn to the other. I told Tamlin we’re just friends, but she’s… I don’t want to be that guy.”
I wish I knew how to help him. After meeting Darcy tonight, I can tell she’s really good for my brother, but I also saw the way he looked at Tamlin at trivia night last week. I don’t think there’s an easy answer.
“Then don’t be that guy,” I tell him with a shrug. “You’re here with Darcy, and it’s obvious she really likes you. Maybe you shouldn’t mess that up for someone who’s not here for the long run. I just hope no one gets hurt.” I’m not sure who’s in more danger—him or the women he’s pursuing.
Houston nods before heading into the kitchen and scooping Darcy onto his shoulders to help her reach the top of the cabinets.
As soon as I’m alone, Jordan grabs my hand. “Everything good?”
Oh, what a question. “I hope so.” And, since there’s nothing I can do for Houston tonight, I decide to lighten the mood. “What were you saying about towels?”
He grins, zero hesitation as he tugs me into the kitchen and closes the pantry door behind us, leaving us in the dark in Chad’s large walk-in pantry. “See any towels, Queens?” he asks, leaning in until he has me pressed against the wall. “I’d like to get to the end of this party, but if Micah and Fischer are allowed to sneak off and make out, I want my chance too.”
We’ve been doing well all night, keeping our displays of affection to a minimum, but I’m with Jordan on this one. It has been way too long since I last kissed this man, and it’s going to take forever before we get Chad’s kitchen clean so we can leave.
I’ll talk to Houston. Really talk to him and tell him everything. Just maybe not tonight.
“Not seeing any towels,” I say breathily. I search the darkness until my hands find his torso, and then I grip his tutu and pull him closer. I’m a little bit angry that of the three of us, he’s pulling off the ballerina look the best. At the same time, I’m not mad about the way the pink fabric hugs his body and gives me a great view. “But I’m thinking we should try to be thorough.”
His laugh rumbles deep in his chest. “Oh, I can be thorough. Have I told you yet today that I love you, Brooklyn Briggs?”
I grin. “You have. But feel free to tell me again.”
He does so with a kiss that far surpasses my wildest dreams because that’s what Jordan is. He’s everything I could want and more, and I can’t wait to see what our future has in store.
Epilogue
Jordan
February 22
This might have been abad idea.
“Are you sure we won’t light anything on fire?” I ask for the third time.
Mateo gives me a deadpan stare at the same time he clicks on the lighter he brought. He doesn’t say a word, but his expression is saying so, so much.
I fold my arms. “Well,excuse mefor trying to be the safe one, but I’m not the one who figured out how to graduate high school next year with an associate degree. I’m sorry I don’t understand basic chemistry.”
He scoffs. “That’s why you should stop asking questions.”
