Page 75 of Trust Issues
“Of course I do. I know I may not be the best big brother in the world but I love my little brothers…no matter what.”
“The jury is still out on that. Send me the paperwork and I’ll get back to you. Make sure you let Owen know you’re sending it to me so he doesn’t feel excluded.”
“Sure thing, little bro.” I gave him a tight smile that I had to force onto my face then I got in the car. “Hey, Maxwell…”Nate jogged over to my car and leaned down so that his face was level with the open window. “Thanks for not biting my head off. It’s been years since we had a conversation that didn’t involve insults.”
“Yeah…well, it’s a start. That’s all I got right now, Nate. No promises. Just a start.” I started my engine and Nate stood back. He didn’t say anything else and neither did I.
It wasn’t a perfect interaction by a long shot and I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to forgive him but at least I started the process of letting the anger go.
…
By the time I got home, Kyle was already in my apartment. It smelled like green peppers and onions, and she had Heavy D pumping through the Bluetooth speakers. The entire scene made me smile. I felt all the baggage from Nate evaporate the minute I heard her rapping along toSomebody for Me. I walked up behind her and she pushed her perfect ass against me.
“I may or may not be tipsy and in the mood for fajitas. Either way, I’ll be done cooking in a little while. Oh, and Barkley decided that your room is his room so he’s asleep in there.”
“Not a problem.” I put my hands on her hips while she swayed them back and forth to the music. I was home. After a few seconds of absorbing her energy and letting her smooth vanilla scent settle into my rigid bones, I was swaying back and forth with her.
“I was away from you for a few hours and I missed the fuck out of you. God, you have my nose open. It’s so annoying,” she pouted.
“I can leave if you want me to,” I offered, aiming my thumb toward the door.
“Maxwell Parker, if you walk out of that door I will chase you down and cut you.” Her laugh was so light and airy.
“It’s always violence with you.” I pinched her sides and she yelped. I almost forgot to tell her about Nate. She erased every unpleasant feeling and memory.
“What did Owen want to tell you?” She asked, pulling the pan off the fire.
“Oh, yeah,” I muttered between nibbles to her sweet neck. I pulled away from her before I became completely intoxicated and said, “He’s opening up his own mechanic shop. He didn’t give me all the details because I’m sure he thought I was going to question him about everything.”
“Wow, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for him. I also want to dig into any contracts he’s signed and look over any loans he’s taken out. Owen is like a brother to me and I will murder anyone trying to take advantage of him.” I knew she meant every word too.
“I know. That’s why you’re so fucking perfect,” I sighed. “Nate is the one who gave him the loan. I ran into him as I was leaving Owen’s.” Kyle turned to face me then she turned the music down and put her hands on her hips. I knew what that stance meant. She wanted the full story immediately. I walked with my hands on her hips over to the kitchen table and sat down, pulling her onto my lap.
“You talked to him or you cursed him out? There’s a stark difference, Max.”
“I know that. I talked to him. It wasn’t in depth and I didn’t extend an olive branch but I didn’t breathe fire down his neck.”
“Well, I guess that’s a start.”
I took a minute to fill her in on the conversation between me and Nate while she listened and nodded with approval. “I know that was hard for you.” When she touched the side of my face nothing seemed hard.
Well…
Somethings got harder.
“It was but I’m glad I listened to you.”
“Me too. I’m glad you trusted my advice. See? The world didn’t end just because you didn’t curse your brother out or put him through a wall when you saw him, right?”
“Yeah, yeah. Now make my fajitas, woman.” I bit her shoulder and she hopped up from my lap. “I’m gonna take Barkley for a walk and I’ll be back. You want anything?”
“Can you grab the tequila from my apartment?” She asked.
“Look in the cabinet where I keep the liquor,” I replied with a waiting smile. I heard the gasp when she opened it.
“When did you get Patron?”
“I got it the other day. I was tired of running back and forth to get yours. Now you have some here and you have some at home.” I slapped her ass and grabbed Barkley’s leash. He came running the second he heard the soft jingle from the metal clasp.
