Page 42 of Burning Love
“At twenty-five?” Janey said. “No, thank you. I’m not my sister.”
Kelsey had married at twenty-four and was pregnant shortly after. She’d met Rob in college and, at thirty, his oldest stepsister seemed to have the perfect life that many dream of.
Not one where she had no parent in her life like he had.
She had a husband who adored her and helped her out around the house and enjoyed spending time with his kids.
Jace supposed if he had to hand pick a husband for Kelsey, Rob would have been it.
Then he wondered why he thought that because he never felt he could voice those thoughts as an older brother. Kelsey was ten when he entered her life, then he went away to college for two years and was home on short breaks.
He lived in the house for a few more years while he worked and put money away, got an apartment with a roommate, then on his own and had stayed that way since he was twenty-five.
Janey still lived at home, though she worked full time.
Shit, Janey was a year older than Talia now that he thought of it. He wasn’t sure how he’d feel if Janey had a boyfriend his age.
“She’s happy enough.”
“I’m barely making ends meet,” Janey said. “And I hate my job. I want to play with the boys when they are here, then send them back to my sister.”
And that was why he’d be upset if Janey dated someone his age. She still hadn’t fully grown up and taken any responsibility.
He’d bet Lauren was still doing Janey’s laundry for her and making all the meals.
Talia had told him that she cooked just as much as her mother so that they took turns.
For someone who’d said that her siblings always said she was immature or had to grow up, she always seemed mature to him.
Except with what she had on when she showed up a few days ago.
Yeah, best not to think ofthatagain.
He was damn lucky he’d only lost control of his body once, and she knew it but didn’t make a comment.
“One day Kelsey might do the same to you.”
“I doubt it. She’s meant to be a mom, just like Mom. I don’t have the patience for it. They are in the barn with Dad.”
“Thanks,” he said and headed that way.
“There he is,” Kelsey said. “And my two rugrats. You always trail after Uncle Jace.”
“What can I say, your kids worship me.”
“You’ve always been good with them,” Rob said, laughing.
“They’re fun to have around.”
He’d watched them a time or two when they needed someone so Rob could take his sister out for a few hours and give her a break.
Or he’d go over with his father to do some work on Kelsey’s house. Rob was a great husband and father, but he barely knew the difference between a Phillips and flat head screwdriver.
“Rob ordered a swingset for the kids,” Kelsey said. “He thinks he can put it together himself.”
Jace took a sip of beer to stop himself from snorting over that statement.
“I can help if you need a hand,” he offered.
