“Mine.”
Chapter 21
Breaking rule two
Halle-freaking-lujah.It’sMondayafternoon,and I’ve managed to finish this damn book ahead of schedule. Reno has made himself scarce while I do a final read through before sending to the beta team.
I pop a cherry Starburst into my mouth and chew absently as I frown at my laptop screen. Why the hell did I use the wordslackshere? I hate that word.Slacks.It gives me the ick, so I quickly change it to dress pants.
Reno lets himself into our cottage without a word, refills my Dr Pepper, and sets a plate of cheese and fruit beside me before kissing the top of my head and leaving. Seriously. The man is a dreamboat.
I nibble on a piece of gouda and a juicy grape as I wrap up yet another chapter. Then my phone buzzes beside me. Checking the display, I see it’s my younger brother, Xander. That’s weird. He usually doesn’t call much.
Swiping the screen, I drawl out, “Alien abduction line. If you’ve been probed, please press one. If you’d like to be probed, please press two.”
“Yes, ma’am. What if I’ve been probed and want to do it again?”
“That depends. Will you be providing your own lube?”
“Of course. I’m a very self-respecting human.”
“Okey doke. Then push five.”
Xander snickers and cuts the act. “Sorry to bother you, sis. Is this a good time to call?”
“Of course, Xan. What’s up?”
“I, uh, you know I’m studying for my MCAT?” he asks.
“Yes, it’s in September, right?” My little bro is so smart. He plans to go to medical school when he graduates college in two years.
“Yeah, well my roommates are being loud.”
“Go to my house to study,” I say immediately, and I hear the relief in his sigh.
“You sure, Jules? I don’t want to—”
“Xander,” I say sternly, “you know you’re always welcome at my place. Just go. You can even stay there until I get home on Sunday. There should be clean sheets on my bed.”
“Okay,” he agrees. “Thank you so much, sis. You’re the best.”
“I’ll make sure to inform Bubba and Jordie,” I tease, referring to our other two siblings. “Oh, and let Pops know because he’s been checking on my house while I’ve been gone.”
“I’ll take care of everything and water your plants,” he says eagerly. “And I’ll run to the store so you’ll have bread, milk, and eggs when you get home.”
“That’s sweet of you. There should be some cash in the cookie jar.”
“All right. I’m going to pack a bag. Thanks again, J.”
“No problem, sweetie. I’ll see you on Sunday. Love you.”
“Love you too,” he replies before hanging up.
I adore that kid. Well, he’s twenty-two, but he’s still a kid in my eyes. Xander is absolutely the sweetest, and for the millionth time, I pray he finds his balance. He studies so hard, and I often have to gently remind him that he’s still young and should be having fun. But while he’s preparing to take one of the most important exams of his life in a few months, this isn’t the time.
Putting thoughts of Xander out of my head, I take a drink of my soda and munch on the snacks Reno brought me while I finish reading through my completed manuscript. Two hours later, I smile as I send it to my team.
After rewarding myself with one more Starburst, I text Reno to let him know I’m done. He arrives ten minutes later with a bouquet of colorful flowersin his hand.
