Page 28 of Delayed
Chapter Fifteen
“This is so impressive,” Anna commented asTaylor walked her towards the door that led to the bar. “You guysreally put a lot of thought into the vibe of this place.”
“Thanks.” Taylor smiled at her. “I’m thebeer mastermind, but Brady and Rex came up with our name, our logo,and the concept of the brewery. They’re both super creative.”
Taylor pushed the door open. Anna walkedfrom the hum of the brewing equipment into the buzz of the bararea. Even more people had filed into the brewery.
“Rex!” A tall woman with dirty blonde hairpulled into a ponytail waved her hand at him. He stood from hisbarstool next to Brady and wrapped his arms around the woman as sherushed him. It was an affectionate embrace, a familiar one.
Anna’s stomach twisted into a knot. Despiteknowing she wasn’t the first woman he’d been with or in arelationship with—they were in a relationship!—it still botheredher to see him so affectionate with another female. Did women comein here all the time and wrap themselves around him? She pursed herlips.
“Ah, Jane’s back from Mexico.” Taylorlaughed.
“Jane?” The name sounded familiar, but shecouldn’t quite place it.
“Rex’s sister. Hedidmention hissister, right?” Taylor peered down at her.
She exhaled. “Yes. Yes, he did.” They’d hada brief conversation about his little sister and the fact he adoredher. But he hadn’t shown her a picture or mentioned that she’d behere tonight. The knot in her stomach lessened and was replacedwith the flutters of butterflies. Meeting each other’s family was abig step, and she hadn’t mentally prepared for this. Introductionsto his friends/partners had been a huge step, but this …what if hissister didn’t like her?
“Come on,” Taylor urged. “I’m sure Rex isdying to introduce you two.” He led the way to the bar where Jane’shands waved about in animation of whatever story she wastelling.
“Tay-Tay!” The beautiful blonde called out,stopping her story as they approached the group. She threw her armsaround his neck and kissed his cheek. White hibiscus spatteredacross her black harem pants and her cropped white t-shirt rode upher back as she hugged him. “You’re looking dreamier than ever.”She pulled back and winked at him.
“You know what I always say—flattery getsyou everything.” Taylor placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. “How wasthe retreat?”
“Splendid.” Jane’s voice bubbled withexcitement. “I can’t wait to share some of the new meditations withyou.”
Meditations? Rex had mentioned that hissister was a yoga instructor, but her outfit and comment suggestedthat yoga was more than her career, it was a way of life.
Rex moved next to Anna. He rested his handat her low back, sending heat through her. He cleared his throat.“Janey, I want you to meet someone.”
Jane turned her emerald eyes on Anna. Thisclose up, Anna could see the strong resemblance between her andRex. Their relation was undeniable and she felt silly jumping tosome conclusion that Rex had a bevy of women when she wasn’taround.
“You must betheAnna!” Jane thrustout her hand.
Anna slipped her hand into Jane’s, whopulled her forward and into a hug. Anna’s eyes widened, but herthroat grew thick with emotion. In the past, no one would call heraffectionate. She’d always been a little guarded, believing thatemotions were a sign of weakness or vulnerability that an employeror friend could exploit.
Having Rex in her life had been slowlychanging this for her. She liked holding his hand. Resting her headinto the crook of his shoulder. Kissing his cheek. Running herthumb over the scruff of his jaw.
“Rex has told me so much about you.” Janesqueezed her tight. “I feel like I know you already. Though I dothink he lied a bit.” She pulled back from their embrace andscanned Anna’s face. “He said you were beautiful, but I think hemeant gorgeous and stunning.”
Anna stammered, not sure what to say tothat.
“She’s a level above you, Rexy.” Janechuckled, followed by Brady and Taylor.
“Rexy?” Anna bit her lip trying not tolaugh. The nickname was cute but funny.
“Don’t you laugh.” Rex pointed his finger ather. Though he narrowed his eyes on her, the twitch of his lipsgave away his lack of annoyance.
“Who? Me?” Anna snickered. She covered hermouth with her hand.
“Look what you did.” He teased his sister.Wrapping his arm around Jane’s neck, he pulled her into a headlock.“You can’t call me that in public.” Then he balled up his otherhand and rubbed his knuckles over her head.
“Did you just give me a noogy?” Janegiggled.
Rex released her. “There’s more where thatcame from.” He winked.
She reached up and tightened her ponytail.“You told me I couldn’t call you Sexy Rexy in public. NotRexy.”
