Page 131 of Need You Now

Day five of vacation has Seth ambling up the snowy driveway to the cabin. Winston bounds ahead of him, barking at nonexistent birds. He’s volunteered to take him on a walk for Sal. The first of many babysitting duties, he’s sure.

He glances up, a grin on his face. Through the big windows he can see Lacey. She looks beautiful. Happy.

His heart tightens. Christ. He feels love-stoned. His life changed out of the blue when Lacey told him she loved him. And he said it back. No hesitation. The perfect time to tell her what she meant to him.

For once in his life, he didn’t fuck up. He did something right, and he’s gonna hang onto it.

He’s got that once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. He’s finally where he wants to be with Lacey. And the thing that really has his heart skipping all kinds of beats is that they have the rest of their lives to do them. He’s ready. Ready to give this all he’s got and then some. Put a rock on her hand, give her everything, keep her safe, make her wildest dreams come true.

Striding up the bank to the front door, Seth gives a sharp whistle. But Winston bolts. Damn dog. Seth shakes his head, ruefully watching as the scruffy mutt buries his nose in the snow beside a dead rosebush. Since Christmas Day, the snow’s been coming down fast and furious, leaving the entire group housebound.

As he gets closer to the house, Seth hears a voice.

It’s Jace. Standing beneath the awning of the house, away from the snow. Cell phone held to his ear.

“Listen, I don’t know who the fuck you are, but don’t call here anymore. You understand me? I ain’t got your damn money.”

Seth goes numb, not believing what he’s hearing.

Fuck. His hunch from Christmas Eve was right. Jace is gambling again. Two years ago, his money troubles were what prompted Luke to come back to the Brothers Kincaid. He and Luke thought he had gotten straight, especially after Jace sat them down a few months ago and explained why he had done what he had, but apparently not.

As Seth stands there, debating whether or not to make himself known, Winston decides for him.

The scruffy terrier bounds up to Seth, barking, alerting Jace.

“Hey, man,” Jace says, stepping out from the eave. He lowers the phone, his expression uncertain.

“Hey,” Seth says, shifting his stance on the threshold to open the front door and let Winston in the house. “How’s it goin’?”

“Oh, you know. It’s goin’.”

“Where’s Emmy Lou?”

“She’s out ridin’.”

“Why ain’t you out there with her?” When Jace is quiet, his hazel eyes hitting the ground, Seth expels a long breath. “You’re doin’ this again, man?”

Jace wears a look of discomfort at being caught. “It ain’t what you’re thinkin’, Seth.”

“You sure about that?” Seth arches a brow. “You remember the farm, Jace? Because I remember the farm.”

Jace turns away and cups a hand on the back of his neck. He looks angry at himself. “Listen, I don’t wanna drag you into my mess.”

Seth takes a step closer. “If it’s your mess, it’s our mess.” He means it. He and Jace haven’t been close in the past, but they’re brothers. They take it together, they fix it.

Jace meets his eyes. Nods his thanks. Exhales and explains. “The last three days, someone keeps callin’ me, sayin’ I owe them money.”

“Well, do you?”

Jace looks insulted. “No. I paid my loan two damn years ago. You fuckin’ know that.”

“Then who is it?”

“It’s gotta be the Star fishin’ around for another front-page story.” Jace drags a tired hand down his face. “Either way, I haven’t gambled since I got myself into this mess and that’s how it’s gonna stay. I ain’t goin’ back there again.” A shake of his head. “That thing with Griff the other day, I saw y’all’s faces ... I was havin’ fun. It wasn’t anything to be worried about.”

A grin breaks out on Seth’s face. “Jace ... that’s great, man.” He opens his hands, relieved. Relieved Jace wasn’t doing what he thought. Relieved Luke ain’t gonna put a boot up his best friend’s ass.

This is Jace they’re talking about. Steady, easygoing, serious Jace. He fucked up. He learned his lesson. He’s fixing it. He ain’t like Seth. Or Beau and his bullshit.

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