Page 8 of Never Going to Care

Ma grumbles, “I don’t know when you two are going to pull your head out of your asses and realize you’re perfect for each other.”

Justice’s eyes slide closed for a moment as she takes a deep breath. “It’s not like that, Ma,” she sighs, “and you know it.”

Mom makes a dismissive noise in the back of her throat but doesn’t push. Our mom has a heart of gold and only wants to see us happy. I know it, we all know it, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with some days.

Justice rolls her eyes but then pushes her annoyance away and flashes me a big smile. I know that smile and dread curls up in my stomach. It’s a tell if I’ve ever seen one; a devious as fuck tell.

“What about you, big bro?” There’s a teasing lilt in her voice and I try not to grimace. Her voice takes on a syrupy sweet tone, “Met anyone new?”

The baby of the group, Raegan, bounces on her toes and claps. “Oo, yes! Please tell us someone has finally caught your attention.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes and shake my head. “Nope, nothing like that. You know I don’t have time for a woman in my life.”

“Really?” Isabella’s eyebrow arches and she grins at me. “So the love potion created by Landon and Piper isn’t catching?” She pouts, “Pity.”

I glare at her and open my mouth to respond, but then I look over at Mom to find her watching me. Very, very closely. You could knock me over with a feather when she waves her hand dismissively. “Stop teasing your brother. He’ll find love when the time is right.”

All three of my sister’s jaws drop before they’re sputtering in perfect fucking harmony. I don’t blame them, I’m a little surprised as well. Ma loves pushing us to find people, settle down and start pumping out babies.

The image of that little girl swims back into my mindscape and I bite back the growl of satisfaction which starts to rumble deep in my chest. It’s a pipe dream. I made a horrible first impression and I don’t think Celeste is the woman for me anyway. It’s just a fluke that I haven’t been able to get her out of my head.

Just a fucking fluke.

Sure, keep telling yourself that you big fucking liar.

She’s gorgeous and I love the firelight I saw in her eyes, but she’s also infuriating and frustrating as fuck. It would never work. We’d bite each other’s heads off.

I think.

I’m pretty sure.

Thankfully the conversation shifts to the bakery my sisters own, Éclair Wishes, as we grab the food mom has been preparing and take it to the table. The conversation flows around me and being around my family makes me feel settled in a way only they have the ability to do. It’s comfortable and steady.

I know they’ll always have my back, and they know the same goes for me with them. I made sure no one gave my sisters shit while we were growing up, at least until I joined up. That was the hardest part about my decision—leaving them behind.

It all worked out in the end, and they tightened ranks around each other. They’re fierce as fuck and I almost laugh at the thought of what kind of men will be able to handle them. They’re opinionated and they don’t take any shit. As it fucking should be.

Celeste swims through my mind again. I remember the way she narrowed her eyes at me before she stood up and leaned over the conference room table like she was going to launch herself at me if I said one more disparaging thing about the wedding Piper is planning.

I meant what I said though, the frills are just extra. She’s marrying the man she loves which means it’ll be the perfect day, no matter if there are flowers or lace or even sunny skies.

I try and shake it off, but the rest of the night I can see her eyes, staring at me and there’s a part of me that wishes they weren’t narrowed and, instead, are looking at me with love and devotion.

CHAPTER 4

CELESTE

It’s been one of those days today. I wish it was a Monday because then I could blame the day of the week or something, but it’s not. What a fucking bummer. The whole day has been a drag from the moment I opened my eyes right on the cusp between not early enough and too late.

It was not a good way to wake up at all. I hate feeling like I’m playing catch-up all day and while it could have been worse, I’ve been kicking myself for hitting my snooze button that one extra time. Why couldn’t I have some self-control?

Maybe it was because you were having an oh so delicious dream about Hale.

Not fucking helping.

I’m not exactly a morning person, but today I felt like a gremlin from the moment I opened my eyes. I’ve wanted to snipe and swipe at people as if raking my claws over them would make me feel better. I know it won’t.

At least, I don’t think it would.

---