Page 102 of South of The Skyway

I raised a speculative brow. “Ace, what do you mean?”

She rolled her eyes. “I mean,this.” She gestured between us. “We’re not supposed to be together.”

“Sayswho?” I scoffed. “The universe? Fate? Sorry, babe, but I’m pretty sure they don’t get a say in who I love.”

“It’s not that simple.”

Leaning in and lowering my voice, I shook my head. “Well. It is for me. I love you, Brexley Snows. Simple as that.”

Her eyes went round, tears lining the rim. “Stop it, Rhyett. You’re making me feel things.”

“Oh no, not emotions,” I teased with mock horror before chuckling. “Anything but that.” She didn’t retreat when I moved to wrap around her, thanking all that was holy as her frame fit right against my side.

“Rhy, you’re born to be a father, and I don’t even know if I want kids.”

“I’m in no rush. And at my age, it’s actually not a make or break for me.”

“I get overwhelmed if my houseplants make noise when the air conditioner comes on, and you literally thrive in chaos.”

“Unavoidable hazard of being in a big family.”

“Right. But I didn’t grow up with eleven siblings vying for attention. There was just me. I don’t know how to handle the noise, the opinions, the constant ribbing.”

“That’s mostly Jameson and Maverick. You’ll like Paxton and Axel. If Finn ever holds still long enough to meet him, he’s a big ol’ softie. The girls only dish it back; they don’t start it.”

“You know what I’m saying,” she said, sniffling.

“Baby, my family already loves you. You won them over the moment you showed up and again when you flipped off Jameson. They like a girl that can hold her own.”

“They don’t even know me. Hell, you don’t even know me.”

“I wouldn’t exactly say that,” I teased, repeating one of our first conversations.

“I just…I think I need a break from the crazy. I need some time to process.”

“Okay, we’ll stay at your place tonight. Let my family invade the RV in full force.”

“No, Rhyett. I need some time away from you.”

“Brex—”

“No. I mean it. It’s not fair, and I can’t think when you smile at me or touch me or—” She cut herself off when I gently ran a palm up her calf, hoping to soothe her, but earning a fierce scowl instead. “See?” she gritted, snaking out of my arms and rising to her feet. “I can’t think when I’m with you. I just need—space!”

I got to my feet, refusing to just let her run off without talking through shit first. Closing the gap, I reached over to cup her silky face, forcing her to look at me. “Okay, just…let me walk you home, so I know you’re safe. Take a breather tonight, and we can talk in the morning. I know you’re scared, baby. But don’t fight this thing between us. Whatever it is. Just, let go. I promised you won’t regret it, and I mean that.”

With a furrow between her brow, she nodded.

“Okay,” I said, keeping my voice level as I stroked her hair. The walk to her place was made in agonizing silence. My heart ached. A dull throb formed in my temples. Brex’s energy was akin to a lightning storm, my instincts all telling me I was about to get hit with a bolt. As I walked her to her door, she swore, slapping a palm to her head.

“Royal!” she lamented. “Royal is at your place.”

“She’s fine,” I assured her, waving her off. “You can come down as soon as you feel up to it. I’ve got her.”

“Rhyett, I don’t know if I’ll be up for anything tonight. I should just pick her up.”

“Come on down with me?”

Brexley shook her head, throat bobbing. “I don’t think being in a small space is conducive with the whole ‘thinking things through’ thing.” It took considerable effort not to chuckle at her air quotes.

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