Page 148 of Control Freak

“I don’t deserve you,” I said, leaning in to kiss him.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said. “You deserve everything. We both do.”

EPILOGUE

FOUR MONTHS LATER…

Shiloh

When I got homefrom school, I parked my lime-green Kia Soul on a dead patch of grass next to Holden’s GTO and Bailey’s summerproject.

He’d been working on that old Camaro every free minute he got so that it would be ready by the time he headed off to college.

I threw open my door and got out, mouth instantly watering at the scent of grilling meat. I’d skipped lunch today, knowing we’d be having this going-away party for Bailey, and I was starving.

Laughter and happy dog yips carried on the wind from the backyard. I headed that way, tote bag still slung over one shoulder.

I wanted to be sure I didn’t miss Bailey’s send-off. I wasn’t sure how late he’d want to hit the road. The fact that he’d waited for me to get home from school meant a lot, considering I was the new guy in the family.

Over the past few months, I’d settled in and made myself more at home. We’d gone to St. Louis and picked up theremaining belongings I’d wanted to save—mainly more clothes and my mementos from former students. Gray had come along and immediately grabbed up my small love seat to add to the living room.

That house was crammed with men, and it was getting harder to seat us all comfortably at once. I loved it, though. I’d lived alone for so many years, and now there was always someone around, always voices and laughter when I needed them.

Brick and Curtis had taken a plea deal after they were picked up by the St. Louis police, so I didn’t have to worry about them. Dalton told me they went to the same prison as Jimmie, and as far as I was concerned, they could all have each other.

I had a whole new life, and I wasn’t going to waste another second worrying about any of them.

Banshee greeted me as I stepped into the backyard. I patted her head and glanced around. Loki and Oreo were racing around the yard, barking happily.

An old, weathered picnic table sat in the center of the yard, the grill on a small patch of concrete right behind the back door. Holden worked the grill becauseof coursehe did. My man would leave nothing to chance.

He’d gotten a little better about trusting his brothers, but he’d always be a control freak. Which suited me just fine because he mostly saved his bossiness for the bedroom.

And I sure did love taking orders from him.

He glanced over, eyes catching mine, and a smile lit up his face. “Hey, hon! Come get a burger.”

Axel and Dalton sat at the picnic table, plates full of half-eaten burgers and cobs of corn in front of them. Bowls of potato salad, chips, and salad took up the center of the table, and on the other side, Jose was wiping his little grandson’s messy face witha napkin while the kid surreptitiously tossed a bite of food to Taz under the table.

Emory and Gray were sitting in camp chairs in the shade, along with Allison, Matteo, and Flynn. Sugar sat with her head resting on Matteo’s knee, gazing up at him like he was her true love.

As I crossed the lawn, I didn’t see Bailey anywhere.

“Where’s Bails? His car was still out front, so I couldn’t have missed him.”

“You didn’t. He’ll be back out in a minute. He’s on the phone with his bestie, Nova. She couldn’t make the cookout because she’s traveling with her family.” Holden handed me a plate with a burger on it and leaned in to steal a kiss. “How was school?”

“Good.” I smiled. “Parker said hello.”

Holden immediately scowled, which made me laugh. He’d always been a little jealous of Parker, and I liked to tease him about it so he’d see how silly he was.

“I’m glad you’re friends with Parker,” he said, sounding anything but glad, “as long as you remember you love me more.”

“Always.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

The door opened, and Bailey emerged. “Okay, Nova says she’s going to check up on you when I’m gone. Make sure you’re not withering away without me.”