Page 41 of The Rowdy Ones

Rowdy gives my neck an affectionate squeeze. “You’re really good at using your phone. Maybe you ought to teach me a thing or two.”

I can’t help but grin at him. It’s a compliment because he’s a lot more worldly than me. But to him, the phone is just a tool. For me, it’s a lifeline and opens up a whole new existence. I love it.

“Sounds like a date.”

“Stairs are coming up,” Rowdy warns. “Careful.”

I wrap an arm around his waist and let him guide me toward them. We make it up the steps without trouble and then he stops in front of the doors. He releases his hand from my neck and then steps in front of me. His massive frame blocks the chilly wind and he’s close enough I can feel the warmth of his chest radiating into mine. Gently, he cups my cheek. It’s a sweet gesture, but it reminds me of last night. He’d done something similar, going as far as touching my lip, and I’d felt a forbidden stirring in my gut.

“Have a good day, Dez.”

“I will,” I rasp out. “Don’t get lost today.”

He chuckles. “I’ll do my best.”

“Destiny!” a familiar voice chirps as the door opens and warmth swirls toward us. “So happy to see you!”

I jerk away from Rowdy as if I’ve been caught doing something wrong. My face is burning hot as I turn to face Gwen. Rowdy doesn’t say another word and I hear his footsteps crunching along the ground as he walks away. Gwen pulls me in for a fierce hug that makes me smile.

“Let’s grab some coffee and catch up about the weekend before we get started.”

Eagerly, I follow my new friend and therapist to her wonderfully homey office. We drink her delicious coffee while I tell her about what a sweet guy her son is and the date we went on. I’m able to push away the strange feelings for Rowdy and focus on being here where I can learn new things.

“You know you can text me anything anytime,” Gwen says to me. She’s told me this before and I believe it.

“I know.” I smile at her as I set my now empty mug down.

She moves from her own seat and sits down next to me. My heart rate quickens when she takes my hand. Something about the sudden closeness makes me nervous. “You know, sweetie, if there’s anything troubling you at home, I can help with that.”

Where do I begin?

Though I’m thinking it, I certainly don’t voice it.

“Everything’s fine. Why? Did Weston say something?”

She sighs heavily. “He mentioned you were upset about your brother being missing. Since I just saw him, I understand he made his way home. Want to talk about it?”

Nope.

“I overreacted,” I say with a grimace. “His phone died and I jumped to the worst possible conclusion.”

“Which is…”

“Thathedied.”

She squeezes my hand. “Oh, honey, that must’ve been terrible to think your brother died. Why did you jump to that so quickly?”

Because he already almost died once before…

“Someone was murdered. He fit my brother’s description. It was terrifying.”

“How awful,” she says softly. “You and your brother have a close bond, huh?”

The way she asks the question is innocent enough, but I sense an agenda behind her words. It puts me on guard.

“I have a close bond with all my siblings. I have many.”

“That’s wonderful,” she agrees, a smile in her voice. “Rowdy seems extremely protective of you.”