Page 8 of Trust Me (Rivers Edge #1)

“Yeah, I know it. I haven’t pushed her at all since day one.

She wanted me to put my energy and free time into something I love, she just wasn’t going to actively participate in it.

You were too little to remember, but when your uncle, Mick, died in that car crash, it changed her.

It took a lot of convincing on my part to prove that I wasn’t going to kill myself in this car.

She was scared every time I took it out, but over time, she began to see not every sports car leads to death.

I think she actually enjoyed our ride yesterday, though she’s probably going to deny it if you ask her,” he says with a laugh.

“Well, I’m glad she did this for you, for something you truly love.”

“Your mom is my true love. This car is just a car. Though I love it and would be devastated to lose it, your mom means so much more to me. If she really asked me to, I would sell this in a heartbeat for her.” He looks off with a slightly dreamlike look on his face.

“Hey, that granddaughter of mine was up at the crack of dawn this morning. I think she missed you.”

“Well, I missed her more than she’ll know. It’s so weird waking up to the complete quiet, knowing she’s not sleeping in her room. I better go inside and give her some love. I thought I’d come out a little early and spend some time with Mom in the kitchen.”

“She’ll love that. Head on in and I’ll see ya in a little bit.”

I turn and head into the house. The familiar aromas of home-cooked meals fill the air.

It smells like we’re having Italian tonight.

I walk into the kitchen and see Brooklyn sitting on the counter next to Mom as she’s whipping up batter in the mixing bowl.

I remember sitting in that very spot many times when I was little, and the memory brings a smile to my face.

“Something smells good,” I say, walking over to Brooklyn to give her a big hug and kiss. “I missed you so much.”

“Missed you too, Mommy. We’re baking cupcakes!”

“Cupcakes, huh? Those are my favorite!”

I help Mom and Brooklyn fill the cupcake papers and then stick them in the oven and set the timer. When the task is complete, Brooklyn takes off to go play in the family room, leaving me alone with Mom in the kitchen.

“So, how was your night?”

“Ugh. Good until the tequila.”

She laughs a full belly laugh at me and says, “Oh, I remember those days. It’s always fun until the next morning.”

“Yeah. Jake and Maddox were there after work, and we played pool most of the night. Maddox ended up driving Holly and me home after the tequila shots.”

Mom arches her eyebrow. “Maddox, huh? Such a nice young man.”

Why do I feel like she’s baiting me? I do not want to talk about Maddox or the kiss. The kiss that I can’t stop thinking about. “He is a nice guy, I guess.”

“Someday, someone is going to snatch that one up. He’ll be a great husband and a wonderful father to a very lucky child.” Mom gives me a pointed look, and I feel myself start to blush.

“He doesn’t want to get married, Mom. He’s just like Jake. A confirmed bachelor until the day he dies.”

“Oh, that’s hinky. Maddox does want all of that, he just doesn’t know it yet.

He’s waiting on the right girl to come along and show him how to love and be loved.

He’ll get there. And don’t get me started on Jake.

That boy needs someone with a good, firm hand to smack some sense into that thick skull of his.

He is the most stubborn man I know. I see things in Jake that even Jake doesn’t see because if he did, he’d turn tail and run the other direction.

When he’s ready to find someone, to fall in love and settle down, he’s going to fall hard. Just you wait and see.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that.”

We continue to chat and catch up about everything we can think of.

After lunch, I lay Brooklyn down for her nap in my old room, which Mom outfitted with a twin-sized bed for Brooklyn.

I head out into the backyard to watch the wind blow through the trees and listen to the birds sing.

It’s so peaceful and soothing to just sit here.

I loved sitting in the backyard when I was growing up.

It’s a large, spacious yard with plenty of room to run and play.

There’s also a big patio with a firepit, which I love.

As I sit and listen to the trees move and the birds chirp, the back door opens, and my brother, Will, walks out .

“Want some company?”

“Sure,” I reply.

He sits in the lounge chair next to me. We’re both quiet for a while, enjoying the serenity of the outside oasis. “So, I heard you went out last night,” Will finally breaks the silence.

“How’d you hear?”

“Oh, you know this town. Everyone knows everything about everyone.” He’s quiet for a few moments. “Heard you and Maddox kicked Jake’s ass in pool,” he adds with a smug smile.

I laugh and fill him in on our evening of shooting pool.

I leave out the tequila part and the part where Maddox drove me home.

Will may be the brother I’m the closest to, but he’s still my older brother.

I’m wrapping up the story when the back door opens again.

Jake steps out in his uniform and sits down in an empty patio chair.

“Heard you guys were out here,” Jake says.

“Heard you let your little sister kick your ass in pool again,” Will smarts off.

“Screw you! She cheated!” Will and I have a good laugh at his tone and instant defensiveness .

Mom pokes her head out of the door, holding a bag of food for Jake to take on the road, hollering for us to come in for dinner.

I help her gather up the food in the kitchen and take it to the dining room, where Maddox is standing in the entryway talking to my dad.

He looks amazing in his uniform. The way the material conforms to his big body, curving tightly against his toned muscles.

I could stand here and drink in the sight of him all night.

Maddox looks up and makes eye contact with me.

I wish I knew what he was thinking. I can never tell.

Is he remembering last night? Is he embarrassed or feeling guilty?

Has he been thinking about the kiss all day like I have?

He gives me his lopsided grin, the one I consider flirty.

I return it with my own before he turns his attention back to my dad.

Jake comes into the dining room carrying a big bag of food and leans down to kiss Brooklyn. “Who’s your favorite uncle, Bean?”

She doesn’t even have time to reply before Will yells, “Hey!” Brooklyn giggles at her uncles’ back-and-forth teasing. He leans down and gives her another kiss on the crown of her head. I hear her softly mumble, “You are my favowite, Uncle Jake,” followed by a little giggle .

“That’s what I thought. Bye, Bean. I love you.

” He turns and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out the front door, Maddox trailing quietly behind.

And just like that, he’s gone. Those two minutes I spent looking at him, being with him in the same room, and I’ll be thinking about him for the rest of the night.

Brooklyn dives into her lasagna like she hasn’t eaten all day.

I know that’s not true because I caught my mom sneaking her snacks from the counter all day long when she thought I wasn’t looking.

All in all, today was a pretty enjoyable day and evening.

It’s a smaller dinner since Jake and Nate are both working, and no one brought friends this week.

I love spending time with my family and am so glad we are close so Brooklyn gets to experience this.

As I drive home with Brooklyn trying not to fall asleep in the back seat, I wonder what my dreams will bring me tonight. Will they be filled with those chocolate eyes I can’t seem to forget? I have a feeling my dreams will definitely be sweet tonight.