Page 53 of Incomplete
“I thought you mentioned you rescheduled it?”
“Oh, dear husband of mine, learn to take a hint, read between the lines,” Brooke playfully bantered with a smirk, tipping her head across the table toward us.
Luke cleared his throat. “Ah, my bad.”
“While, normally, I wouldn’t argue with you cutting out early, sis, you don’t need to head out on our account. Stay.”
Brooke moved to stand and started gathering our dessert plates. “I don’t want to push our luck and overstay our welcome since I sprung this dinner on you to get to know Lakelyn. Plus, I know you’re back on shift tomorrow.”
“Here, let me help,” I offered to start collecting the empty glassware.
“Just leave it all on the counter, I’ll take care of it later,” Boden called out.
After Brooke and I made our way inside the kitchen and deposited the dirty dishes into the sink, she turned to me with a serious expression.
“While I have you alone again for a quick minute, can I say something else?”
“Of course.”
“There isn’t anything in this world I wouldn’t do for my big brother. Boden has the biggest heart, but it’s also fragile.” I nodded in understanding. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen my brother like he is tonight, hopeful and happy.” She looked over her shoulder toward the patio where the guys were standing. “Has Boden told you anything about our past, our parents?”
“A little.”
“Well, if I know my brother at all, he likely downplayed how much their death truly affected him. He didn’t just step up and into a parental role, he did everything in his power to fill the massive void left behind, and in doing so, he put aspects of his life on hold to make sure I thrived and never felt abandoned. In a roundabout way, he closed himself off from the very thing that would heal him—love.” She turned back toward me. “As his biggest fan and fiercest little protector, all I’ve ever asked is for him to put himself out there, be open to the possibilities and to see that he’s finally taking that step . . . no matter the outcome here between you two, it just makes me so happy to see him letting his walls down.” Brooke quickly hugged me before adding, “No pressure, as I said earlier, and I mean that, truly. I just want to say thank you for lighting a fire under his ass and allowing me to see the spark of life back in his eyes.”
How does one respond to that?
The two shared such a unique connection, that much was obvious, one rooted in tragedy but resilient in their faith to stand strong together. Their bond reminded me of what I once had with my sister growing up, a feeling so deeply embedded in my soul that I wasn’t alone on the journey of life.
“How far out in your timeline does the cabinet delay set you back?” Luke asked Boden as they joined us inside.
“Hopefully, not much. I’ve got other action items to keep me busy in the meantime.”
“Who knew kitchen cabinets would suddenly become so scarce.”
“The construction industry as a whole has taken a massive hit lately. The lumber alone will affect my profits, but it is what it is.” Boden shrugged, wrapping an arm around my middle and pulling my back against his chest.
“Oh, Lakelyn, before I forget, I’d love to get the recipe from you for your Greek quinoa salad if you don’t mind, it was seriously the best summer salad I’ve had in a while.”
“I can’t take all the credit as I found it on Pinterest.”
“Still, you have to share.”
“Of course, I’ll write out the measurements and ingredients and give them to Boden to pass along.”
“Perfect. Okay, hun, you ready?”
“Absolutely, my lady.” Luke pressed a kiss in the crook of her neck. “Lead the way, my love.”
“Let me walk you two out.”
“No need, big brother, you look cozy where you are.” She smirked. “And don’t worry, I’ll use the code and lock up behind us.”
“Thanks, sis.”
No sooner were Brooke and Luke out of eyesight did Boden spin me around, cup the sides of my face, and press his lips softly against mine. It didn’t take long before he licked the seam, and I parted my lips, welcoming his tongue as it made sweet, languid strokes against mine.
Our kiss was as sensual as it was dizzying.
