Page 79 of Yours To Take
“Yes. Sometimes, there’s even a black eye.”
“A black eye? I’m seriously beginning to think that I’ve been missing out all these years.”
“I have three brothers. When they got really mad, punches were thrown, and then it was over.”
“Damn.” I see Blake’s eyes taking in both of my brothers. Logan’s built stockily like a football player, whereas Mason’s arms are the size of my head and could scare even the biggest body builder. “I wouldn’t want to take on either of them.”
“Don’t worry,”—I pat his cheek—“they don’t really get into fights anymore.”
“Although, we could if you hurt Gemma,” Mason cuts in. Holding his knife in one hand, he points it at Blake. “Don’t think we don’t know what you’re doing with our sister.”
“Oh, shit,” I hear Blake mumble.
“Oh, grow up, Mason. You don’t know anything.”
“I know a lot more than you think.” He quirks a brow in my direction, giving me a fierce stare. One that used to have me caving like a sandcastle when we were little.
Not now. Not anymore. My big brother doesn’t scare me.
“How about we ask where you were this afternoon?” I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms.
“Ooh, she’s got you there,” Logan laughs.
“I’m sorry if they’re acting like children, Blake.” Gramps gives Blake a warm smile. “They weren’t raised in a barn.”
“Can I be raised in a barn? I want to live with Buttercup!” Willow chirps.
Everyone bursts out laughing.
This is the reason I love my family. All of the jabs and bickering are done with love. I don’t know how Blake did without this growing up. Even if I complain about being the youngest, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“No living in the barn, sweetheart.” Mason gazes down at Willow with affection. “You wouldn’t like the smell.”
“Then a tent maybe.”
“You’d miss Daisy too much.”
The mention of their dog has Willow thinking. “Daisy would come with me. She likes the horses.”
“You bet she does,” I tell her.
“Daddy would miss me though.”
“I would, Pipsqueak.”
“Maybe Aunt Gemma and I can have a sleepover with the horses. That’d be fun!”
“We’ll see.” I give her a wink and go back to my dinner as the table dissolves into more conversation.
“So, Blake.” Gramps turns his attention to the man in question. “How much longer do you think you’ll be staying here?”
“Haven’t given it too much thought,” he replies, shoving a forkful of chicken into his mouth.
This is something I haven’t been thinking about. It’s easy to forget that Blake hasn’t always been here. It’s like he was made to be by my side. The last few weeks have been sailing by too fast. And I know that he’ll be leaving here soon enough.
Which is why I haven’t been thinking about it. I’ve been enjoying what precious time I have with him. In and out of the bedroom.
“We’ve enjoyed having you here. I hope you’ll come back again sometime.”
