Page 14 of Finding Us
My attention is focused on him as I cross the floor in his direction. All the testosterone in this room is making me feel uncomfortable. Connor is so focused on himself he’s totally oblivious to my presence, but the moment someone whistles, his arm pauses mid-curl and his head snaps to the side as his gaze scans the room. As soon as he sees it’s me who is gaining the attention, his chest puffs out and his eyes narrow. It has a smile tugging at my lips. Of course, it’s okay for him to objectify women, but when it’s someone else doing it to his little sister, it’s suddenly an issue.
“Jaz,” he says, placing down the dumbbell in his hand. His eyes scan my face, and he must be able to see I’m upset, because he adds, “Ignore those fuckers.”
I flick my hand, because it’s not like I haven’t been whistled at before. Although I feel uncomfortable being surrounded by all these men, that isn’t the cause of my distress. “I’m not worried about them.”
“Then why do you look like you’re about to burst into tears?” I wasn’t going to mention my unfortunate encounter outside, but I know Connor, he won’t let it go. Sliding my hand into the pocket of my hoodie, I retrieve my phone, holding it out for him to see. “Shit, did you drop it?” I lift one shoulder instead of answering, because I don’t want to lie to him, but my vague response only heightens his concern. “Did something happen, Jaz?”
I blow out a puff of air before replying. “Don’t go all mumma-bear on me, okay, but some guy knocked me on my arse outside and I dropped it when I fell.” I turn to show him the wet patch on the rear of my jeans.
“The fuck!” Rounding me, he takes a step towards the exit.
“Con,” I quickly say, reaching for his arm. “Don’t … it wasn’t his fault; I wasn’t watching where I was going. Please.”
As soon as I say please, he stops and takes a moment to run his hand through his hair before spinning around to face me. There’s now a deep frown marring his forehead. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine.”
“Did he at least apologise?”
“It was my fault.”
“He didn’t apologise?”
When he goes to turn around again, I’m forced to lie. “Yes, he did.”
He takes my phone out of my hand and walks back towards the bench. “Take my phone with you to Brooke’s,” he says, picking it up and passing it to me. “I’ll get your screen replaced on the way home.”
“Thank you.” There’s no point arguing with him, he’s stubborn like that. “Here are your keys.”
“Do you know what time you’ll be home tonight?”
“Not late.”
“Are you going to be okay driving in the rain?”
“Yes, Dad,” I say, rolling my eyes. “It was raining on the way here.”
He chuckles before pulling me in for a quick hug and placing a chaste kiss on the top of my head. “It will be dark when you’re coming home.”
“I’ve driven in the dark plenty of times, stop worrying.”
“I’m your big brother, it’s my job to worry about you. If you need me to come get you later just call.”
“I will.”
Thanks to the GPS, I find my way to Brooke’s house without any trouble. As soon as I drive through the large iron gates and pull into their driveway, Angel comes running out of the house.
Their new place is so grand and completely different to the stylish penthouse where they used to live. I still remember the first night I went there, I was completely blown away by it, being such a contrast to the tiny, run-down shack I’d grown up in. Back then, I didn’t know that people lived like that. I was awestruck. This new house though, is on a completely different level, and although I’ve been living in my own mansion since Mum married Dad, I still find myself captivated by the grandeur of this place every time I visit. Logan spared no expense when he built this for his family.
“Aunty Jaz,” Angel screams, launching herself into the car the moment I open the driver’s side door.
“Look how much you’ve grown,” I say, twisting in my seat when she throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tight. When she tilts her head back and gives me a toothy smile, I can see her new front teeth popping through. She still had her baby teeth last time I saw her.
“I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” I say.
Angel reaches for my hand when I exit the car. She’s almost eight years old and it won’t be long before she’s towering over me … which I shouldn’t be surprised by, everyone is taller than me.
