Chapter 6

Delaney

The moment I hear their voices fluttering up to me from downstairs, my face slips into a smile. I take off down the hallway and take the stairs two at a time.

Auntie Sylvia and Auntie Eden are standing in the foyer talking to Mom.

When they look up and see me, they both break out into squeals. I laugh as they launch themselves at me, pulling me into a punishing hug that I love and missed so damn much.

“Laney, baby, look at you!” Auntie Sylvia says, stepping back to get a good look at me. “My god, you’ve grown into a young lady.”

“Don’t remind me,” I sigh, rolling my eyes and making them laugh again.

“How have you been adjusting to your new life?” Auntie Eden asks me, her eyes drifting around the room, a glint of awe in her eyes.

“It’s been good.” I shrug. “Haven’t really been anywhere. It’s too long of a walk. I’m going to have to find myself a job so I can get a car.”

“Laney, you could have just asked to borrow mine.” Mom frowns.

“I would have, but you've been taking it to work.” I shrug. “It’s fine.”

She bites her lower lip, giving me a guilty look. “Oh, I know that face,” Auntie Eden says. “Spill.”

Mom sighs. “I haven’t been using the car.” She cringes.

“How have you been getting to work then?” I ask.

“James. He bought me a new car, an early wedding gift,” she admits.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Mom and I don’t keep secrets. That's why it’s killing me to not tell her about my summer flings with the guys.

One of the things I love about my relationship with my mom is that I can be open and honest with her, and she’ll never judge me.

So her not telling me something as simple as getting a new car... that kind of hurts.

“Because you’ve been adjusting to the changes. Living like this...” She gestures to the house. “With money, big and flashy things. I just didn’t want you to freak out.”

“Why would I have freaked out?” I blink. “It’s a car.”

“It’s not just any kind of car.” She sighs. “It’s a Ferrari. A nice sleek black one.”

My lips part, and I gape at her. “You're kidding, right? Mom, Ferrari’s are hundreds of thousands of dollars! Our car was like five grand!”

“This is why I didn’t want to tell you.” She looks like she's going to cry, and I feel like shit. “James has money, and he wants to buy me nice things. I’ve said no a lot because, like you, I don’t need big fancy things. But Delaney, I’m with this man for the rest of my life, and I can’t just ignore how he lives—”

“Stop, stop, stop.” I hold my hand up and sigh before stepping forward and pulling her into my arms. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. You deserve the best in life, Mom.” I pull back, my stomach turning when I see tears falling from her eyes. Reaching up, I brush them away, swallowing hard. “It’s not that I don’t like all the new pretty things. It’s just that I saw how hard you worked your whole life as a single mom to get to where you are. You sacrificed a lot to give me the best life. And I’ll love you forever for that. You don’t have to justify your new life and all the things that come with it.”

“I just want you to be happy.” She smiles. “I want you to have all the things you deserve.”

“All I ever needed was you.” I laugh, trying not to cry. “You're my best friend, my favorite person in the whole world. It’s why I couldn’t live on the other side of the country, away from you. It’s going to take me some time, sure, but I’ll get used to it. Hell, I’ve already started becoming a poolside princess,” I joke.

She laughs, pulling me in for another hug. “I love you so much, Delaney.”

“I love you too, Mama.” I kiss her cheek.

“Also, I kept the car because I was going to give it to you as a back-to-school present. But I want you to take it now and get out of the dang house. You need to check the town out.”

She’s right. I’ve only been into the dress shop and saw the rest in passing. I would love to explore a bit more.

“I’ll do some back-to-school shopping next week after the wedding. Just need to see what I’ve got left in my savings.”

“No need for that,” James interjects, stepping out of his office. He gives my mom a concerned look, but she gives him a big smile that tells him not to worry. He smiles back and then looks at me. “I know all of this is a lot for you to adjust to. And I don’t want to come on strong and offer you the world like I’ve been wanting to.” He chuckles. “Your mom told me if I bought you a car and all the other things I’ve planned, you would run for the hills.”

“She’s not wrong.” Some people might love free expensive things, but me? I’d feel weird about it. Treating me once in a while would be one thing, but I believe in earning the things I have.

“That's another reason why I believe you fit into this family perfectly. My boys are the same way. They don’t take advantage of the fact we have money. They use just enough to make life good but nothing more. Even Elijah has a serving job down at one of the local bars with his best friend, Winter. He doesn’t need it but wants it.”

Just what I need, another thing that makes me like Elijah even more.

“But, with that said, I’d still like you to take this.” He holds out a black card. I take it curiously, and then my eyes widen, snapping up to his.

“Is this an Amex black card?” I whisper in awe. “I’ve only seen these in movies.”

“Yes.” He chuckles. “And this one is yours. It’s hooked up to your own account. Use it to pay for anything you feel like you need. School supplies, clothes, books, anything. You don’t have to. But I’d like you to have it, just in case you need it.”

“Thank you.” My heart twists, making me feel funny. I’ve never had a dad in my life. Mom was never really open about mine; all I know is that he left before I was born. So, having a father, someone who cares, it’s not something I’m used to. And I don’t really hate it.

“Of course.” He smiles brightly. “You’re family, after all. And I take care of my family.” He wraps his arm around my mom’s shoulder and kisses the top of her head before giving her this look that I can’t help but envy.

I want that. I want someone to look at me like I’m the air they breathe, the life force that beats within them.

“Any chance you have a single brother?” Auntie Sylvia asks.

“Or a sister?” Auntie Eden joins in.

“You two,” Mom scolds, but my aunties just grin.

“Hey, can’t blame a girl for trying.” Auntie Sylvia laughs. “Now, enough of all this sweetness, it’s giving me a toothache. It’s time to party!”

James chuckles. “You ladies have fun. And feel free to go crazy. If you need a ride home, call. I’ll have someone come grab you.”

“He’s the best.” Auntie Eden sighs dreamily as James kisses Mom before walking back into his office.

“He really is.” Mom’s eyes grow misty again. “I love him so much that it hurts sometimes. Is that silly to say?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Not at all.”

***

As mom took Auntie Sylvia and Auntie Eden to their rooms, I went back to mine to get ready for tonight. It took me far too long to find something decent to wear. The more I looked at my wardrobe, the more I realized I may have to make some adjustments. I’m not really one who cares too much about what people think about the clothes I wear, but Rose Briar Hill isn’t San Francisco. This place is for the rich and elite, something my wardrobe is not.

I might not want to become one of them, but I’d like to at least fit in.

Settling for a cute, simple black dress, I pair it with flats—because heels are the bane of my existence. I do my hair up in a slick ponytail, add a smokey eye, and some deep red lipstick before deciding I’m done.

“Not bad, Laney, not bad.” I grin at myself in the mirror. I look hot. Maybe wherever we’re going, there will be some hot guys to dance with. I’m sure my mom and the others wouldn’t mind.

Maybe that's just what I need. You know the saying, to get over someone, you need to get under someone else.

Then I think about how I got into this situation last time I thought a one-night stand would be a good idea.

Never mind, it’s girls night. Boys just seem to complicate things.

Maybe I should become a nun?

No, I like sex too much for that.

Satisfied with my looks, I grab my black purse, shove my wallet and phone into it, and head out.

As I’m walking down the hall, I pass Elijah’s room and notice the door is open.

My belly swoops with the thought of catching a glimpse of him. It’s been a week since he came with us to pick out dresses. We’ve talked a few times in passing, and every time we did, my stomach was a mess of butterflies.

Before I knew Elijah worked, I thought he was avoiding me. But now, I’m the one who is avoiding him... well, all of them.

All three of them admitted they liked me but can’t have me. It’s torture at its finest. I want to be their friend—I do—but it’s not going to be easy.

Only a few more weeks left, and school will start. Then my mind will be on that, and hopefully, the little crushes I have on them will disappear.

Because I just can’t help myself, I peek my head in. Only the person lounging on the bed isn’t Elijah. It’s the little blonde pixie girl, Winter.

“Hey,” I greet her. Her head pops up from where she was playing on her phone.

Her eyes widen when she sees me. “Delaney. Hey!”

“What's up? Hanging out with Elijah?” I ask, looking around but not finding him anywhere.

“Nah.” She laughs. “He’s out of town with some of his teammates, helping at a baseball camp.”

My brows jump, and my heart melts . Damn it, why does he have to be so good?

“Are you waiting for him or something?” I ask, hoping I don’t sound annoyed by her presence. Even if I was, this is more her home than mine right now. She’s been here longer.

“Kind of.” She sighs, giving me a forced smile. “Don’t really want to be home right now.”

I think back to that night I met her. The look on Elijah’s face when she mentioned her parents. If I had to guess, I don’t think she has the best home life, or maybe it has its moments, and this place is her safe space.

“Any chance you’d like to come hang out with me, my mom, and aunts? We’re having a bachelorette party of sorts.”

Winter sits up, excitement lighting up her face. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

“Nah, as long as you don’t mind crazy women who talk too much and don’t have a filter.” I chuckle.

She grins wide. “Trust me, I think I’ll fit right in.”

Ten minutes later, Winter is ready to go. Turns out, one of the spare rooms is hers. She even has clothes here for when she stays over.

She changes into a cute pink dress, tosses her hair into a stylish messy bun, and, unlike me, adds on three-inch heels. Yet, she walks in them as gracefully as a swan. Maybe she can give me lessons before the wedding. Those heels are going to kill me.

“Hey, Mom. You don’t mind if I bring a friend along, right?” I ask when we meet Mom and my aunties down by the front door.

Mom smiles. “Of course not. Winter, hi, dear. I’d be more than happy to have you come along.”

“Oh, aren't you just the cutest,” Auntie Sylvia comments.

“Damn, Laney. You're going to give me a complex over my body.” Auntie Eden looks my outfit over.

“Hush. You know, you look damn good for your early forties. People are going to mistake us for sisters tonight. All of us.” I grin.

Auntie Eden smirks. “I knew I liked you.” She laughs.

“Well, now this is a party. I think we’re owed a limo, what do you think?”

Mom looks at me, like she’s wondering if that might be too much. But it’s Mom’s night, and well, I’ve never been in a limo before.

“Anyone know the number for one?”

***

An hour later, we’re all drunk.

Instead of going out to eat, we chose to drive around in the limo. We blasted the music, grabbed some takeout, and have been hanging out back here.

It’s been a lot of fun.

It turns out Winter is awesome. She's just the type of person I’d have been friends with back home. I think she was right before. I could see us being good friends, even if she is best friends with one of the guys who I can’t stop thinking about.

“Melissa, how come you didn’t tell me your soon-to-be sons were so damn cute!” Auntie Eden is looking at Winter’s phone. We ended up talking about the guys and how Winter is best friends with Elijah. Auntie Eden and Auntie Sylvia wanted to know what they look like, and well, that’s how we ended up on Instagram, stalking my stepbrothers.

“Eden!” Mom gasps. “They are in their early twenties.”

“So.” She chuckles. “As long as they're over twenty-one. I like them on the younger side, anyway; they have more stamina than men our age.” Auntie Eden and Auntie Sylvia burst into laughter.

“Oh hush, James has no issues about lasting long.”

“Mom, no.” I shove my hands over my ears. “I don’t want to hear about how long James can fuck you.”

Auntie Eden and Auntie Sylvia laugh harder as Winter joins them.

Mom’s face turns pink. “Sorry, Laney.”

“Well, young men like them shouldn’t go to waste. What about you, Laney? You deserve a hottie like one of them after that ass-face, Kyle,” Auntie Eden suggests.

I suck on my lower lip, taken by surprise and having no idea what to say.

“She can’t.” Mom frowns. “Those are her stepbrothers.”

“Why not? It’s not like they’re blood. They didn’t grow up together,” Auntie Sylvia points out.

“I agree,” Winter slurs a little, waving her bottle of wine in the air. Turns out, I’m the only one underage in this limo. “I think you should go out with Elijah, he’s a sweetheart. He would treat you like a queen.”

My eyes widen as I look at her in surprise. Is she trying to pimp her best friend, my soon-to-be stepbrother, out to me, in front of my mom?.

Wait, she’s his best friend. If they’re close, would he have told her about this summer?

Nerves hit me hard, causing me to feel like I’m going to be sick. This is not how I want my mom to find out.

“She’s right.” Mom nods. “Elijah would be the perfect boy for you, Delaney.”

“How drunk am I?” I whisper more to myself. I have to be smashed because there's no way they’re encouraging this, right?

“But, sadly, he’s your brother. And blood or not, it wouldn’t be a good idea. Too messy if something goes wrong,” Mom declares. And just like that, any hope I had that she might actually be okay with me dating one of them goes up in smoke. It’s the same reasoning we all have.

“Oh, don’t be a—” Auntie Eden is cut off when something crashes into the side of the Limo.

The limo jolts, screeching to a halt. We all scream as we get tossed around in the back.

Thankfully, no one is hurt, but my heart pounds in my chest as we all stare at each other with wide eyes. “Everyone okay?” Mom asks.

“Yeah,” I answer.

“Hit my head, but I’m fine,” Auntie Eden answers.

“What the fuck happened!” Auntie Sylvia shouts as she gets to her feet and sticks her head out of the top of the limo. “Holy shit. We’ve been hit.”

“Well, that's one way to end a party,” Auntie Eden grumbles.

“It was fun while it lasted,” Winter sighs.

“I hope the driver is okay.” Mom moves over to the divider and knocks on it. “Hey, you okay over there?”

It opens, and a man looks over his shoulder. “Sorry about that, Ma’am. A man ran a red light. But I’m fine. Is everyone back there okay?”

“We’re okay,” Mom answers.

“Police should be here soon. I will call for another limo to come pick you up.”

“No, that's okay. I’ll call my fiancé to come get us.”

We wait in the limo as Mom calls James. After a short conversation, she says he’s coming to grab her and my aunties while Elijah and Logan are coming to get Winter and me.

We end up talking to the police before they get here, but it’s short-lived because we were in the back and didn’t see anything, so we are free to go when our rides arrive.

“Melissa.” James gets out of his car, not bothering to close his door, before rushing over to my mom. “Are you okay?” His face is pained with a mix of worry as he checks her over.

“I’m fine. Just a little shaken up.”

“We should go get you checked out to be sure.” He looks up. “All of you.”

“We’re fine,” Mom insists. “Just a little drunk and tired,” she giggles.

James’ face softens as she chuckles. “Alright then. Let’s get you ladies home.”

Just as he says that another car pulls up. This time, it’s Logan who gets out of the driver's seat and Elijah out of the passenger.

They run over to us, both of their faces masked with worry as they head for Winter.

Biting my lip, I wrap my arms around myself. Am I going to cry? All because they care how Winter is?

Only Logan isn’t headed for Winter. He stops right in front of me. “Delaney.” He takes my face into his hands, eyes frantically looking me over. “Are you okay?”

My heart bursts into a million pieces and puts itself back together again. He cares about me. He’s worried about me. I shouldn’t like it this much, but I do.

“I’m fine.” I wobble a little bit, reminding myself just how much I had to drink. “A little drunk, but fine.”

He frowns and looks over to Elijah. He’s got Winter tucked into his arms, but the look on his face says he’s worried for me, too. “You okay?”

I nod, giving him a small smile.

“Let’s get you two home.”

The guys help us get into the back of their car.

I don’t remember the ride home. I must have passed out because the next time I open my eyes, I’m in Logan’s arms.

Blinking up at him, I frown. “What are you doing?”

He looks down at me. “Sorry, you were asleep. I tried not to wake you.”

“So you're bringing me to bed?” I ask, unable to stop the smile.

He sighs, shaking his head. “Yes and no. I’m bringing you to your room and putting you on your bed. Then I’m leaving.”

“You could stay,” I counter in a playful tone. I’m playing with fire, but I’m too drunk to care.

“No. I can’t.”

“Yesss, you can. No one has to know.” I boop him on the nose.

“Siren,” he growls, the sexy tone lighting a fire in my belly. I have to swallow down a moan. Instead, I just pout.

“Fine.”

He sighs heavily as he takes me up the stairs. I close my eyes, enjoying every moment in his arms. The feeling of his strong arms and hands holding me up, makes me wish this could last a little longer.

It’s over as soon as he brings me into my room and over to my bed. “You’re a good person, Logan,” I mumble, half asleep.

“Thanks.” He grabs my feet and takes off my shoes.

“And a good dad. A really good dad. Benny is so lucky to have you.”

He pauses for a moment. “Thank you,” he says. It’s softer this time, and I smile, eyes still closed.

“You know what else you are?” I ask, trying not to giggle.

“What?” he asks, sounding amused.

“A DILF,” I state matter of factly. “A sexy daddy I’d love to fuck.”

“Delaney,” he groans.

“I hope my baby daddy is as hot as you are someday.” I sigh, rolling over onto my side.

“Don’t talk about that,” he mutters, sounding angry.

“Why?” I’m starting to drift off to sleep, the alcohol winning over.

I feel the bed dip and the brush of a hand over my forehead. I shiver as his fingers linger on my cheeks. He says his next words so low I think I must be dreaming them. “Because the thought of you with another man makes me want to tear the world apart.”

That night, I dream of Logan. Only it’s not a replay of our time together. This dream is totally a new one, so much dirtier, and has me waking in the middle of the night panting for air and wet between my thighs.