Chapter 12

TWELVE

AUSTIN

The loud bark pulled me from my sleep. I scrunched my face, not quite ready to open my eyes yet. Penny had other ideas, her irritating bark tearing a groan from me.

"What time is it?"

Hearing Jasper's sleepy voice, I woke up enough to realize he was draped over my body. With him so close, waking up didn't seem like such a hardship. A smile wiped out the frown Penny had created, and I tugged Jasper close, saying, "Too early." Another bark. "But she doesn't bark over nothing. She must want to go out."

Jasper tapped me on the back as I withdrew. "Good job. You go deal with that." Immediately, he snuggled further under the sheets and curled his arms around my pillow. He looked good in my bed, and seeing him now, just as the faintest of morning rays were trickling in through the slats of the blinds, contentment eased through me.

I headed out of my room after pulling on some shorts, making my way to the back door, while thinking of last night. Dinner had been great. Not only had the food been delicious—courtesy of Billy—but we'd spent the evening sharing tales, plans for the future, and discussing the most random of topics. Our conversation was effortless. It didn't mean we agreed on everything or even supported the same football team, but everything I discovered simply made me want to know more.

"Hey, girl, what on earth is the fuss about?"

A quick glance at the clock on the oven told me it was just turned five. I sighed, disgruntled my sleep-in with Jasper was cut short. As I opened the door for Penny, I did consider that waking up early meant I could get an extra taste of him this morning. There was nothing to say that when we were spent, we couldn't head back to sleep. One of the contractors was due, but that wasn't until nine thirty.

Penny barked, following up with a whine. Confused, I stepped outside into the cool spring air. The sun peaked just over the horizon, casting varying shades of pink across the sky. I walked around the side of the house to the gate separating the main gardens from the front of the house, something I'd had to have put in once I'd decided I wanted a dog.

Expectant eyes peered up at me when I reached her side, her tail wagging wildly. A crunch of gravel at the front of the house caught my attention.

What the hell?

I unbolted the gate and bent to hold on to Penny's collar. I wasn't quick enough.

She bounded around the partially open gate and was out of sight. "Penny," I called, no longer attempting to keep quiet. "Get your ass back here." Once I was through the gate, I took the few steps needed to get to the front of the house, turned the corner, and stood stock-still.

Surprise left me wide-eyed. My mouth fell open, my brows creasing, and my eyes roamed over the man before me. "Frankie? What the hell are you doing here?"

He stood up from having bent down to pet Penny, a wry grin on his face. "Missed me?"

With a few strides, he wrapped me up in a hug, and I hauled him close. "Where the hell have you been? Jesus, we were worried." We released each other. The guilt on his face was obvious.

"Sorry. It's been… busy."

I shook my head, but my relief and happiness at seeing him home and safe was impossible to ignore. "It's just good to see you." I flung an arm around his shoulder. " Come on, let's get your ass inside and put the coffee on." We took a couple of steps before I paused, looking around. "How'd you get here? You got a bag?"

"Shit, yeah. Hold on." He ducked out from under my arm and raced over to a large rucksack leaning against the garbage can. Back at my side, he indicated we should go, so I led the way.

"And car?"

"Walked here from town."

My eyebrows shot up. "You walked?"

"Yeah," he said with a casual shrug. "Only took about an hour. It was fresh and a nice morning. Hitchhiked into town with a passing truck."

My little brother was going to be the death of me. I had no idea how he was so relaxed about seemingly everything in life. His safety included. But he was here and well. I let that settle firmer, a more relaxed breath escaping. Despite my busy week and my concern over Jasper, my worry for Frankie had remained.

When I reached the gate, I called for Penny, who now decided it was a great time to be obedient and do as she was told. "Were you out here long?" I asked Frankie as we reached the kitchen door.

"Not really. Maybe fifteen minutes. Then I think Penny sniffed me out. I didn't mean to wake you." We stepped inside the warm kitchen, and Frankie placed his bag near the back door. "Rude Dick in bed?" he asked, a wide grin on his face.

It was then I realized just how long it had been since I'd properly caught up with my brother. Clearly way before Christmas. When I laughed, he tilted his head, his focus intent.

"Why aren't you pulling me up on the name I love and the nickname you refuse to accept?" Squinting, he seemed to be thinking a little too hard, especially considering it was dawn. "Whose car is out front?" He took a seat at the kitchen table, eyes not moving away from me. "Rude Dick doesn't seem like the kind of guy who drives an old model Bronco."

Penny heading to the doorway leading to the hall had us both turning in that direction. Jasper, looking sleep ruffled, wearing boxers and a T-shirt, stood in the doorway.

"So, hi," he said, eyes on Frankie before moving to mine.

My grin was instant. A few strides and I was by his side, reaching out and taking his hand in mine. Brown eyes dotted with specks of hazel captured my gaze. He looked gorgeous like this. Fresh from sleep and a little confused. "We have a surprise visitor." I led him into the kitchen, my palm in his .

"I can see that." While Jasper's confusion was obvious, there was no trace of unease or annoyance.

"Jasper, this is my brother, Frankie. Frankie, meet Jasper."

Understanding registered on Jasper's face, followed by a happy smile. His gaze searched mine briefly, and I was certain he could see my relief. I'd been honest with him about my concern.

Jasper stepped forward, and a wide-eyed Frankie stood, reaching out and shaking his hand.

"Damn, Austin. For the first time in my life, I think you've surprised the hell out of me." He stepped back and sat, a smile lifting his lips high. "How'd you snag Jasper here, 'cause seriously, man, he's way out of your league."

He laughed when I flipped him off. Jasper, though, now looked a little startled. "It's true," I said close to his ear. "You're way out of my league."

The roll of Jasper's eyes had me grinning and him relaxing at my side.

"You are," Frankie clarified. "I have to say, 'cause how could I not, Rude Dick must be pissed as fuck with this younger, hotter, and I have no doubt more intelligent model."

"Hey," I defended just as Jasper snort laughed.

"Rude Dick?"

"Yep, that dickwad of a what-seems-to-be ex of his," my brother helpfully explained.

Amusement lit Jasper's words. "I've seen the guy twice, and yet it feels absolutely appropriate."

My brother bobbed his head, settling back in the chair. "I have no doubt I'm going to like you a lot, Jasper." His grin was followed with a wink.

"All right," I stepped in, "enough with the flirting or ganging up, or whatever this is going to be." I side-eyed Jasper, who was looking at me, this time with a hint of concern. I faced him and planted a quick peck on his lips. "Don't worry about Frankie," I reassured when I pulled away, deliberately loud enough for my brother to hear. "Let me put the coffee on, and you'll soon discover the truth about what a pain in the ass Frankie is, and that he's unlucky enough to be straight as an arrow."

"Okay," Jasper said slowly, wide gaze bewildered.

He then headed over to the kitchen table and sat while I made drinks. This morning was not at all what I expected. And while my pleasurable plans were scrapped, I grinned in relief.

My baby brother was safely home.

Over an early breakfast, Frankie regaled us with a few of his adventures, but he still hadn't explained why he'd gone off the grid. While I didn't want to necessarily put a stop to the laughter around the kitchen table, Frankie was renowned for his avoidance tactics. Sometimes, though, I simply had to be that guy to cut through the BS.

"Have you called Dad yet to let him know you're here and safe?"

A frown creased his brow when he responded, "No, but I will in a few."

"We've all been really worried." I shot my brother a hard stare.

"There was no need to be worried." He picked up his coffee and took a sip, then looked away.

No way was that going to be it. "You can't be serious. No apology, no explanation?"

Frankie sighed. "Listen, I'm sorry you were worried, but there was no need to be. I never asked you to be. And as far as I'm aware, I'm a grown-ass man and don't need to explain myself to you." He shook his head, taking in my pissed off expression. "I'm serious. Jesus, Austin, I've got years on your boyfriend, yet I can imagine the last thing you ever do is treat him like a kid." Frankie flicked his gaze to Jasper, saying, "No offense or diss at your age, Jasper. It's just my brother sometimes needs reminding I'm not his responsibility. "

Uncertainty crossed Jasper's face as he smiled tentatively at Frankie before casting a quick look at me and then answering my brother. "I wasn't offended, and maybe I should get out of here and leave you guys to it." He stood to leave.

"No, please don't. We have plans. I haven't seen you all week." Tension tightened in my stomach.

"Yeah, please don't leave," Frankie added. "He'll be even more unbearable if you do." He followed up with an eye roll.

"And I think that's my cue." Jasper stood, gathering our plates and taking them to the kitchen.

"Frankie, you're a dick," I hissed, my eyes narrowing as I stood.

Frankie simply laughed as I stood and headed after Jasper. I crowded behind the man, arms going either side of him at the sink. After pressing my lips gently to Jasper's neck, I whispered, "Please stay. I promise I'll stop harassing my brother while you're here." Another kiss followed. This one caused a small shiver that had my lips quirking.

Jasper angled his head so he could see me. "You sure? I don't want to be in your way."

"I want to spend time with you. Plus," I said, a little louder so my brother could hear, "it'll give Frankie the chance to get all the gossip about us, so he has one up on our sisters."

Frankie snorted, and the tension in the room eased a little. "Am I really the only one to know anything about Jasper, let alone meet him?"

I turned toward my brother and watched as he clapped and rubbed his hands together in glee.

"They're going to be so pissed." He laughed. "Thank you for giving me this, Jasper." He threw Jasper a wink when he turned and stood at my side. "It's rare I get one over on our pain-in-the-ass sisters." He stretched out his neck. "But before the interrogation, you mind if I grab some sleep?"

"That's fine," I answered. "The spare room is made up. There are clean towels in the adjoining bathroom."

"Of course there are." Frankie grinned as he stood. "Always prepared, right?" While he winked, an undercurrent of frustration appeared to lace his words. I raised my brows, wondering what I'd done to piss him off. Now wasn't the time to challenge him, though.

"Help yourself to whatever you need. There's a contractor due in about thirty minutes to look at a few jobs on the house. You still sleep like the dead?" I asked, a bit of sass in my voice.

"Yep."

"Then he won't bother you. "

Frankie grinned and picked up his bag. "Thanks for breakfast and the bed." Affection this time lit his words. "I'll catch you in a while." He waved over his shoulder as he left the room.

I watched him go, a little unnerved about my brother's presence and his strange behavior.

"You okay?" Jasper moved from my side to stand in front of me, his hands going to my waist. "That all seemed a bit intense." Concern shone in his eyes.

I expelled a heavy breath, reaching out and gripping his ass, pulling him close. "I'm okay. A bit wired and not quite sure what's going on with him."

"So he's not usually like that?"

I shook my head. "Not usually so defensive, no. And I've never really known him to make a dig. Don't get me wrong, growing up, we argued like everyone else, but Frankie's always been laid-back and easygoing. Something's different or has happened."

"I'm sure he'll open up when he's ready."

I nodded, grateful for Jasper's support. "I would have liked to have woken up very differently this morning." I squeezed his backside, my mind immediately traveling to all the things I would have liked to do to the man before me.

A flare of heat came to life in his eyes, and he moved his hips slightly, crotch rubbing against mine. "We can catch up a little later." His mouth touched my own far too briefly. "Right now, we need to get dressed and ready for this contractor."

I groaned, knowing he was right. "Shower?" I wiggled my brows, and he snorted.

"If you'd have offered without the eyebrow thing you just did, then maybe. But there's no chance now." He laughed, pinching my ass for good measure and pulling away from me.

"I can show self-control, you know."

"Ha. Even I know you don't believe a single word."

"Maybe not," I grumbled. He totally called it. "Fine. Let's finish up with the contractor, and then we can take a long shower."

Jasper climbed the stairs, my eyes fixed to his ass. He didn't look behind him as he said, "I'm sure if you put Alexa in the bathroom and turn her up loud, that is totally doable."

My cock twitched. "You're totally doable."

Jasper laughed as a loud "I'm trying to sleep here. You're making me gag. Keep it in your pants already" was hollered from the spare room.

The two of us snickered as we headed to my room and got ourselves undressed.

Somehow, I managed to keep my hands almost to myself as we dressed. I did get to steal a few kisses, though. I was just emptying the dishwasher when I heard a car pulling up into the driveway and Penny barked.

"Good girl," I praised, rubbing her head. She leaned into my touch and stopped barking, appearing thoroughly happy with herself.

"Is he here?" Jasper asked from the kitchen doorway.

"I think so, yeah."

"You want me out of your hair?"

I glanced over at him as I reached the front door. My eyes on his, I shook my head. "Nope. You're good here."

Heat made its way through me at his sweet smile. I offered him a small wink and opened the door. Looking out, my eyes landed on the truck, its doors opening, and a guy around my age stepping out. He cast a glance over the facade, and I wondered what he saw.

I loved my house. As soon as the realtor had shown me the details, I'd known it was the property for me. It needed TLC and a bit of cash thrown at it, but it was worth it all.

The inside of the house had already had a fair amount of work, but the guy I'd previously used, a little over a year ago, had since left town. Two names were recommended to me by colleagues, and this guy was the first to stop by .

I stepped fully out of the house and headed down the front porch steps.

The man's eyes settled on me. He was tall, built in that rugged, hardworking way. I reached out to shake his hand. "Hey, Tanner?" He nodded and offered a polite smile. "Thanks for coming around on a weekend."

"Not a problem." He shook my hand, saying, "Austin, right?"

"Yes, that's me." I released his grip and followed his gaze back to the house. He seemed to be taking it all in as I side-eyed him.

"Been here long?"

"A few years now. I'm hoping there's just a few more jobs to be done, and then it'll finally be completed. It's been a work in progress."

He nodded. "It's a beautiful property."

I grinned, pride puffing out my chest. "I think so."

"Want to get started?"

"Absolutely. We'll head inside first, then I can show you outside."

"Sounds good," he said, his tone friendly.

Together, we headed to the front door, and I led him through. Immediately, my gaze landed on Jasper, and my smile lifted my lips with ease. He smiled back, only for his eyes to spring open wide when they landed on the form behind me .

"Tanner, hey, I didn't realize you were the contractor heading over." His smile was wide, the sight making my heart flip while a shot of jealousy that someone else drew that reaction from him hit me. Jasper walked over and shook Tanner's hand as they pulled each other into a quick back-pat hug.

Confusion tugged Tanner's brows low when Jasper stepped away to my side. There was no hesitation in my claim as I curved my arm around his waist, my hand settling on Jasper's hip.

"It's good to see you, Jasper," Tanner said. "Unexpected but good." His focus drifted to me, my hand, then back to Jasper. "So, you guys obviously know each other." Careful curiosity filled his words.

When Jasper angled his head my way, I looked at him, happy to see the smile on his lips. "You could say that," he answered, refocusing on Tanner. "We work together." Pleased he didn't simply state I was technically his boss, I wondered how he'd explain our relationship. "And we're dating."

My fingers twitched at his waist, gripping a little firmer. I hoped he understood I was more than happy with that description. While we hadn't discussed our future or relationship status, we'd said enough for us to understand this wasn't casual.

"I heard about the new job," Tanner said, his voice pleasant. "Carter told me it's here, right, in town?" Jasper nodded next to me. "That's great news. Congratulations."

"Thanks. It's such a great position. I'm lucky to have grabbed it," Jasper answered.

Tanner responded immediately, "I'm sure they're the lucky ones. Everything I know about you, I'm sure you're an excellent addition. I know Davis is missing you but is so happy for you too."

"We are the lucky ones," I added. Tanner flicked his attention to me. Curiosity once more in his gaze. "And Davis owns the café in Kirkby, right? The one getting married next weekend," I asked Jasper.

"One and the same," he answered.

"So you're a teacher?" Tanner asked.

I nodded. "Science," I answered with a grin, omitting my position at the school. It was a deliberate response. Tanner's focus unnerved me a little. It was clear he was friends with Jasper and their larger friendship group, and I was all too aware of possible reactions to my relationship with Jasper, not only because of my status, but also our age difference. The omission didn't sit easily, though, and with Jasper's confused expression now intent on mine, I quickly recognized I had to get over myself. "I'm now the principal, for better or worse," I joked, watching for his reaction carefully.

"And he's pretty damn good at it too," Jasper praised, leaning into me and dotting a peck on my cheek.

Ease settled over me. What Jasper thought and felt was all that was important.

"I'm making coffee. Would you like one, Tanner?" Jasper asked.

"No, thanks." Tanner's attention settled on me. "We good to start?"

"Absolutely," I said, relieved that the impromptu chat was over.

Jasper left us as I led Tanner around, pointing out areas that needed repairing. Once finished inside, we headed out so I could show him the external parts of the house.

"Anything else?" Tanner asked, eyes on the banister.

"I don't think so. What do you think?"

We were out on the driveway, Tanner leaning against his truck. "I can get a quote to you by Tuesday. The earliest I could start is in about six weeks."

I bobbed my head. "Okay. I should let you know that I have someone else stopping by tomorrow."

"Makes sense."

"It's Don Bradshaw. You know him?" I asked.

He grinned. "I do. He's a good guy and does good work."

Surprise drew my brows up. It was refreshing that Tanner wasn't the type of man who tried to disparage others. The fact that Jasper knew and clearly liked the man too told me a whole lot more about the guy. I trusted Jasper and his judgment in people.

"I'll email it over on Tuesday. Is the email you originally gave me the best one to use?"

"Yes, that's great, thanks."

He pushed off his vehicle and reached out and shook my hand. "Completely unrelated, but will you be at the wedding next week?"

I shook my head. "Ian's Jasper's plus one. He's heading over on Friday, and we have plans for dinner."

Tanner studied me before he nodded, seemingly satisfied with what I said. With no clue what that was about, I simply smiled and stepped away. "It was good to meet you."

"Yeah, you too." He looked over at the front porch when we both heard movement.

"All done?" Jasper called out, jogging toward us.

"Yep."

"Excellent. Say hi to Carter for me and have a chill weekend."

"Will do, you too," he answered. "See you next Saturday."

Jasper grinned wide as his palm tucked into the back pocket of my jeans. "See you then. "

Once more, Tanner signaled goodbye to me before getting into his vehicle, starting the engine, and driving away.

"All good?"

I angled toward Jasper. "Yes. He seems like he's a good guy."

With a bob of his head, Jasper said, "He really is. So's Carter, his partner."

Dipping into my memory of what Jasper had shared about his life in Kirkby, I clarified, "And Tanner is Davis's best friend, and Carter is the veterinarian who works with…" I hesitated, eyes zeroing in on Jasper's sweet smile. "…Scott, who owns the vet clinic?"

"A+ for you."

"That means I finally get my reward, right?" I teased.

"And that would be?"

"A shower." Cupping his ass was as natural as it was leaning into the invisible thread between us. "Make sure Alexa is loud."

With a quick swipe of his bottom lip with his tongue, Jasper nodded, his response breathy. "I think we can manage that."