Mine to Guard (Blackhawk Brothers #1)
1. Blair
CHAPTER 1
Blair
Vance deploys tomorrow and I’ve been on edge all day. Every time he leaves, it’s like I hold my breath until I see him again. Pathetic, I know. The guy doesn’t even know I exist that way. Truth is, I’ve liked him since Junior High, but I’ve never told him that. So, I watch him and act like being just friends is fine. I’ve always been a third wheel to him and my brother since sixth grade. But hell, I’ll take time with Vance however I can get it honestly.
I look down at my phone to see my brother’s name.
“So what’s the plan? When are we meeting tonight or did he cancel?” I only ask because last time he deployed and we tried to get together the night before, he said he needed to be “well rested” but honestly it’s more than that. Every time he comes back, he seems less like himself. I don’t even want to imagine the things he deals with over there, but I hate to see him like this.
“No, he’s meeting us at Sing It Loud in an hour. You still free? I know it’s last minute but he just responded. I’ve got a client meeting, so I might be a little late, but I’ll be there after. Hold down the fort.”
Before I can reply, he hangs up and like a stupid woman I go directly to my closet to decide what to wear. Not that he will notice anyway. It’s always been strictly friends with us. The only time I thought we might be more is when he rushed over to our house after his mother passed and I spent most of the night holding him. I swear he was going to kiss me, but he didn’t. So friend zoned, it is.
I rake my hands over every dress and honestly I second guess if I should even put in the effort. He can have any girl he wants, literally, when you look like him, and wear a uniform, you are going to get attention. And believe me, I get jealous.
I roll my eyes and take the mid thigh red dress off the hanger. If I’m going to put in the effort I might as well go all out, right? I change into a black lace bra and panty set and then slip on the dress. I’m not skinny, by any means, my ass is the first thing most men notice about me. And this dress… it makes it look irresistible. Watch out Vance! In preparation for tonight, my hair’s already curled and most of my makeup done so I put on the final touches add a necklace and earrings and throw on my black wedges for good measure. If he didn’t notice me tonight, there’s no hope.
I grab my phone, clutch and head out to my car. Sing It Loud has become our spot. It has cheap drinks and a good atmosphere. The only other bar in town usually ends up with bar fights and that’s not my scene. The last thing Vance needs is to end up jail for defending some damsel in distress. So, we spend a lot of time there.
I turn on the radio to ease my mind on the way over. Tonight has to be the night. I’ll give everything I have because if not, I’m going to have to move on. I’ve spent too many years pining after him, waiting for him to notice me.
As I pull into the parking lot of Sing It Loud, I spot Vance's truck already there. My stomach flips. I take a deep breath, check my lipstick in the rearview mirror one last time, and step out of the car. Here goes nothing!
The neon sign flickers above the entrance and someone inside is butchering my favorite song as I push open the heavy door. My eyes scan the room, searching for Vance. I spot him at our usual corner booth, nursing a beer. He looks up as I approach, and his face breaks into that easy smile that never fails to make my heart skip a beat.
“Hey, you made it,” he says, standing up to give me a quick hug, but when he sits back down, I swear his eyes do a double take.
“Of course,” I reply, sliding into the booth across from him. One thing I didn’t think about with this dress is how short it becomes when sitting down. My brother might not be happy about that. “Wouldn't miss your send-off for anything.”
He looks good tonight - too good. His hair is slightly tousled, and he's wearing a fitted black t-shirt that shows off his muscular arms. I try not to stare. But fuck. The guy looks like a greek fucking god with a jaw that looks like its been sculpted by a professional and a body that any man would kill for.
“Your brother running late?” Vance asks, glancing at the door. “This was his idea.”
I pull out my phone and shoot him a text. It’s not like him to be late, but he did say he had a meeting. Three dots appear.
Jace: The client is trying to cancel our contract. Apologize to Vance cause I don’t think I’m gonna make it. Their account is 40% of my commission for the year. So, I’ll be here on my hands and knees to make them happy. Sorry.
Wait? So it’ll just be Vance and I tonight? I’m so glad I wore this dress. “He got held up at work. Said he probably won’t be able to make it. Work crisis.” I fidget with the cocktail menu, suddenly nervous. “So, um, how are you feeling about tomorrow?”
Vance's smile falters. “You know, the usual. Ready to get it over with.” He takes a long swig of his beer. “But hey, let's not talk about that tonight. This is supposed to be fun, right?”
I nod, forcing a smile. “Right. Fun.”
A waitress comes by and I order a gin and tonic, needing some liquid courage. As she walks away, Vance leans forward, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“So, you planning on gracing us with a song tonight?” he asks.
I laugh, feeling some of the tension dissipate. “Maybe after a few more drinks. You know how I get.”
“Oh, I know,” he chuckles. “Remember last time?”
I groan, covering my face with my hands. “Don't remind me. I still can't listen to that song without cringing.”
Vance reaches across the table and gently pulls my hands away from my face. “Hey, I thought it was great. You've got pipes, girl.”
Our eyes meet and for a moment, I swear I see something there - a flicker of... something. But then he releases my hands and leans back, the moment gone.