Stay with Me: The Moran Brothers Series

Chapter 3

We love You

Knight

Sweat is pouringdown my back as I push myself to the edge. My back is burning, and my shoulder aches, but I continue to push. Not only has my mother asked me to stop by, but my commander has called me in.

I’m not sure what either wants, but I’m not in the mood as I try to figure out how to make things right between me and Rem. Seeing her in the flesh has only heightened my desire and need for her. Things can’t end with her walking away.

I push the bar one last time and get it back in the track. Sitting up, I reach for my towel and wipe the sweat from my chest.

My phone rings bringing me out of my thoughts. I toss the towel down and reach for the device. Seeing it’s my brother, Bishop, I answer.

“What’s up?”

“You’re home, I’m home. We all need to hang out,” he says, getting straight to the point.

I knew this was coming. My brothers and I are as close as can be with our busy lives. Bishop used to always be on tour. Lord travels the world modeling and Prince is always chasing his next muse while finding his next adrenaline high.

It’s rare for us to all be home at once. Not that they have known I’ve been home for the last four months. I got the all clear to resurface about a week ago.

Time with my brothers is something I’ll look forward to once I get my head in check. However, I’ll agree to it now because this is my big brother. I don’t want to disappoint him.

Bishop has always been the glue between the four of us. He’s never allowed me to feel left out as the youngest. Maybe time with my brothers is what I need.

“What do you have in mind?” I ask.

“Saga’s parents are going to take the boys for a weekend. Saga wants to hang with Reminisce. I figured I could plan a weekend for us guys. You in?”

My ears perk up at the mention of my sister-in-law. Man, this is a small world. Who would have thought that my brother would marry my crush’s older sister.

“Yeah, I’m down. Just let me know when and where.”

“Cool. You should stop by the house. Your nephews need to see your face. I’ll text you a pic. They’re getting huge.”

“I bet. Send it over. I’m heading to mom and dad’s in a bit and have to check in at work, but I’ll see when I can head over.”

Crying rings out in the background. A smile comes to my face. My brother sounds so happy these days.

I would love to be in his shoes. I’m thirty-three now. It seems like everyone else is moving forward, but I’m still standing still.

“Sounds good. Listen, I have to go. I’ll call you later,” Bishop says.

“Later, Bro.”

I hang up and head for the shower. I’m still coiled tightly, but my body can’t take anymore punishment today. Besides, the sooner I deal with my commander and parents, the sooner I can go see Rem.

I never give up when I want something, and I want Reminisce Walden to stop running from me. We are fire together. I can’t be in the same room as her without my body tightening.

I have always wanted her. Seeing her last night only proved I always will. I just need to remind her of the undeniable chemistry between us.

“I’m coming for you, Rem. It’s time you stop running from me, baby. You were meant to be mine.”

***

I groanas my mother sets a plate down in front of me and begins to fuse with my hair. I can’t be mad at her or dad for wanting to dote over me. They almost lost their baby boy.

I get their concern and why they want to smother me now. Mom only invited me over to feed me and hug me every five seconds. I won’t complain, just feeling a little suffocated.

“Tessa, allow the boy to eat in peace,” Dad says, trying to save me.

He’s been just as bad as mom but backed off a little when he could see I was getting overwhelmed. I feel guilty for putting them through this.

“Do you have plans for the day, son?” Dad asks.

I look at my watch. “I’m going in to see my commander. He wants to talk.”

Mom gasps. “I hope they’re not trying to put you back out there. My heart can’t take it.”

“I don’t know what this meeting is about. I doubt he would want to put me back into that situation so soon. You can relax.”

I don’t tell her that they were trying to get me back in, but my commander and I refused. It was too soon and too dangerous. I wasn’t going to put my life on the line again like that.

“I don’t see why you have to put yourself in such a dangerous situation in the first place. Why not travel with Prince or spend some time here with Bishop.

“It’s not like you need the money. Think about trying something new, Knight. Something that will allow your father and I to sleep at night,” Mom says.

I stare down at my plate. My parents have shown my decisions so much grace. When I joined the academy, they were supportive. My dad was proud when I got my promotion.

All of this shows how much seeing me in the hospital spooked them. I wonder if this is how Rem feels? I’m good at my job, but I don’t want to keep hurting the people I love.

That bullet went a long way in showing me I’m not invincible. I flash back to bleeding out and thinking I wasn’t going to make it.

My family would have been devastated. I would have proven Rem right. I’m not safe.

Losing my appetite, I push the plate of pasta away and sit back in my seat. “I don’t know what’s next for me. I’m not ignoring your concerns for me, but I still don’t have answers for myself. Can you allow me to figure this out?”

“Of course, son. Your mother and I are just worried about you. If you need to talk, my door is always open. I’m here for you no matter when you need me,” my dad says.

“Thanks, Dad.”

I stand and kiss the top of my mother’s head and give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. She looks up at me with unshed tears. I sigh, knowing I need to make some decisions about my life soon.

“I have to go. I’ll call you later. Stop worrying about me. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon,” I say before I turn to head out.