Chapter Twelve #2
Jesus fucking Christ. Jonah grasped his hips and lowered his chin to his chest but kept his eyes on Cord.
He’d show some leniency since this was catching his brother by surprise.
But it was important for Cord’s safety that he stay respectful with Roxanne.
Jonah wouldn’t tolerate either of his brothers making her uncomfortable.
“Sweet,” Cord said, walking over to the counter and making a cup of coffee. “Who else wants a cup?”
What the fuck has gotten into him?
“I’ll have one. Thanks,” Roxanne said.
The whole scene was strange. Cord pulled out two more mugs and filled them, placing one in front of Roxanne and the other where Jonah usually sat.
Cord took a seat across from her. She glanced at Jonah, and they shared a look.
His brother’s easy acceptance wasn’t what either of them had expected. But Jonah wouldn’t question it.
He pulled out plates and set the table, shifting his gaze between Roxanne and Cord. Neither of them had said a word, but there was an underlying tension coming from her. Roxanne was the opposite of Jonah in so many ways. Staying silent to keep the peace was one of them.
“So, you’re totally fine with me being here?” she asked.
Cord grabbed his mug, lifting it to his mouth. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Roxanne snorted, arching her brow. “You’re not exactly my biggest fan.”
Cord shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee.
Something was happening, but Jonah found it hard to follow. Roxanne, on the other hand, seemed to know.
She rested her elbows on the table, cocking her head and smiling. “You have an ulterior motive.”
“Yeah,” Cord spoke as if the one-word answer was sufficient.
It wasn’t. Jonah stopped at the edge of the table and folded his arms.
“Let’s hear it.”
Cord smirked. “It’s simple. You never bring women home. I can’t remember a time when you had a girlfriend sleep over, let alone show up at breakfast the next morning. Means this is probably something more than a one-night stand.”
“And?”
“If you two are together, that means if I ever run into her brothers, they can’t beat the shit out of me for the accident. Am I right?”
It was scary how Cord’s mind worked, always finding an angle to suit his situation. Jonah wasn’t amused, but she was.
Roxanne chuckled and settled into her seat. “Well played.”
Jonah shook his head and pulled out his chair but stilled when he heard the back door. It got everyone’s attention. Dread washed over Jonah, and he tightened his grip on the chair. He’d just managed to get through Holden and then Cord. Now, he’d have to deal with her.
Fuck me.
SueAnn strolled in smiling, walking straight to the laundry room off the kitchen. “Morning.”
“Morning,” Holden said.
Cord glanced over his shoulder. “Hey SueAnn. Thought you weren’t coming till tomorrow.”
“Well, my brother’s wife, Satan herself, has decided that instead of the potluck at her house today, we should do it at mine tomorrow.
” Her voice echoed from the other room. “And of course, my place is in shambles since I just had the painters come in last week. I figured it was best to come in early today, so I’ll have the afternoon and tomorrow morning to get everything in order.
” She walked out, shaking her head. “I keep waiting for my brother to get rid of her lazy butt, but after forty years of marriage, I’m losing hope. ”
Jonah heard Roxanne's soft chuckle mixed with the boys' laughter. He sat and watched SueAnn glance around the room. Her gaze flashed over Roxanne, then quickly jerked back, and she widened her eyes.
Roxanne smiled. “Good morning.”
SueAnn grinned and then looked over at him. Jonah squared his jaw and narrowed his gaze. It was a silent warning she didn’t heed.
“The boys don’t usually have guests for breakfast.” The tease in her tone had Jonah balling his fists.
“She stayed over.” Holden stepped forward with the spatula in his hand, pointing at him. “With Jonah. In his…”
Jonah held up his hand. “Finish making breakfast.” Holden stepped back and moved toward the stove. He turned to SueAnn, who was openly grinning. She was enjoying this way too much.
“This is Roxanne.”
SueAnn hummed. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
What the fuck, SueAnn? Roxanne looked over at him, and her lips twitched.
“Really?” Roxanne asked.
“Well, not from Jonah,” SueAnn said, and Roxanne turned toward her. “That boy doesn’t like to share anything. Now, that one on the other hand,” she pointed to Holden, “is an open book, especially with other people’s business.”
“No, I’m not,” Holden said, sounding offended.
“You weren’t home five minutes when you told me all about the accident and the gorgeous girl Cord hit.”
Holden’s cheeks pinkened. “I-I didn’t say gorgeous.”
SueAnn scoffed. “Yes, you did. And why are you backpedaling?” She waved toward Roxanne. “The woman is gorgeous.”
Oh Jesus. Jonah dragged his hand through his hair. “You hungry?”
SueAnn tore her gaze from Roxanne. “No, sugar. I’m going to get my work done and get home.”
They spent the next fifteen minutes eating breakfast. There was a lingering silence for the first few minutes, and he noticed Holden purposely avoid eye contact with Roxanne. She must’ve sensed it too.
“These are good, Holden.”
He glanced up and smiled. Seconds later, with the tension broken, he dominated the conversation. They never had guests for dinner, and especially not for breakfast. It was new territory for all of them. There should’ve been awkwardness. Oddly enough, it was all so natural.
When they finished, Roxanne went upstairs to gather her things while Jonah started the clean-up. When she came back into the kitchen, he wiped his hands with the rag and led her to the back door. Roxanne had offered to get a car service, but he insisted on driving her home.
He grabbed his keys and held open the door for her, but she stopped in front of him. She laid her hands on his stomach.
“If that was an initiation, did I pass?”
Jonah smirked, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her against his chest. “With flying fucking colors.”
Roxanne angled her head, and he kissed her.
The perfect end to a perfect night.
And morning.