Everly
Chapter Two
Everly
I take a calming breath, the second I close my bedroom door knowing that Julian said yes. I’m going to be staying with Julian for four months. I’m hoping that’s enough time to convince him that we belong together, and my insane crush isn’t one-sided. My mom swears Julian is hiding his feelings like a young schoolboy and that’s why he perpetually avoids me. For nearly four years, he never knew I existed.
Unfortunately, due to his schedule, we never got a chance to meet until that fateful day at graduation. When I swear, he barreled down the stage knocking over strangers just to get to us and that’s when he stopped in his tracks, seeing my brother hug me. He frowned, and I pulled my head away from my brother’s shoulder.
Drake turns around and shouts, “Hey Julian! Your speech was epic. Not that I expected anything different.” He pulls him into an embrace, bringing Julian inches from me. Those gorgeous blue eyes met mine and I could feel my chest burst with excitement. All the boys that had caught my attention had quickly faded into the background. Nothing compared. I’d never had a real boyfriend and the only kiss I had happened the day before graduation. I swore after that the only man I wanted to kiss me was Dr. Julian Martinez.
Our eyes met and I swear my heart stopped beating for a whole five seconds until my mom pinched my arm. “Everly, this is your brother’s best friend, Julian. It’s about time you two finally meet.”
My brother releases his grip, and I lose any common sense. “Oh, my goodness, congratulations.” I quickly threw my arms around him and gave him a big squeeze. My breasts touched his broad chest, and I could hear him groan. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, little sis. Leave the man alone. You’re still in high school. He’s a little too old for you. Sorry she’s in the chasing boys’ stage.” That was a big damn lie. The boys chased me, and I sent them on their way. Unfortunately, some could be persistent, but so was a taser.
He lets out a little growl. “Chasing boys? Aren’t you only sixteen?” he questioned, as if I was too young to be interested in boys.
“Yes. And my brother’s an idiot.”
“Well, I’ve gotta go. My parents are waiting for me. Congratulations, Drake.” They shake hands and then part ways.
“I’ll see you later, buddy.” Julian walks away from me without another word. From that day on, I had the biggest crush and the ultimate goal of getting Julian Martinez to marry me. It’s insane because he’s ten years older than me and a doctor, but my heart and soul belong to that sexy damn man. Now is my chance to claim him, but I’ve only got four months to make it happen.
I have to pack everything in my bedroom. The rest of the house will be moved into storage, but I’m not sure if I’m keeping everything. Between school and time, I need to start immediately.
What would be acceptable to take to his place? I swear I thought of this a thousand times over the last couple of years, but seriously, he is the man of my dreams, so what do you actually take with you? Would he find my stuffed animals too childish? My entire bedroom is shades of pink and I love the color. Would he be annoyed and turned off by the girly things? Do we have to share a bathroom?
I was never allowed in their apartment, so I don’t know how big it is. What if it is a box? My brother used to bring girls there, so it was big enough for that. Or did Julian get a show every damn time? Did he watch? Or worse…did he share them? I try to wash that thought and the subsequent image from my head and focus on the move. I’ll have to check with my brother. I hope to hell it’s not gross. Maybe I’ll go in there early and scrub it down. I hope we’re taking my bed there. It’s a smaller bed than my brother’s, but I don’t want his scummy nut-stained bed. Disgusting.
My mom probably doesn’t have the extra money to pay for the movers, so I’m not sure how all my things are getting there. I wonder if Harold will be helping foot the bill. My brother might be a doctor, but he’s not at a doctor’s pay just yet, and I’m sure it’s the same thing for Julian. I’m already asking for a lot by moving in with him. His mom’s a doctor, so I’m sure they help him with his bills, but that doesn’t mean they’re wealthy.
I’m not even sure if his parents have money. His mom may be a doctor, and his dad is like a deputy sheriff, but they both work in a small town. It’s great and honorable work, but I’m guessing the pay isn’t great.
All that Julian has to offer me is himself, and that’s all I want. Still, I have even less to offer him. I’m an unemployed young girl who reads kinky romance books, who is aiming for a cosmetology degree and pining away for a man too old for me.
A soft knock disturbs my rapidly unfocused thoughts. “Come in.”
“So, are we going to talk about how you got what you wanted?” my mother asks, smiling at me. I just rushed past her after Julian walked out. My excitement had been a little too much to control.
I grin back, turning myself around and plopping down on my bed. “I supposed I did.”
“Don’t sound modest now.”
I bounced on my bed, thrilled to the gills about a chance to live with Julian. “Fine, you have me there. I want it more than anything, but it’s only the beginning and you know it. He has to want me, too.”
“You know he does.”
“You think so, but it’s been several years, and he has done everything he can to avoid seeing me and when he does, he’s a total big brother, a big jerk.”
My mother rolls her eyes and shakes her head as she walks over to me; she gently takes my hands in hers. “Sweetie, we’ve been through this. The man is obsessed with you and is only holding back because you’re Drake’s little sister and you were underage.”
“Yes, and now that I’m an adult, he hasn’t even bothered to make a move.”
“You’re still Drake’s little sister. Convince him that he’s better off crossing that line than not. If he’s not willing to choose you over your brother, then maybe he isn’t the guy for you,” my mom adds. That’s the part I’ve considered all this time. Yes, he might find me attractive, but if it’s just looks, then he’s not willing to ruin his friendship for a fling.
“Thanks, Mom. I don’t want to force him to want me, but I can’t miss this opportunity. Are you sure you’re making the right decision with Harold?”
“Yes. He’s a good guy. He’s not like the other ones. Sometimes, you have to kiss a lot of frogs. And if your father was still alive, there wouldn’t be any other frogs for me.”
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
“Mom, I wanted to ask about my bed. Will I be taking it?”
“I don’t see why not. We’ll get you a moving truck and maybe con your new roommate to help, along with his brothers.”
“I think that’s asking way too much.”
“If not, we’ll get movers. It’s not a lot of stuff, but I already have movers coming for the rest of the house, so they’ll be busy packing up the house.”
“Okay.”
“Get some rest.” I nod and she gives me a great big squeeze before getting up and leaving my room.
****
“I can’t thank you enough for doing this again,” Drake says on the phone as Julian drives me to his apartment. Well, now our apartment.
“Yeah, no problem,” he grunts a perfunctory reply.
“Look, I’ve got to go. Everly, don’t give him trouble, and Julian, make sure you keep every dick away from her.”
“No problem,” he growls before ending the call.
“You know both of you don’t own my body. I’m twenty, not a minor. If I want to have sex, I can.”
“You can’t be fucking in my damn home, and I’m going to explain something to you. If a man really wants you, he’s not going to take you in the back seat of a vehicle, so don’t go buying that bullshit, Everly.”
“Holy shit, you know my name,” I say, surprised. I think that’s the first time I’ve heard it.
“Must you be a pain in my ass already? If you keep it up, I can find a place for you somewhere else.”
I freeze, feeling my heart crack. The thought of him tossing me out so effortlessly hurt. “I’m sorry,” I mutter, looking out the window so he can’t see the way my eyes fight the tears in them.
He huffs, “Everly.” I expected him to say something, but then his phone rang. I see the caller ID on the dashboard display. It’s Dallas General.
“This is Dr. Martinez.”
“We’re sorry, Dr. Martinez, but we need you to come in.”
“Yes, I’ll be in shortly. Give me an hour and a half.”
“Thank you, sir.” He ends the call and then he takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Don’t worry. My brother Rick and my cousins will be around to help you move in.” He quickly releases it as I nod. We pull up to a small apartment building and he backs into a parking space.
“Are we ready to unload?” I asked Rick.
“We already started, bro.”
“Really?” I looked in the truck and I didn’t see my bed. If it was the last thing they loaded, then it would be the first thing to come out.
“Come on, I’ll show you the place. Although, I’m sure you’ve already seen it before.”
“No, I haven’t.” He snaps his head back. “Drake, never let me come here before.”
“Really?”
“I guess he had his reasons. Like I said, he doesn’t want me to cramp his style with the chicks. I should have brought a bunch of disinfectant.” I scrunched up my face at the thought of all the gross bodily fluids left in the room. Maybe this was a bad idea.
“That could be the reason. Don’t worry. The room has been cleaned and disinfected.” Julian pulls a smile out on one side of his lips. I didn’t think it was possible around me. Maybe this won’t be completely horrible. Then again that little bitty twist of his lips adds to his beauty.
“Thank you.”
“No problem. He’s my best friend, but his habits were a bit much.”
“Yes, they were.” I choke out a laugh. “That’s an understatement.” Julian smirks as he grabs a big box like it weighs absolutely nothing and carries it into the apartment. We walk in and I’m surprised that despite the men moving in and out, the place is immaculate and huge.
“There’s a lot of space for you to study. You can use that desk over there. I have a private office in another room. Your brother used that one there.” He nods toward a medium wooden desk in the corner of the room.
I’m not sure I’ll need it, but I thank him for being so kind. “Oh, thank you.”
“Now, this way to your bedroom.” He takes the lead, and it gives me a moment to observe his handsome figure from behind. Goodness, what the hell does he do when he’s not busting his tail in the hospital because the man is muscular. From head to toe it’s visible even through his clothes. His black tee fits like a second skin, perfectly formed to his frame, making my mouth water.
“This one is mine. We have separate bathrooms, thank goodness.” His tone and snark instantly offend me and even hurt my feelings if I’m being honest with myself.
“Damn, I’m not a messy girl,” I hiss, crossing my arms.
“I was talking about your brother, but I have four siblings. It can be crowded. I believe a house should have as many bathrooms as bedrooms.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. You’ve never seen a house where everyone has to be somewhere at the same time.”
“Pure chaos.”
“How many girls?”
“Luckily, just my mom and my sister, but don’t underestimate us men. We can take up the bathroom for a long time.”
“Gross. Jerking around too much can make you go blind.”
“I have a perfect vision, brat.”
“Yeah, and he sure as hell beat that thing like it owed him money,” Rick said, walking past us.
“Fuck off.”
“You’re the champ. Hey, princess, where do you want all these boxes?”
“I have no idea.”
“Come look at your room and then you can unpack. I have to leave in ten minutes,” Julian says.
I step inside the room that once belonged to Drake, and I’m floored. It’s not what I expected. The walls are pale pink and the dressers are white. What’s most shocking is the bed in the corner of the massive room isn’t mine. “Oh no, you didn’t leave my brother’s bed, did you?”
“No, my mother picked it out. She thought you could use a new one.”
“I can’t afford it.”
“Call it a housewarming present.”
“I can’t believe it.” I look at the headboard and it’s a beautiful white padded board with a quilted pattern.
“Our mom loves doing things like this,” Rick says.
A growl comes from Julian. “Can I have a word with you?” He stares at his brother.
“Sure.” They step out of the room and walk down the hall while I take in the room. It’s gorgeous. It’s pretty much a blank canvas for me to decorate. I can’t believe they painted the walls of the apartment.
I shot my mom a message telling her that I’m here and that I’m unpacking.
“Hey, Julian had to leave, and we’ll be getting out of here shortly, but if you need anything before we go just let us know. Also, there is some food in the fridge. My mom dropped off a lasagna for Julian.”
“Thank you.” I’m sad that Julian didn’t bother to say goodbye, but I knew he had to work. About fifteen minutes later, Rick and the other guys leave the apartment, handing me the keys and telling me that Julian left the passcode on the fridge.
I walk into the kitchen and take a look around. Seriously, this looks like a well-established doctor’s pad, not a resident’s place. I love it, but damn, how can they afford it? I’m going to have to get a job and chip in. My brother must have given Julian a pretty penny for this place. I can’t let him continue to foot the bill.
I run my hand over the pristine counter and sigh. “What am I going to do?” I mutter. Suddenly, I felt completely out of my realm. I have class tomorrow, so I wonder if I’ll see Julian. This was going to be interesting.
My brother said their paths crossed more in the hospital than they did at the apartment so I’ll be happy to have privacy, but that I should heed Julian’s warning about the boys, or I’ll find myself homeless. I didn’t doubt it because I was already annoying him.
I hate lasagna, so I don’t touch it. There’s something about thick noodles that makes my stomach turn. Still, beggars can’t be choosers. I needed a job to feed myself. The fridge was damn near empty, so I needed to find something, or I’d be hard swallowing a plate of pasta. Digging into the cabinets, I pull out a box of granola bars and snag one before heading to the bedroom and working on my many, many boxes.
I don’t know when I passed out, but I woke up in the middle of my bed with half of the boxes opened and put away. It was well after midnight when I last looked at my phone, but Julian hadn’t come home. It’s already ten in the morning and I needed to head to class.
Thankfully, my mom and brother hooked me up with a bus card. I stepped outside the house with my card in hand, and my book bag on when Julian pulled up. “Hey, where are you going?”
“To school,” I say. “Are you just getting back from work?”
“Yes. Get in and I’ll give you a ride.”
“Aren’t you tired?”
“Yes, so get in so I can come back and get some sleep.” I don’t want to argue with him because frankly, I miss him. When I open the truck door, I smell nothing but Julian and the fresh car scent. I breathe it in and sigh.
“Thanks. I wasn’t looking forward to the new route to school.”
“No problem. I have another car for you to use for school.”
“Thanks, but I’m good. I have a bus card.”
“What did I say?”
“Look, I don’t have a job, yet which means gas money isn’t just flowing out of my pockets. My mom only gave me so much.” When I was living at home, she didn’t want me to work because she wanted me to focus on school and since my tuition was paid off by a scholarship. I didn’t have to work. Now, it was a must.
I remember the restaurant job. Ugh. I hated that place. The boss was so handsy that my bestie and I made up an excuse for me to call off, but then my mom came to me and said my boss fired me for not coming in. I promised to find another job, but she just wanted me to focus on school.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll fill it up. It’s safer for you and I want to keep my promise to Drake.” Despite being a douche, my brother has always been protective of me. I later found out that Drake had gone down to the restaurant and punched that guy in the face for touching me. I don’t know how they found out, but he took care of it.
“You don’t have to take it that seriously. The apartment was more than enough.”
“No, it isn’t. Look, Everly, I’m tired and today was a rough one. Can you not argue with me about this?”
“Of course.” I press my hand to his and say, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be ungrateful. You have been nothing but generous to me.”
“You’re not, but I expect you to do what I say the first time.”
“Yes, Daddy,” I mutter under my breath.
“Would you care to repeat that?” his voice grows stern, and my panties are soaked.
“Nope.”
“That’s what I thought.” He pulls the car over and that’s when he adds, “We’re here.”
“Wow, that was fast.” How did he know where my school was? Did Drake tell him? Probably gave him all my damn information. My brother said that Julian was a straight arrow and completely by the book, so he studied everything. He probably has my social security too.
“Thank you,” I say.
“I work again in eight hours. What time do you get out?”
“I don’t get out until four.”
“Oh, well, someone will be here to pick you up.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course, I am. Have a good day in class.” I get out and go to class, hoping that he doesn’t have someone else go out of their way.