Chapter Ten
DYLAN
Dylan felt his shoulders relax the minute he let himself into his childhood home. I don’t have to worry about suspicious men in black SUVs or crazy women who basically shout, “Kidnap me now.” And have no sense of self-preservation. I am so ready for some good food and peace…well, relative peace.
“Mom, I’m home,” Dylan yelled as he headed toward the back of the house.
“I’m in the kitchen,” she replied, making him smile. I didn’t realize how much I missed everybody ’til I got back.
Dylan walked into the kitchen. “It smells amazing in here.” Dylan hugged his mom and opened the stove door to a bubbly golden apple crisp. “That’s what I hoped for when I smelled the apples and cinnamon. It’s so good when it’s hot out of the oven with vanilla ice cream melting on top.”
“It’s Hazel’s night off, but she had it put together before she left, so all I had to do was slide it in to bake. She knows it’s one of your favorites.”
“I need to bring her flowers or something as a thank you.”
Elizabeth walked over and hugged him. “That’s an excellent idea.”
“Before I go anyplace else, where is Aunt Bebe? I don’t want to get jumped tonight.”
His mom smiled at him. “Believe me, I understand. But, for right now, we’re safe. She’s having a late tea with Rachel’s mom, Anna, in the dining room.”
“Why?” Dylan felt the alarm bells ringing with every fiber of his being.
“I don’t have a clue. I only know they’re in there enjoying themselves.” His mom shook her head at him. “Dylan, not everything your aunt does is some kind of plot. She’s just enjoying snacks and chitchat.”
“Yeah. Sure, Mom. You just keep on believing that. I’m going to see what she’s up to now.”
Dylan paused outside the dining room, where he could overhear their conversation, and peered around the edge of the partially closed pocket door.
“That was the ideal setup.” Anna took a bite of a miniature sandwich. “These are so good. I love the crunch of cucumber.”
Aunt Bebe smiled as she sipped her tea. “I’m so glad you’re enjoying everything. Dylan can be as stubborn as a mule, but that only works for so long when it’s always in your face.”
“Well, nothing I was saying to Casey was making a difference. So, I’m thrilled your plan is working. I think hiring the model was inspired.”
Dylan jerked back and grabbed the door to steady himself, causing it to slide open.
“Dylan?” Aunt Bebe looked with narrowed eyes. “What are you doing?”
“What am I doing? What am I doing? What are you doing?” Dylan felt his control slipping as he waved his arms in the air. “Paying a guy to date Casey? Have you lost your mind?” Dylan turned toward Anna. “And you think it’s a good idea? Casey’s going to be heartbroken. What are you two thinking?”
They simply watched him. Aunt Bebe leaned closer to Anna, “I think we need to let him wind down before we say anything.”
Anna nodded.
“Aunt Bebe, haven’t you done enough? Didn’t you learn anything from the mess you created with Colin and Rachel?” Dylan put his hands on his hips and stared at his feet, taking slow, deep breaths.
“Dylan…” His aunt began but stopped when Dylan shook his head without looking at her. She bent closer to Anna and whispered, “See what I mean? It takes him a while.”
Dylan took another breath and then opened his eyes. “Can you please just tell me why?”
“Of course, dear. We knew neither of you would talk to each other and admit your true feelings, so we set the stage, so to speak, and it worked.” Aunt Bebe beamed at him. “And to answer your other question and ensure the record is right, I did not create a mess with Colin and Rachel. I got them together. And yes, I learned from what happened, which is why Anna and I have been talking from the beginning. So, everything’s fine.”
Dylan groaned.
“See what I mean, Anna? He’s so dramatic sometimes.” Aunt Bebe shrugged.
“I’m going outside where the sane part of my family is. I won’t tell Casey about this, but you two better.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dylan walked straight to the outdoor fridge, got a beer, and then turned to his dad and his uncle, who were starting the grill. Pointing the bottle at the two of them, he narrowed his eyes. “You need to talk to your nutso aunt. She’s gone too far this time.” Then he stalked off to where his brothers sat around the patio.
“You guys do realize that Aunt Bebe is certifiable, right? She’s doing all kinds of scheming to get Casey and me back together. Not to mention jumping out of closets, doorways, and anything else she can fit her tiny outrageous self behind.” Dylan took a swig of beer and glanced at his dad, who was expertly flipping brats and hamburgers.
Colin gestured at him with a chip. “Well, from what I’m hearing, her scheming is working.”
Liam paused the bottle partway to his lips. “What did you hear?”
Dylan set his drink down and glared at his brothers. “It’s like we’re in high school again. Maybe you two should pass notes in study hall.”
Colin smirked, “I don’t need to pass anything. I’ve got a wife, thank you very much, who happens to be the sister of the ex you tried to kiss last night.”
Liam burst into laughter. “That’s awesome. Aunt Bebe’s plan is working. Just wait until she finds out. You’ll never live it down, bro.”
Dylan fixed his eyes on the ground and shook his head. Liam’s right. She’s going to be impossible now. “Aunt Bebe doesn’t have to find out.” Dylan backhanded Liam’s arm. “Besides, is nothing sacred anymore? There was a time I could kiss a woman, and it didn’t make dinner headlines.”
“Then you need to kiss somebody else because this is news.” Colin laughed. “Don’t look at me like that. I remember you laughing your ass off while I was trying to win Rachel.”
Dylan stopped scowling and nodded. “Okay. That’s true. But you never said it made you feel like someone ripped your heart out and used it for target practice.”
Liam looked at Dylan wide-eyed. “Damn. You’ve got it bad. I’ve got to get away from you two. It might be catching. I’m too young for this.” Liam stood and headed toward his cousins, who were gathered around the outdoor bar.
Dylan watched Liam walk away and shook his head. “I cannot wait to watch him fall. I’ll enjoy every minute and do anything I can to help Aunt Bebe mess it up.”
“That’s great. But what if you focus on figuring out what you’re doing about your fall?” Colin asked.
“It’s less painful to plot revenge on Liam.”
“Understood, but still not helpful.”
Dylan took another swig of beer and turned to face Colin more fully. “I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. The whole time I was gone, I was sure everything with Casey would work out fine as soon as I got home. Then I get here, and she barely tolerates me even though I’m just trying to be a friend and make certain she’s safe. But she doesn’t believe anything I say and doesn’t listen to me, which reminds me exactly of why we broke up in the first place. So now, I’m stuck there watching some dude kiss her every chance he gets, and on top of all of that, I look out the window, and she’s chatting with the men in that black SUV I told you about.”
Colin sat up. “Wait. What?”
“See? Right there. You immediately understand because it’s suspicious. But not Casey. No, not her. She’s like, those are just two nice guys waiting on their realtor to show them some houses. No biggie. But what do those same two guys do when I head toward them? They peel away from the curb like they’re driving for NASCAR.”
Colin laid his hand on Dylan’s arm. “Can we back up for a minute? Casey is okay, right? Rachel didn’t say anything about her being hurt.”
“Yeah, she’s good. I think I suffered a minor heart attack at seeing her standing by the SUV, but she’s fine.”
“Good.” Colin shook his head and grinned. “Good that she’s okay. Not about your heart condition.”
“Thanks for the concern.” Dylan laughed. “But seriously, Colin. I thought I would lose it when I saw her with them.”
“I understand. There’s nothing harder than watching the woman you love in danger.”
“You’re right. It made me realize how much I still love her, which is why I ended up kissing her. Although Emily came home at the same moment, so I’m not sure it qualified.” Dylan shrugged.
“It was close enough since they rallied the troops last night, and it was a major part of the discussion. At least from what Rachel told me.”
“Did I hear my name?” Rachel carried three icy beers and handed them each one. She nudged Colin over, then sat beside him and twisted the cap off hers. “You two have been deep in conversation for quite a while now. Care to share?”
“Thanks for the cold beer, Rachel.” Dylan felt her stare all the way to his soul. “Um, no.”
“Okay. Since you’re new to this, let me explain the sister-in-law rules. When I ask if you want to share what you were talking about with my husband, your brother, you start telling me. It’s not a question. It’s more a polite way of saying, tell me now, or I will nag your brother, who will, in turn, nag you until you spill your guts. And before you even wonder—yes, I can make that happen.”
Dylan looked to Colin for support.
Colin raised his hands in surrender. “She’s right, dude. You might as well tell her now.”
Dylan huffed out a breath. “Fine. I think you’ve heard most of it anyway. I was filling Colin in on what happened last night with Casey. Are you happy now?”
“Getting there. Did you tell him why you kissed Casey?”
Dylan grimaced. “I’d say you’ve already guessed why from the Cheshire cat grin you’re wearing.”
“I have my suspicions.” She grinned wider.
“Because I realize how much I still love her. Okay?” He ground out.
“Now, I’m happy.” Rachel raised her beer, and the three of them toasted.
“Just one more question.”
Dylan groaned.
“What are you going to do about it?”