Page 43 of Coming Home
“I'm never going to stop apologizing, Charlie.” He grabs my hand and tugs me into his warm embrace. “I still think I ultimately made the right decision, but I hate how things spiraled from there. Ihate knowing we could’ve been married with kids by now and I let it all go up in flames, but I did the right thing.”
“I know, but that doesn’t make the pain of losing you any easier.” I place my hand on his chest and stare up at him, like I’ve done thousands of times over the years.
“You didn’t lose me, sweetheart, I'm right here,” he whispers as his gaze flickers to my lips before moving back to my eyes.
He’s going to kiss me. Wyatt’s going to kiss me and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Though I'm pretty sure I'm not going to stop him and that worries me.
“Tell me to stop and I will, Charlie.” He moves in a little closer before pausing. “Last chance…”
His lips are a breath away from mine when the door swings open and we’re bathed in light from the living room. We jump away from each other and a slow smirk spreads across Jax’s face. I'm going to kill him.
“What up, Wyatt? I thought you played baseball.” He tilts his head to the side like a stupid puppy trying to figure something out.
“I do play baseball,” Wyatt says slowly. He knows Jax is up to something, but he doesn’t know what.
“Huh, that’s funny. I thought you were preparing to play hockey with my sister’s tonsils. That’s kinda weird for a baseball player to switch to hockey, isn't it?”
Cody’s loud laughter booms from inside the house. I can't help but laugh at them because I’ve missed the crap they pull. It’s been fartoo long since I’ve lived near them and I can't wait to see how our relationships grow now that I'm here to stay.
“Seriously? Didn’t you mature yet?” Wyatt rolls his eyes.
“Nah, just like you haven’t moved on yet. Looks like we’re both stuck in our teens.” Jax’s entire face is lit up with amusement. He’s such an instigator, but I love it. “Now, let’s get inside, sis. I’m supposed to protect you from the big scary boys that use too much tongue.” He drapes his arm around my shoulders and leads me through the door, leaving Wyatt on the porch alone.
“I do not use too much tongue!” Wyatt follows us inside, just like I knew he would. He won't let Jax steal me away from him anymore than he’ll let Stubbs near me.
“That’s not what I’ve heard,” Jax singsongs.
“From who?” Wyatt arches a brow and folds his arms over his chest. He’s staring my little brother down like he’s about to fight him.
“Cody? What chick said she made out with Everson?” Jax calls over my shoulder to his twin.
“Marissa,” he draws out her name with a sassy attitude.
“Ah, right. Marissa says you use way too much tongue.” Jax shrugs without apology.
“I don’t even know a Marissa, and even if I did, it isn't true.”
“Oh, right. I totally believe the big professional baseball player.” He rolls his eyes.
“There’s no way I kissed anyone named Marissa, Jax.” Wyatt’s jaw clenches and I can tell he’s struggling to remain cool.
“I'm sure it was some drunken night when you hooked up with a cleat chaser. It’s cool, man. I get it.” Jax waves him off.
A cleat chaser?Do women really chase him because he’s a professional baseball player? My stomach rolls with the thought of that many women throwing themselves at my Wyatt.
My Wyatt. He’s not mine anymore.
“I don’t fucking hook up with cleat chasers!” He growls. “I’ve never hooked up with anyone and the only person I’ve ever kissed is your sister.” His fist clenches at his side as he runs a rough hand down his face.
“Which one?” Jax narrows his eyes.
“Jax, go away,” I say softly.
I can feel the anger radiating off of Wyatt and I don’t want him to get this upset. Jax is awesome at pushing peoples’ buttons and when he figures out what pisses you off, he’s relentless. He never knows when to stop and that’s caused more than a few black eyes over the years.
“C’mon, let’s go sit on the swings.” I hold my hand out to Wyatt and breathe a sigh of relief when he takes it and intertwines our fingers.
I lead him through the house and out into the backyard. Once again, all eyes are on us. Only this time, I can feel their gazes focused on our hands.