Page 186 of Five Brothers

Krisjen

I head out to the patio, my arms full with plates as I push open the door with my butt. I set down the meals at table fifteen, grab the empty glasses at sixteen, and look out to the road, seeing Paisleigh … riding a bike.

My mouth drops open. What …?

I almost drop the glasses.

She races past, sitting on someone’s blue bike and trying to catch up to another group of kids.

I smile and laugh at the same time, about to call her over, but I don’t want to distract her and make her fall. When did she learn to ride a bike?

I guess the extended stay in the Bay is good for her. My mom is away for the week, so she’s none the wiser that I let Bateman take off—with pay—while the guys and I keep the kids. Mars hasn’t complained, and Paisleigh’s ready to move into the Jaeger house.

I watch her as I head back into the restaurant, smiling, but then I hear a rumble behind me and look over my shoulder. Two trucks fly in, filling the remaining parking spaces in front of the restaurant. Army, Dallas, and Trace jump out, and I search the cabs for Macon’s outline but don’t see him. I thought he went with them again today.

I glance over at the house. The garage is closed.

Walking back into the restaurant, I clutch the glasses in my hands, but then I spot him. Leaning on the lunch bar, sipping a glass of soda like he was there the whole time. The worry that started to wind its way into my chest and head melts.

He stands there, his gray T-shirt smudged with grease and dirt, and the sun has certainly worked its magic the past week, putting a tan on his body and color back into his face. The bags under his eyes are still there, but he’s sleeping at least. He looks over at me, and I give him a smile he doesn’t return, but that’s okay. I can read his eyes well enough now to know he had a good day.

It’s a little better since he started getting out of the house more. He refused my offer to make an appointment for him to talk to someone, even though I told him he could do it over the phone, and talking to someone is the best way for him to manage this. But Macon’s instincts tell him he can rely on only himself. I’ll keep trying, though.

Trace and Dallas walk past, whipping off their shirts, and Army circles my waist, bringing me in.

“Miss me?” he asks.

I laugh, drawing my hands back from his chest. “You’re all wet.”

He leans into my ear. “Clean your tables, and then come into the shower and clean me.”

I chew the corner of my mouth, and he waits.

“Seventeen! Order up!”

I jump and pry his hands off.

“Saved by the bell,” he teases as I walk away.

I slip behind the bar, refilling the glasses, and leave them there as I grab my order. I don’t know if Macon is looking at me, but I’m barely aware of anything other than him standing right there as I drop the plates at the table and make my way back for the drinks.

Someone touches my arm. “Can I get rice and beans instead?”

I nod. “Sure.”

I take the drinks to the table outside, come back in and get the rice and beans, and sweep through the room, clearing dishes and getting more napkins.

Army and the guys sit at a table, waiting, and people say things to me but I’m too distracted. I feel Macon’s eyes.

On my stomach, on my hair draping down my arms, on my chest through my white tank top. On my face.

Lost in thought, I’m in Army’s lap before I even know what’s happening.

He smiles, holding me tight.

“Seriously?” I ask.

He needs the whole world to know he’s horny.