Page 54 of Perfect Guy
Madelyn
“What’sthisIhear about you dating Canaan?” Jase, Grady’s younger brother and my cousin, asks. “Isn’t he older than you?” He arches a brow before taking a sip of beer.
I roll my eyes slowly so that he doesn’t miss it. Jase doesn’t live in Mason Creek, and he’s usually in and out of town quickly when he visits. We decided to get together at Wilder’s house for drinks, just us cousins, so we could spend time together.
Laughing, he taps me with his foot. “Answer me.”
“Yes, we’re dating. He’s a great guy and has been nothing but respectful,” I assure him.
Growing up, I thought it was so cool to have my older brothers and cousins. As I got older, it became annoying at times. I love them, but I could do without their overprotectiveness at times.
Since Jase isn’t here often, I can see why he’d question more now.
“Good. If he hurts you, you let us know.” His face is serious.
I laugh and drink my beer. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be sure to let you five go wild on him.”
“We’re keeping an eye on him,” Grady speaks up.
My eyes snap to him, wide and unbelieving. He shrugs and dares me to argue.
“Ugh.” I toss my head back. It’s a good thing Canaan’s at the fire station today.
“How are things in… Where are you now?” Levi asks Jase.
Jase wanders the globe, never really settling down anywhere. I used to envy his lifestyle, wanting to follow in his footsteps. I think it’s amazing that he gets to experience so many different cities.
He chuckles and shrugs. “I think I’m going to go to Zion and hike Angels Landing. Not sure yet.”
“That’s in Utah, right?” Wilder asks.
“Yeah. I want to get a few adventures in this summer.”
”As if you don’t do that yearly?” Cole laughs.
“Fuck off,” Jase smiles. “Best way to live life.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Cole raises his beer. “Although…now that I’m with Joey, I’ve found new things to appreciate in life.” He smiles softly, and I can’t help but tease him.
“Awww…look who’s grown up. Did anyone think we’d see the day Cole fell in love?”
The guys chuckle, and Cole glares at me.
“I agree, sis. I think the same about Levi.” Wilder claps his shoulder.
“Two of Mason Creek’s proverbial bachelors taken, tied down. I think people are still in shock about that,” I taunt them.
Everyone laughs. It’s good-naturedly teasing. Levi and Cole are two of this town’s biggest flirts, though I think Cole beats Levi. To see them in serious relationships is surprising, but they’re so happy. And that makes me happy for them. Besides, it feels like the family finally has other women in it now that I have some in-laws.
“Anyway, I’ll be back for the bachelor party and staying for the wedding the following week. I won’t miss an open bar,” Jase winks.
“How about miss celebrating your older cousin’s happiness,” Wilder responds.
“I guess that works, too.” He smiles, lifting his beer in his direction. “Family comes first. Of course, I wouldn’t miss that for the world. Hallie seems like a great woman, too.”
“She is,” Wilder nods with a soft smile. Love shines on his face, and it makes me so happy to see him like this. He deserves it.
I hope one day I have a man in my life that smiles like that when he thinks about me, even when I’m not around. Will it be Canaan? I don’t know, but a part of me hopes it will be. After what we shared, being together so intimately the other night, I want to believe our relationship has room for growth and evolution.