Chirp(48)

“Absolutely.”





22


Rance


Rance wanted to ask Seth what he and Chirp had been talking about, but decided not to. None of his business. If she’d taken a liking to his younger brother, then that got the pressure off him and things could get back to normal. According to Nick, Seth needed to break his engagement, so if his interest in Chirp made that happen, Rance should be happy. Should be, but he wasn’t. Not by a long shot.

He poured his second cup of coffee as Seth came in from the porch all chipper, and it pissed him off more.

Seth took a mug from the cabinet, filled it, and turned to face his brother. “You’re up early.”

Rance scowled. “Nice haircut.”

“Thought I’d take advantage of Blaze’s skills. She did a good job.”

“Yeah.”

“What’s wrong with you? Run out of Midol?”

“Fuck you, Seth.”

“Whoa. What’s this about?”

“You know damn well what it’s about. She has no experience with guys. You’re giving her the wrong impression.”

“What? That I want to be her friend? Because she’s clear on that subject.”

“You don’t know her like I do. She takes things the wrong way sometimes. You could hurt her.”

“Well, I promise I won’t.”

“If you do, you’ll answer to me.”

“Noted. Now what’s up for today?”

“If Nicky ever gets home, I thought we’d go knock down some cans. You brought your pistol, didn’t you?” Rance asked.

“Yeah. Nick too.”

“Great. Later, we can drive to Danvers. They have a steak house I hear is pretty good.”

“Okay. What if Nick wants to invite his new friend?”

“Fine by me.”

“And if she wants Blaze to come?”

“Fine with that, too.”

“Are you sure?”

“Just spit it out, Seth.”

“Last night you didn’t seem happy about Blaze being there. So what’s going on?”

Rance drained his cup and set it on the counter with more force than he intended. “We’ve had a misunderstanding. Nothing that can’t be fixed when she comes back home.”

“If you say so. I’m going to take a quick shower. By the time I’m done, maybe Nick will be here or at least checked in.” Seth rinsed his cup, put it in the sink, then walked down the hallway.

Rance called after him because he was in a crappy mood and not ready to give Seth a free pass. “When did you plan to break the news about your bride not wanting me in the wedding?”

Seth stopped in his tracks and spun around. “I’ve been waiting for the right time. Guess Nick said something already.”

“Let me go on record that I don’t give a shit, but I got to say your bride-to-be sounds like a real bitch. So why are you marrying her?”

Seth ran his hand over his jaw and thinned his lips into a tight line. “Not sure anymore. In the process of trying to work that out.”

Worry lines formed above Seth’s eyes, misery apparent, so Rance nodded and dropped it. Seth didn’t move for a minute, clearly waiting for Rance to say more, but he didn’t. No need to add to his brother’s problem.

Taking a deep breath, Seth disappeared down the hall and into the bedroom, leaving Rance to deal with his own guilt. Truth was, Rance didn’t want Chirp to go with them. Last night had been so awkward he’d wanted to leave. Having her around while she focused on Seth put Rance in a foul mood. Wasn’t jealous. Only concerned. She’d read too much into his kindness, and he didn’t want the same thing to happen again with his brother. Okay, he was jealous. The way she’d laughed and danced was a different side he hadn’t seen. At least Seth didn’t seem to know about the sex, but if Tiffany kept making subtle remarks, it wouldn’t be long until both brothers figured it out.

When Seth came from the shower, there’d still been no word from Nick. The weekend wasn’t turning out the way Rance had planned or hoped. Women. Fucking up everything.

“Would it bother you if Nick and I stayed longer?” Seth asked.

The question surprised Rance. He didn’t think they were having much fun. Well, since Nick had hooked up with Tiffany, he was probably having a great time. She was a looker for sure and had latched on to him the minute she’d sat down. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. But I thought your bride had you on a tight schedule.”

“Yeah, but I need a few more days to sort things out.”

“You break it off with her, what happens to your job?”

“Goes down the drain.”

“Apply at any other firms?”

“No, and Heather’s dad can fix it where I won’t be able to work anywhere in Houston. I have a lot to consider. My future depends on my marriage. And before you start in on me, I know it was a stupid mistake.”

“Maybe so, but marrying someone you don’t love would be worse. And you needing to work things out tells me you’re not in love with her.”

Seth chuckled. “You may be right. Blaze said doubt means no. She also mentioned finding someone perfect.”