Down Too Deep (Dirty Deeds, #4)(61)

“Anyone else picturin’ what I’m picturin’?” Jamie asked.

“Jen.” Brian’s gaze was serious.

Okay, really? Were they all concluding the same thing here?

“My head was on his shoulder—that’s how I fell asleep,” I said. “Seriously, you guys?” I scowled around the table. Then I looked between my kids. “Both of you, eat. No more talking.”

Olivia sank in her chair and pushed around the food with her fork. “But I like talking,” she mumbled. Oliver didn’t seem to mind the order of silence. He was enjoying his meal too much. His cheeks were already stuffed full as he tried fitting in another bite.

“Slow down, please,” I said.

He pulled the fork back and breathed loudly through his nose as he chewed.

“Let’s talk about something else,” I suggested. “Like you two.” I gestured between Syd and my brother with my fork, asking, “When’s the wedding?”

Sydney immediately grinned, threw her arms around Brian’s neck, and yanked him closer so she could kiss his cheek. “Yes, Trouble. When?”

Brian fought a smile as he glared at me.

I was able to successfully divert all conversation until after the meal was over and my kids had moved away from the table. Once they fled into the other room to play with Sir, Syd’s adorable boxer pup, I sat back in my chair and relaxed. I didn’t have any issues talking about Nate. I just didn’t want to do it in front of Oliver and Olivia. The threat of it stressed me out a little.

“Sleepovers, huh?” Jamie draped his arms over the empty chairs flanking him. Cole had left right after the meal. It was just us four, not counting the kids.

“And you’re going out with Travis this weekend? I didn’t peg you as the type to juggle multiple guys, Jenna.”

I slid my gaze over to Syd, who knew all about my plans this weekend. Funny thing was, I had not shared them with anyone else sitting at this table. And Travis didn’t seem the type to brag, so Jamie knowing all about my plans came from one person and one person only.

My future sister in-law didn’t hide her guilt well. She immediately looked behind her and scanned the room, like she was forgetting to do something.

“Did I turn off the oven?” she asked.

I seriously needed to stop confiding in other women.

“That’s not at all what I’m doing,” I spoke up.

“Yeah, Jamie.” Syd sat forward and narrowed her eyes down the table. “She can’t do anything with Nate until the end of summer. In the meantime, Jenna’s dating around. That’s not juggling two guys.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m dating around. This weekend—”

“All this time you and the kids are spending with Nate,” Brian cut in, turning my head. “You think that’s a good idea?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I mean, you’re with the guy practically every day, Jen. Oliver and Liv are gettin’ attached. Anyone can see that.”

“Okay. And?”

“What happens when this doesn’t work out?”

I felt my body melt against the wood. “When it doesn’t work out…because it won’t work out. That’s what you’re telling me—you know it won’t?”

“Why would you say that?” Sydney asked him, dropping her voice lower.

Brian kept his gaze laser-focused on me. “I don’t know it won’t, but I’m wonderin’ if you’re even considerin’ the possibility of this thing not pannin’ out. That guy has some serious baggage. What’s gonna happen to the kids if you two fall apart? Do you think they won’t be affected by that?”

“He’s got a point,” Jamie added.

I ignored King Gossip and stared down my brother. “The kids would be around Nathan whether or not we dated, Brian.” Was he completely forgetting the fact that I babysat Marley? What the hell? “It’s not like I’m putting ideas into their heads or sharing how much I like this guy. I haven’t said anything even remotely close to that. And you act like I wouldn’t be careful once Nathan and I got together. Of course I’d think about Oliver and Olivia. I’m always thinking about them. What’s the matter with you?”

“I’m just lookin’ out.”

“Well, you don’t need to,” I snapped. “I have and will always consider my kids when it comes to anything involving me. I always put them first. And you know what? Even though you don’t seem to care enough to ask, let me fill you in on something—Nathan is great with them. Amazing, actually. Oliver and Olivia are so happy when they get to spend time with him. You should see them together…” I paused to clear my throat when my voice began to quiver.

Shit. Why am I getting so worked up right now? Keep it together, Jenna.

“And me, Brian. I’m so happy when I’m with him.”

I could feel tears threatening to build. Syd was already wiping underneath her eyes as Brian pushed from the table, apparently finished with this conversation.

Good, I thought. Jamie mimicked him and stood too.

“I’m not tryin’ to upset you, Jen. I’m just makin’ sure you’re bein’ smart.”

I looked up at my brother. There was nothing left to say to him. I’d spoken my piece, so after holding his gaze for a solid second, I let mine drift, peering into the other room, where Oliver and Olivia chased Sir around the furniture.