Rock With Me(94)

“Yes, I know. You’re very anti-mush.”

“Damn straight.”

“You know, I always knew this house was cold and uninviting, but I didn’t care because I was hardly here. Now that I’m here without you in it, it’s even worse.” He whispers the last few words.

“Sounds like you have it bad, Nash.”

“I’m having my assistant put it on the market tomorrow. I’ll have my personal stuff sent up north. I’m not staying here again. How’s my car?”

“Well, the tow truck guy told me that it would be just fine in a few weeks,” I slap my hand over my mouth so he can’t hear the laughter.

“That’s not funny.”

“What?”

“I will spank your ass when I see you, Samantha,” he warns.

“Promises, promises.”

“Tell me it’s safe in your parking garage.”

“It’s safe in someone’s parking garage.” This time I don’t hold back on the laughter.

“Samantha Williams!” He’s laughing too and I hear rustling around like he’s getting undressed.

“Are you naked?” I ask.

“Yes. Climbing in bed. You?”

“No, I’m not naked, but I’m in bed.”

“Which shirt are you wearing?”

“Cyndi Lauper,” I lie.

“Liar,” he whispers.

“Journey,” I lie again.

“Try again, sunshine.”

“I might be wearing a signed Nash shirt that my sweet boyfriend gave to me.”

“That’s better.” I hear him yawn and I scoot back down to lie under the covers.

“You should go to sleep. We had a long day.”

“You should sleep too.”

“We have to hang up.” I laugh.

“You hang up,” he mumbles.

“Are we sixteen?”

“Get some rest, baby. I love you.”

He hangs up and I turn on my back and think back on the day. The song, the dancing, the cliffs where we’ll build a house someday.

If this is a dream, I don’t want to ever wake up.

***

“I don’t know why you wouldn’t let me take you out to lunch.” I complain to Luke when he opens the door to his house.

“Maybe because you’re not making any money, so how would you be able to buy lunch?” He takes my coat and evades when I try to punch him in the arm.

“Don’t be a douche.” I scowl at him. “I have savings. I’m not about to be homeless or anything.”

“Gee, I’m so glad to hear that.” He rolls his eyes and walks ahead of me into the kitchen.

“Where are Nat and Liv?” I pull myself up onto a barstool and lean on the breakfast bar. I’m in an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, opting for comfort today.

I have no one to impress.

“They’re out with Jules.”

“They didn’t invite me.” I frown.

“They knew you were going to be here with me,” he grins and shakes his head as he pours me a glass of iced tea. “Don’t get all offended, sis.”

“Well, okay then.” He passes me the tea, pours his own glass and then leans against the counter and sips his drink, contemplating me over the rim.

“What?”

“You and Leo work things out?”

“Just cut to the chase, Luke.” I roll my eyes at him but he just lifts his eyebrow. “That doesn’t work with me either. I’m your sister, not your wife.”

“Boy, that’s the truth. You are definitely not my wife.”

“I’m never going to be anyone’s wife.” I shrug and take a sip of tea.

“Why?” He asks with a frown. “I thought things were going well with Leo.”

“They are. That doesn’t mean I need a ring on my finger. We’re not even moving in together for a while. I know you don’t understand that concept given that you and Nat went from a mugging to a baby in about twelve minutes.”

“Fuck off.” He smirks.

“You don’t need a contract to be in a committed relationship.”

“Okay.” He frowns again and then shrugs. “To each her own.”

“Yep.” I agree.

“Why didn’t you tell me your job was giving you grief because of me?” He asks, his eyes sad.