Too Many(2)

Two more people in my life are entering a new phase and I’m still stuck in the same spot, unmoving. I’m happy for Owen and Elijah because they’re the sweetest and funniest men I’ve ever met. They make me think there are other good men out there, but the problem is, I don’t want other men. I want them. Now they’ll be beginning their lives and will likely get married. I’ll be front row to it all and it’s going to freaking hurt.

“No problem. I was grabbing a cup too.” Luke takes a sip from his own before he gives me a warm smile that does nothing for me. I shouldn’t have agreed to go with him. I thought having someone with me tonight might help, but now I feel like an asshole because I know this isn’t going anywhere with Luke.

When Luke asked me how the Barton twins were doing, it popped right out of my mouth that the twins were graduating and I asked if he wanted to come with me to the party. He knows everyone there since the Bartons subcontract him out when they need something detailed done. He seemed surprised by me asking, but smiled and said he’d pick me up.

Now here we are, almost to Butch and my cousin Harlow’s home where the graduation party is taking place. An anxious energy starts to fill me the closer we get. What if they brought a date? They never talk about girls they’re dating or hooking up with. When I’ve asked before they always said they’re too busy. Both of them are ridiculous flirts, so there have to be women in their lives even if they don't talk to me about them.

“Nellie,” Luke says, snapping me from my thoughts of Owen and Elijah with other women.

My stomach starts to roll and I feel like I might vomit. How am I ever going to deal with seeing them with someone else? They’re going to be in my life forever and I know that day will come.

“I know this isn't a date. You can relax.”

My eyes flick over to Luke as he parks outside of Butch and Harlow’s place. “You do?”

“If that’s what you’re all worked up about, don’t be.” He picks up his coffee and takes another sip. “But you’ll owe me a favor.” He slips that in there all while giving me a teasing smile. He’s handsome and I hate that I can’t be attracted to him.

Normally when someone springs a favor on me like this, it bugs me, but I had it coming. I invited him on a date that clearly isn't one and he can totally tell. “Fine.”

“It’s my mom's place, cut me some slack.” He shrugs. “And I brought you coffee.”

“You did.” I pick mine up and take one last sip.

“So relax. We’ll hang out and eat some good food. I can tell you about my mom's new place and we can call it square.”

“Call it square?” I say with a laugh, feeling a little better that Luke and I are now on the same page. He really is serious about his mom’s place and it’s actually kind of sweet that the favor he’s calling in is for her. I know I’d do anything for mine.

“Call it whatever you want as long as it gets my mom taken care of.” He gets out of his truck and comes around to my side.

“You got yourself a deal,” I tell him as I hop out, but I don’t land so graciously in my heels. I stumble a little, but Luke catches me right before I tumble.

“Thanks,” I tell him, trying to get my footing.

“Get your fucking hands off her!” Elijah’s voice booms across the front lawn.

“Or I’ll remove them from your body!” Owen barks.

Luke and I look up in shock for half a second before Luke laughs. He takes his hands from me and backs away now that I have both feet safely on the ground.

I turn my head and meet the gaze of two very pissed-off-looking men.





Chapter Two





Owen





“Hey, congratulations, guys,” Luke says, walking right past us and going into the house. He’s acting like we didn’t just see him put his hands all over our girl, but we can’t really take him to the ground in a fight right this second.

“Are you two okay?” Nellie looks between us with wide eyes and I can’t help but think we may have slightly overreacted to seeing someone touch her, but I’m not about to apologize.

“Why did you come with him?” Elijah was never one to be subtle and I can’t say I want him to start now.

Nellie leans back like she’s getting attacked and her eyes narrow. “How is that any of your business?”

This is not how we pictured her coming to our celebration today and I think maybe we need to dial it back. Unfortunately Elijah doesn’t have the same thought as he steps closer to Nellie.

“Are you kidding me right now, Nell?”

“Don’t you Nell me when you’re hollering at me across the yard like a dog.”

“Whoa, whoa. Let’s just calm down and take a breath.” I step in front of Elijah to block his approach to Nellie. She blinks a few times as she looks away and I can see her cheeks are red.

“Everything okay?” I hear Harlow on the porch behind us and I curse.

“I think I could use something stronger than an afternoon coffee,” Nellie says, walking past us and into the house with Harlow.

“Fuck.” Elijah runs a frustrated hand through his hair as he watches her go.

“I know,” I agree and shake my head.