Too Many(4)

“Thanks, Dad,” I say when he lets go of Elijah and hugs me next.

“Thank you to everyone for coming,” I say, looking over at Nellie and we lock eyes. “We’ve got big plans in store and we can’t wait to finally begin the next chapter.”

“To big plans,” Elijah echoes, and Nellie looks at him as he raises his glass.

Everyone in the room raises their glasses and we all take a drink as the music gets louder. The crowd begins to move around and food is being served along with the alcohol. There’s a band set up out back with tables and a tent. Harlow really went all out when planning this because we know our dad wouldn’t have a clue on how to throw a party.

“So what’s the next big plan?” Harlow asks as she leans in close. She looks over at Nellie who is unmoving in the corner before she turns back to face me. “Is it finally time?”

“Time for what?” I play dumb, but something tells me that Harlow isn’t so clueless.

“Be careful.” She leans forward and pats me on the chest. “You and Elijah are good men and I know you’ll do the right thing.”

I don’t say a word as she smiles up at Elijah and walks out onto the back patio with Dad.

“You think she knows?” Elijah whispers to me, and I shrug.

“It doesn’t matter if she does. This is about us and Nellie.”

The two of us look over and realize she’s gone from the spot she was at last. I scan the room quickly and see her making her way back over to Luke. This time the growl is coming from me as we push our way through the crowd.





Chapter Three





Nellie





I make my way back towards Luke because I need an escape from everyone else. This night is turning out harder than I thought it was going to be. It doesn't help that every woman here is looking at Elijah and Owen. They’re no longer boys by any definition. I’ve always seen them as men because of their work ethic and the way they behave. Now it just feels official.

My heart aches for something I can’t have. Part of the problem is that maybe I could have one of them and try to start something. I harbor the same feelings for both of them, but even if one of them did want more, it would feel wrong. It’s so twisted because I would still be longing for his twin brother on some level. It’s better to not get tangled up in any of it, better for everyone involved. Not to mention, what if it doesn’t work out?

I need space, but I know it’s something I can’t have. I already have plans to see them at their new place tomorrow. I won’t be able to avoid them then, but I can do it for the rest of the night. I might be able to sneak out without anyone noticing since this place is filled with so many friends and family. I’m sure neither of them will notice I’m gone.

“You’re not coming over here to make your escape, are you?” Luke gives me a teasing smile. He’s been overly nice since we got here even with the twins being downright rude to him. For some reason he finds it funny.

“I don’t think anyone will notice.”

How long can I keep this up? Maybe I need a fresh start, but I’m not sure how to do that. Harlow and our moms would probably lose it if they knew I was thinking about moving. Not only that, but I’ve started to make a name for myself here.

“I think the twins might notice.”

I shake my head in disagreement. Something’s off with them tonight. I think I’ve fallen into a sister role because why else would they get so pissy about me bringing a date? Okay, not a date, but it could look like one from the outside. I wonder how long they’ve thought of me like that. I’ve never brought men around before, but mostly because my dating life sucks. Some of them were downright horror stories until I gave up completely and deleted that one app I tried. I work in a male-dominated field, but one too many bad apples has started to sour me. I found out early in my career that some people only hired me to try and get in my pants.

I peek over my shoulder to see them talking to two girls, but in their defense it looks like they’re trying to get around them. They aren't hard to miss with their size, and not only are they built, both are well over six feet tall. They’re almost identical, but Elijah has tattoos that run up and down both of his arms and has the darkest eyes I’ve ever seen. Owen has dark eyes, too, but his are a dark green that complement his sandy brown hair.

They must feel my eyes on them because they both look up at me with the same intense gaze. They move around the girls in front of them. The girls are left standing there looking confused with their mouths hanging open.

They’re headed this way and I’m locked in their sights. I’m not sure if I should still be pissed at them or let it go. I mean, it sucks if they think of me as their sister, but it’s sweet they want to be protective. I won’t let myself think for one moment that maybe they were shouting because they were jealous. I’ve never seen my calm Owen worked up before, but I won’t allow myself the fantasy of it being over wanting me.

“Do you want to get out of here?” I ask Luke, and he laughs.

“I really enjoy being able to use my hands.” I can’t tell if he’s joking or not.

“Well, Owen and Elijah can get over it. I’ve taken care of myself this long and I don’t need them hovering over me.” If we were together I might enjoy it more than I should, but they aren’t mine and never will be.