Unfinished Ex (Calloway Brothers, #2)(66)

“Yeah, and you’re a pain in the ass,” he says with a smile that could charm the spots off a leopard. He lifts a glass. “To parahawking, bachelor parties, and ex sex.” He tosses back his drink and turns to Addy. “Sorry, sis. We’ll toast to you too when you do something worth toasting.”

I can tell he moves his legs before he can get kicked under the table.

“I’m graduating next spring,” she says. “You’ll come back for that, won’t you?”

Cooper points between our two siblings. “Tell you what, how about you coordinate the bachelor party, wedding, and graduation all within a week or so, and it’s a deal.”

“We’ll have to get back to you on that,” Tag says. “I’m not about to dictate to my fiancée when we have to get married. She’s a florist. She lives for this shit.”

“Whatever. All I’m saying is you could drive it that direction.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Addy elbows me and motions to the counter. “Speaking of exes.”

My eyes follow hers to where Calista is waiting on a food order. She looks over and waves. I wave back awkwardly.

“You on speaking terms?” Addy asks.

Damn, I’m tired of lying to people today. “I guess so.”

“I heard she was dating Eric Snyder,” Tag says. “Is it strange having your assistant coach ball your ex?”

“They broke up. And no, it’s not strange. I was never that into her.”

“Ouch,” Addy says.

“Mind if we not rehash that shit again?” I finish my drink and get Lissa’s attention for another round.

“Rehash what shit?” Cooper asks.

“Addy coming to my house and reading me the riot act about shitting or getting off the pot with Calista.”

Tag laughs. “Way to go, little sister.”

“Did you know she actually equated her losing her leg to my breakup with Nicky?”

“You shush.” Addy covers my mouth. “Which is worse—losing a limb or the love of your life?”

“Limb,” Cooper says. “No fucking comparison.”

“Says the guy who’s never loved anyone.” Tag shakes his head. “I’d gladly give up a leg to keep Maddie.”

Addy removes her hand. “See, told ya. Love trumps limb.”

“Wait,” Coop says. “You’re the one who said you’d rather lose a limb?”

“I still have a leg,” she says, knocking her prosthetic against the base of the table. “You can never get back a lost love.”

“This is one fucked up conversation,” Tag says.

Addy leans across the center of the table. “Come on, guys, bring it in. Sibling hug.”

The three of us laugh, then do what she asks, because damn if any of us could ever deny our little sister.





Chapter Twenty-six



Nicky




Jaxon has been laying it on thick the past few nights. Yesterday, he paraded me around McQuaid Circle on his arm, stopping in almost every establishment: Ava Criss’ coffeehouse, Regan Lucas’

bookstore, Maddie Foster’s flower shop. He even found an excuse to pop into the bowling alley, the hardware store, and the market. Then to top it all off, we got ice cream and sat on the bench by the statue of Lloyd McQuaid—smack dab in the middle of the circle’s roundabout, where every driver was sure to see us.

I’m just not sure what he’s doing will make the situation less scandalous, or more.

Tonight, we’re eating at Donovan’s Pub. Everyone hangs out at Donovan’s on Friday nights. The last time I was here was a month ago, the night of the reunion. I’m hoping this time proves to be a better experience.

“Ignore them,” Jaxon says of the dozens of eyes staring at me. “They’re only curious about what such a big star is doing in a local joint.”

I about spit my Diet Coke out. “You aren’t a very good liar. Nobody here sees me as a television personality, and we both know it.”

“Well, let them be surprised. They’re going to have to get used to it.”

Lissa places our dinner on the table. She eyes our clasped hands. “You two getting hitched again?”

“Uh, no,” I spew, maybe a bit too quickly for Jaxon’s liking.

“We’re dating,” he says.

“Oh, that’s nice.”

He scoots closer. “Yes, it is. How’s Lucas?”

Lissa’s eyes go wide.

“You should know by now that nothing’s a secret in Calloway Creek.”

“I guess I should. He’s fine. Enjoy your dinner.”

I roll my eyes.

“What?” he asks. “If she’s going to dig into my private life, she should be prepared for me to ask about hers.”

Boisterous laughter rolls through the front doors, along with Jaxon’s archenemies. He stiffens when Hudson McQuaid spots us.

“Have you had a chance to talk with him yet?” I ask.

“Not yet. He is bound by law. I could sue him if he says anything to anyone.”

“Good luck proving it, though. His family is so rich they probably have five lawyers on standby.”