Slow Grind (Men of Mornington)

“Is there anything to tell?” Please say yes. Please say we’re together, whatever that means. Please say you’re going to fight to be with me, no matter what any of the guys—especially my brother—think.

“Max first, or the guys?” he asks, in turn answering all of my unasked questions. The choir of angels rejoice in my head, and I can’t hide the beaming smile on my face.

“Max first. He’s the only one that really matters.”

Together, Drew and I walk into Max’s room and we don’t get a chance to get a word out before Max starts with the questions.

“Are you guys finally going to admit you’re into one another, or do I have to keep dying for you to figure it out?” he asks with a knowing look.

“We’ve figured it out,” I say, looking to Drew for reassurance, and he nods.

“We want your blessing, I guess. Is that still a thing? Do you ask for blessings?” Drew asks, and I can tell he’s nervous. It has to be extremely awkward to ask your best mate if you can date his little sister.

“You sure as shit do if you’re talking about my sister. Are you asking me if you can date Aubrey?”

“Yeah, I guess I am. But just so you know, before you answer, even if you say no, I’m not going to stop. But to have you on our side would be great.” My heart soars. Drew’s willing to fight the closest person in the world to him, with the exception of Emma, for me. Me!

“Aubrey?” Max turns to me.

“Yeah,” I croak, all of a sudden nervous. I’d hoped I’d be strong enough to go against my brother for Drew. I think I am, but if push comes to shove, would I really be able to sever the longest—and most important—relationship for another man? Oh God, I hope it doesn’t come to that.

“If he hurts you, you tell me. I don’t care if he steps on your toes, you tell me, and I’ll take care of it. Understand?” Max smiles, and all of my unease melts away. This day couldn’t be any more perfect. Under the circumstances, of course—life is kind of shitty—but to have the guy I’ve loved forever and the best brother in the world by my side, it gives a girl hope.

“I wouldn’t dare…” Drew interjects, and Max cuts him off.

“Aubrey. Do you understand?”

“I do. I promise. If he steps out of line once, you’re my first call.”

“I better be. And Drew,” Max turns again, and his stare becomes unrecognizable. “I’m trusting you with her. If you fuck her over, there will be hell to pay. I’d kill for this one.” He gestures toward me, and Drew swallows hard.

“You’re not the only one.”

And in my perfect world, Jacey comes back through the door and steps right into the tension-packed room. “What’d I miss? Is Max going to kill him because he loves you?”

“No, Jace. Everything is perfect, and Max loves that I’m happy.”

“Good. Now that you have that settled, can Max get better so we can go hang out? Maybe show me some things I couldn’t see from the car or online?”

“Get out of here. Go show your friend around. I’m just gonna be here healing. I love you, baby sister. And I swear, Drew, if you hurt her, you’re dead.”

Chapter Sixteen

Drew

“You might as well have this,” I say, handing the muffin and hash brown to Ms. Rosewood. She takes it gratefully as I set the coffee down on the table for her.

“What about me?” Max croaks. “Where’s my food, huh?”

“You deal with the nurses about that. We’re out of here. Call if you need anything?”

“Yeah, man. Have fun, those two together are a trip. Chances are they’re going to day drink, so be prepped to drive and deal with girly squeals about absolutely nothing.”

“Gotcha,” I chuckle and head out the door to catch up with the girls, who are waiting at the elevator.

“Where to, ladies?” The two glance at each other, smiling devilishly, and look back to me.

“Bar, please!” they say in unison.