“Yes, he joined the gym, and he’s making an effort. But I still don’t trust him around you.”
“Surely you’re not still jealous of him. After all, I chose you, didn’t I? And he never even got serious consideration.”
“I can’t help it. He gets under my skin.” Jaxon murmured these last words in her ear as Baron approached.
“Congratulations, McCall.” Baron wore a sly smirk. “And Elyssa… my sincerest condolences.” He grabbed her hand and lifted it to his lips.
“Keep your hands off her,” Jaxon growled, not a hint of humor in his expression.
“Lighten up, McCall. I’m only giving you a hard time. It’s not like I’m trying to steal your woman.”
Elyssa wrapped both her hands around Jaxon’s elbow. “It wouldn’t matter if you tried, Baron. You wouldn’t succeed.” She grinned at Jaxon’s scowl.
“Nonetheless, if you ever tire of McCall…” Baron waggled his eyebrows.
Elyssa could almost see steam coming from Jaxon’s ears. She decided to put Baron in his place. “Thanks for the offer, Baron. If I ever decide I’d like to date a guy who would proposition a married woman while he’s on a date with someone else, I’ll be sure to keep you in mind.”
Carrington howled with laughter. “Elyssa, I like you. McCall, you’re a lucky man.” His composed façade cracked the tiniest bit as he added, “I only hope I can be so lucky someday.”
Elyssa’s heart broke when she saw a glimpse of the hurt he was hiding. She was trying to think of something appropriate and encouraging to say when someone grabbed her and pulled her into a fierce hug.
“Scotty! You’re going to knock my veil off!”
He laughed as he lifted her feet off the ground, twirling in a circle before releasing her.
“So, Sis… I’m glad it finally happened… You’ve finally admitted you need a man in your life.”
“It’s not that I need a man, Scotty. I’ve decided I prefer having a man in my life.”
“Not just any man.” Jaxon’s possessive arm snaked around her waist. “I’d like to think she only wants me in her life.”
“I do. I only want you.” Elyssa lifted her lips to Jaxon, inviting and receiving a kiss.
“Aaakk! I don’t want to see you making out. But that reminds me… Elyssa, since Mom and Dad are gone, and I’m you’re older brother, and tonight’s your wedding night… we need to have a little talk.”
Scotty was trying to embarrass her, as usual. She crossed her arms, pressing her lips together as she glared at him. “Fine. Go ahead. Explain.”
His eyes widened, almost imperceptibly, but she knew she’d caught him off-guard. “Well, you see, boys are different from girls.”
“Oh I know. Girls have brains. And guys don’t, so they think with their—”
“Elyssa Rose! Mom would turn over in her grave if she heard you say that word in polite company.” Scotty protested with faux distress.
“What are you talking about?” She blinked her best innocent child eyes. “I didn’t say the word; you thought it. Just because you have a dirty mind, doesn’t mean I was going to say something bad.”
“Oh yeah? Then what were you going to say?”
“I was going to say, ‘Guys think with their wives’ help.’ That’s why it’s so important for us to find a wife for you now.”
Sc
otty’s face blanched. “Oh no. I’m happy as I am. I don’t need a wife. And if I ever do get married—which will probably never happen—I sure don’t need your help finding someone.”
“If you had a wife, you wouldn’t be trying to steal my husband to go on a mountain biking trip when we’re supposed to be going on a honeymoon.”
Scotty’s eyebrows arched together in an I’m-totally-lost-here look. “Huh?”
Jaxon laughed, punching him in the bicep. “Yeah, man. You got me in so much trouble with that crazy plan of yours.”