Wrapped in You (The Monroes 1)

Dropping his head back against the chair, Zach focused on the crackling fire and the embers that were starting to settle at the bottom of the pit. Always focusing on the past was no way to try to move forward. He found himself wanting desperately to push ahead.

With Chelsea’s death and now her vision coming to the surface, he wanted to come out on top. Wanted to take back control of his life instead of having life control him.

Relaxing on his patio after a day’s work always helped him unwind. Settling into the chair his father had made brought him some sort of peace each evening. He needed that peace, no matter how small. Actually, discovering Chelsea’s ideas might be just what he needed to focus on, to move into that area where he could be proud of something he’d done.

Zach’s cell vibrated in his pocket and he fished it out. Braxton’s name lit up the screen. He wasn’t in the mood for a chat, but he wasn’t in the mood for much else either, so he might as well answer.

“Yeah.”

“Wow, always so chipper,” Braxton greeted. “You home?”

“Yeah.”

Where else would he be on a Saturday night? He randomly dated. Very randomly.

“A man of few words. Thought I’d swing by,” Braxton tol

d him.

“I’m on the deck.”

“Be there in five,” Braxton told him.

He hung up, figuring his brother had come to some decision regarding the property. Braxton lived about ten minutes away, but he taught college in Savannah. With Braxton on spring break, he shouldn’t have to go back until next week. Plenty of time to get this decision finalized.

A car door slammed and within seconds Braxton rounded the house and stepped up onto the deck. He didn’t say a word as he passed right by Zach, slid open the patio door, then came back out with a can of diet Coke. He settled in the other Adirondack chair and sighed, stretching his legs out and crossing his ankles.

“That bad, huh?” Zach asked.

“That frustrating,” Braxton corrected before taking a hefty drink. “What’s got you sitting out here in the dark alone?”

“Just thinking.”

“You’re always so elaborate with words.”

Zach shrugged. “You’re the one who uses all the words, Professor.”

Braxton taught history and economics. He’d always been the brainy one, the intelligent one. He even sported that polished cut with hair gel or whatever the hell he put in his blond hair to keep it in place. But Braxton did don the occasional scruff, just enough to avoid looking like an old, boring college professor.

At least all of his tats were covered. Apparently employers didn’t like the ink. Just another reason Zach enjoyed working for himself.

Zach finished off his drink and tossed the can into the trash at the edge of the deck. “I assume you’re here about the property.”

Braxton’s can tapped against the wood armrest. “Yeah.”

Silence settled around them until Zach glanced over at his brother. “Are you keeping your answer to yourself, or do you intend to share?”

“I’m not ready to sell.”

Relief slithered through Zach and he released a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. “And Liam?”

“He understands my decision, but he doesn’t want the burden of the house.”

Zach tapped his fingers against the edge of the chair. Once he informed Braxton of Chelsea’s wishes, he might not want the burden either.

“I went to Chelsea’s apartment yesterday.”

Braxton turned in his seat. “Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve gone with you.”