by Sandra Marie
“What are you doing out here?” he said, slumping down and wiping water on her leg. She punched him and scooted away.
“Grandpa’s doing yoga in his underwear again. I love the man, but he needs to wear pants.”
The screen door creaked open and two excited Labrador pups tripped over their giant feet and mauled him.
“Hey guys, I know… I know… I’ll take you next time,” Steven said, rubbing the ears of his six month old labs. The chocolate one leapt in between him and Jemma and immediately nibbled on his ear. The white one who was a little on the small side still couldn’t quite get the jumping thing.
He would’ve taken them on his run, but it was a lot of scolding them and less running, and Steven had really needed to clear his head—even if it did take five miles for that to happen.
“I’m Steven,” Gemma imitated. “I’ve got two adorable puppies and six-pack abs.”
Steven shook his head. “No one’s even out there.”
Jemma sat forward and pointed straight across the street. “That girl hasn’t left the porch since you told her to have a good night.”
Steven’s gaze followed his sister’s finger, and through the thick rain he could make out her figure. She was back in her seat, knees curled up and book nestled on top of them. Her feet were covered in bright pink socks.
“You want to tell her you’re in love with someone else, or should I?” Jemma teased, but it dug deep in his chest, twisting and gutting him. “Don’t want to get her hopes up, right?”
Steven moved the chocolate lab from his lap and stood up. “Hey, will you keep an eye on them?” he said, trying to level his voice. “Batman likes to run off.”
Jemma tucked her hands under Robin who was still bouncing around her feet and cuddled with the pups. “Don’t take long. I’m not nearly as fast of a runner as you.”
Steven tried to smile—Jemma obviously wasn’t aware just how badly what she said hurt—and headed inside to shower. Grandpa was indeed sprawled out in the living room, donning only boxer shorts as he stretched into downward facing dog.
“Don’t take too long, son,” he said, his voice gruff. “I’m gonna need some hot water.”
“No problem, Grandpa.” Steven shut himself inside the bathroom and squeezed out of his wet clothes. His shorts thunked as they hit the tile, and he bent, digging out his phone.
His run was a bust; the second his phone was back in his hand, his fingers were already scrolling to Cassidy’s last message. His heart thudded thick and heavy as it sunk into the pit of his stomach.
You’re coming to Thanksgiving dinner this year, right? I have someone I want you to meet.
It was accompanied by a shining picture of his beautiful best friend, her smile bright and excited, her eyes lit unlike he’d ever seen. And next to her, looking just as joyous, was a man he’d never met before, but by the way he was kissing her cheek, he was someone he never wanted to.
Romance for all Seasons
After the Night
Across the Street
Under the Tree
Going Down
Between Friends
Behind the Stick
Summer Nights
Bay Breeze
Tequila Sunrise
Blue Lagoon
Sex on the Beach
Sandra Marie is in love with all things holidays and all things romance! After settling in with a big cup of hot cocoa—with lots of whipped cream—she spends her time with quirky and fun characters.
Romance for all Seasons is her debut series
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