Sixes & Sevens (Seven Hearts Book 1)

by Kelly, G. E.

  When she felt fully put together, she gathered up her belongings. Tossing them back in her bag, she was careful to wrap her dirty clothes, and arrange them away from her clean stuff. Opening the door, she found Garrett feigning casualness on the bed. He held a rodeo magazine upside down. Jaycee couldn’t suppress a giggle as she pointed it out. Even Garrett laughed, tossing the magazine aside. He ran a hand over his hair, grabbing his clothes on his way to the bathroom.

  “Good morning,” he said belatedly.

  “Good morning, Garrett,” Jaycee said with an embarrassed smile as he closed the door. Releasing a heavy breath, Jaycee shook her head at herself. She’d left her foster home, and look at her now. She never would have imagined this is where she’d be, merely a few days later. It felt like she’d aged several years in several days. She was living with men; she’d experienced her first kiss…it was surreal. Did you count each individual kiss, or did making out count as one?

  Grabbing her bag, Jaycee headed downstairs. She was surprised to see the guys already starting to gather in the dining room. “Good morning,” she said, surprised.

  “Good morning, Jaycee. How did you sleep?” Jonathan asked.

  “Well, thank you…how about you?” Jaycee deflected.

  “Good, thanks. Did you want cereal this morning? We’re taking it a bit more casual today,” he said.

  “Thanks, sounds fine. Good morning, Sean,” Jaycee said, sitting beside him at the table.

  “Hi! I’m so excited for today. We can do whatever you’d like. I have some ideas, but honestly, whatever you want would be fine with me.” Sean exhaled with excitement.

  “What did you have in mind?” she asked.

  “Well, I could show you how to use your phone for starters. I had talked about showing you some video games, and then we probably need to get groceries. I know it’s not as exciting as laser tag, but life intrudes at the most inopportune moments, huh?” He said a bit deflated.

  “It’s okay, we can still make it fun. I’ve never gone grocery shopping with a guy before, besides my dad, of course,” Jaycee said.

  “I promise not to be the typical uninterested companion. I don’t mind shopping so much. Then later, I have a huge collection of movies on my hard drive, we can watch whatever you’d like.”

  “That sounds fun,” she reassured him. “I’m not sure I could constantly be running around every day like I did at the arcade.”

  The other guys, with the exception of Alec, filed into the dining room. Marc grabbed bowls for everyone, while Lee selected several boxes of cereal. Sean hopped up to fetch the bagels and donuts. Garrett grabbed juice for everyone, careful not to spend too much time looking at Jaycee. Lee grabbed silverware. Alec finally stomped down the stairs when the table was set, and everyone was ready to eat.

  “Morning…,” Alec mumbled.

  “Good morning, sleeping beauty. Grab a bowl. Cereal, bagels, and donuts…it’s what’s for breakfast,” Lee said, before shoving a mouthful of bagel in his face.

  Jaycee smiled at Lee. He didn’t care if he looked silly stuffing his face. She supposed in the military, you weren’t often given time to sit and eat a proper meal. It made her glad he was out of immediate danger, in the States, with the rest of them. Jaycee had always been grateful to the soldiers who sacrificed overseas every day, but it was nice to see them return home safe.

  “Did you sleep well?” Marc asked.

  “Yes.” Jaycee didn’t care to elaborate, and while Marc looked stressed trying not to ask more questions, he did respect her privacy.

  “I did manage to talk to that kid Jason from your dorm yesterday,” Lee said, turning to Jaycee. “He agreed to keep an eye out for Roger. So long as he’s at the desk when anyone comes, he’ll send them in the wrong direction.”

  “That’s great! Thank you, Lee,” Jaycee exclaimed.

  “You’re welcome, little flower.” He smiled.

  The bagels and donuts disappeared rapidly, much to Jonathan’s utter dismay. He had hoped to cure the other guys of their fondness for sugary foods. Knowing he’d never win the war against grease, he’d hoped to at least beat sugar. He had met with little success. After breakfast, the guys cleared the table, and Jaycee was finally allowed to help. She was asked to put the dishes in the dishwasher, not a hard job, but an important one all the same. Jonathan headed to his room to finish preparing for work. Alec disappeared-to lord only knows where-after a quick hug with Jaycee, and Lee went to his room to do paperwork before heading out.

  Garrett hung around the dining room longer than normal, while Sean went upstairs to retrieve a grocery list. Pulling Jaycee into a corner away from anyone who might happen to walk by, Garrett leaned in, and kissed Jaycee softly on the lips.

  “I just wanted to give you a proper goodbye before I leave for work.” He said.

  “Have a good day, Garrett,” Jaycee responded softly.

  “You too, pretty girl,” Garrett replied.

  “Thanks, I will,” she said.

  Later, Jonathan made a point of cornering Jaycee alone, before he left for work. “Do you have a minute, sweetie?”

  “Sure,” she replied.

  “I wanted to talk to you about something, as a doctor.” Jonathan was clearly feeling on edge. He ran his hand through his hair repeatedly, fiddling with his glasses, before settling his hand on her shoulder. “I know you’ve probably had sex education in school. I promise not to go into that unless you want me to, but living with all of us guys…I thought it would be prudent if we talked about your plans.” Jaycee’s face turned crimson, but she didn’t protest. Dropping his hand, Jonathan tried to be dignified. “What I mean is…if things should go that direction, you should have a plan. Have you thought about this before?”

  “Oh, um, no. I’ve never…well…I’m a…a…,” she stammered.

  “It’s okay to be a virgin, Jaycee. There’s no shame in saying it. Even if you aren’t planning on having sex, some women choose to go on birth control for the other benefits like regular menstrual cycles. I’m not trying to encourage you either way, I just want you to know what your options are. If you wanted to do something like that—and it’s completely up to you—my office could help you with that. And…while women often expect men to cover protection, it’s wise for any women who’s planning on being sexually active to plan those things herself as well. Even if that means keeping condoms in your purse.” Jonathan had been through discussions like this with many patients in the past, but this was by far the most awkward. He was telling the girl he’d like to be with about having sex with anyone in their house…he really could use a drink. Something strong.

  “I don’t think that will be necessary.” Jaycee stared at her feet, unable to look him in the eye during a conversation about sex.

  “That’s good. But should things change, you should know, I’ve put a box in the downstairs bathroom. Now, when was the last time you saw a doctor?”

  “What? Oh, well…I guess it’s been awhile?” She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had taken her to see a doctor.

  “It wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to schedule a yearly physical. It wouldn’t need to be with me, if that would make you uncomfortable…,” he trailed off.

  “No! I would feel more comfortable if it was you,” she reassured him.

  “Okay, well why don’t we schedule something for a week or two from now. I can have one of the nurses give you a call later,” he said.

  “Okay, thanks.” Jaycee was glad he cared so much about her. She wouldn’t have thought about anything he’d suggested, if they hadn’t talked. While talking about sex was awkward for her, he’d been professional. Jaycee couldn’t say she wasn’t attracted to all the guys she lived with, but was she ready for sex? Um, no. She’d only had her first kiss last night…was that what spawned the conversation?? Did they already know?? Maybe guys could tell that sort of thing…Jaycee didn’t know enough about it, but it really didn’t matter. She trusted them.

  Osculation (t
he act of kissing)

  January 7, 2016

  Garrett waited till he was at work before shooting off a group text about the previous evening. While it was mildly cowardly, he didn’t want Jaycee to overhear their conversation. He also wanted to be a safe distance from Marc. He wasn’t stupid, Marc would be furious, for a time anyways.

  Garrett: I have a confession.

  Marc: WTF did you do???

  Jonathan: Let’s not assume the worst just yet.

  Lee: Just tell them.

  Sean: You know what he’s talking about???

  Garrett: Jaycee kissed me.

  Marc: WHAT?!?!

  Jonathan: Osculation?? I mean, she kissed you??

  Garrett: Well, she was dreaming, but in her sleep…

  Marc: You son of a bitch! I knew she should have slept with me!

  Lee: Calm down, Marc.

  Jonathan: That was her first kiss, wasn’t it??

  Garrett: Yes, but…

  Lee: It wasn’t the only one.

  Sean: What did you hear, Lee???

  Lee: Enough…

  Garrett: All we did was kiss!! I swear!

  Marc: You should have resisted!!!

  Lee: Could YOU resist her??

  Marc: Fuck. No.

  Jonathan: While I share your frustration… Watch your mouth.

  Sean: Did you talk to her about it??

  Garrett: Not really, but it’s not like I’m laying claim or anything. I know you guys feel it too…

  Alec: Well…shit. How are we going to handle this?

  Marc: I call dibs!

  Lee: Oh no you don’t.

  Marc: Fine. Not really, but how can we ask her to choose, or not to?

  Lee: We just take this day by day.

  Jonathan: Jaycee will have to lead the way.

  Alec: Does that mean we can’t make any moves first??

  Marc: No making moves, Alec!

  Lee: Not exactly, it just means don’t jump ahead. Wait until she’s ready, it isn’t a competition.

  Sean: Did you hear that, Marc…Alec??

  Marc: Ugh. This isn’t going to be easy.

  Alec: Nope, but if we care for her, we’ll learn to deal.

  Jonathan: We care about each other, and we care about her. So long as we keep that as our focus, I think we’ll be fine.

  Garrett: Sorry, guys.

  Sean: So how…

  Garrett: It was amazing. She’s amazing.

  Alec: You suck.

  Marc: I second that.

  Lee: If anyone has reason to complain it would be me, assholes.

  Garrett: I am really sorry, Lee.

  Lee: Don’t be, as long as she’s happy. Besides, when it’s my turn with her, revenge will be sweet! Haha!

  Alec: He acts all high and mighty, but really he’s as screwed up as the rest of us.

  Sean: How the mighty fall. lol. j/k, Lee.

  Marc: Thanks for telling us, Garrett.

  Garrett: I’d rather we keep things honest, but to a degree. Jaycee doesn’t want to be a part of these discussions, so let’s keep it to chat unless she’s not around.

  Jonathan: Agreed.

  Lee: All in favor?

  Marc: Aye.

  Sean: Aye.

  Alec: Aye.

  Garrett: Aye, of course.

  Lee: The ayes have it. Sean keep a good eye on Jaycee today when you go out. I’ve noticed more people arriving on campus. It’s going to get crowded soon.

  Sean: I will.

  Jaycee wasn’t aware of the texting going on as she got ready to head to the store with Sean. She had taken a tour of the bathrooms, looking to see what items were low, and what she might need to add for herself. When she was done, she went looking for Sean, and found him in his room typing on his phone.

  “Are we ready to head out?” Jaycee asked, causing Sean to jump. Clearly, he was engrossed in whatever he’d been doing he hadn’t heard her approach. Jaycee didn’t stomp or drag her feet, but she wasn’t nearly as stealthy as the guys. A ninja she was not.

  “Yes, of course.” Sean smiled, and stowed his phone in his pocket. Grabbing Jaycee’s hand, he led her downstairs, and into the garage. They took his Trailblazer, while they didn’t need the space for people it was great for hauling groceries for seven people.

  “I want to pay for my part of the supplies,” Jaycee said as they drove to the grocery store.

  “No can do, sweetie. Everyone has their part to play in our house, but we don’t divide expenses up the way most would,” Sean responded

  “How do you do it then?” she asked.

  “Marc likes to pay for clothing and accessories, while Lee covers furniture and the like. It makes sense since the house is still in Lee’s name, and Marc often brings home clothing from shoots, or buys pieces he’s seen from a certain designer. Jonathan typically picks up the bill for groceries, which kinda started out as his way to curve our bad eating habits…but it’s just something he likes to do. I take care of the tech in the house, while Garrett will buy any materials we need to do any building projects. Alec takes care of parties and events. See the pattern?” Sean said, keeping his eyes on the road.

  “I think so, each of you pays for your interests where it regards the group,” Jaycee decided.

  “Exactly, none of us are poor. We could all afford to buy our own things, but it makes us feel more like a family to take care of each other,” he explained.

  “It builds comradery, but where do I fit in? I’m not wealthy. I had accepted a job on campus to support myself, but mostly I’m living on student loans,” she said, cringing.

  “There’s more to life than money. We’ve all been together for years, it might take you a little bit to figure out where you fit into the dynamic, but I assure you there’s a place for you with us.” Sean reached over, and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

  “Thanks, I’m just uncomfortable with not contributing. I don’t want to freeload,” she said.

  “You’re not. I promise. It makes us feel good to take care of each other, and that includes you,” Sean stated.

  “If you say so,” Jaycee finally consented.

  “I do,” he replied with a twinkle in his eye.

  Sean let Jaycee push the cart, while he grabbed the items they bought every week. Toilet paper, shaving cream, toothpaste, mouthwash, and shampoo all went into the cart. Trying to give Jaycee some privacy, Sean sent her down the girlie items aisles by herself while he went to browse the electronics. She could text him when she was ready. Sean wasn’t sure if she needed any feminine products, but it felt too intimate to hang around and find out.

  Seeing as she hadn’t packed but two bags, Jaycee only had enough supplies to last herself a week or two at most. So, she grabbed everything, trying to conceal her private items at the bottom of the cart. Maybe she could distract Sean at the checkout? No, she didn’t need to. He’d already proven himself time and again with sensitive situations. Those thoughts were all Jaycee was focused on when she felt a hand go over her mouth. She tried to yell, but the sound came out muffled.

  “Shh!” Roger whispered into her ear. He pressed against her back, reveling in the feel of her soft body against his. “If you don’t want to cause a scene, I suggest you stay real quiet.” He waited till Jaycee nodded, before lifting his hand from her mouth. Jaycee spun around to face him. How?? Why was he here? How had he found her so quickly?!

  “How did you find me?” she gasped.

  “Wasn’t too hard. You weren’t smart enough to cover your tracks well. One of Mom’s friends spotted you at the bus stop, and called us. The whole family came home on Monday. I spent the last few days tracking you down. It wasn’t very nice of you to run off like that. I had plans for my time away, but instead I spent this whole time chasing you down. I think I should get a reward for all my hard work.” Being an off hour for shopping, there wasn’t anyone around to help her when Roger leaned over to steal a kiss. Jaycee smacked her hand between her lips and his, pushing at him. His lips hadn�
�t touched hers!

  “No!” she cried, shoving at him. He wasn’t a huge guy, but he had her in both size and weight. She couldn’t fight him off for long. “Leave me alone!”

  Before Jaycee could blink, Roger was suddenly gone. She whirled around to find Sean pinning Roger to the aisle behind her. He spoke low and fast in Roger’s ear. When Roger protested, Sean called to Jaycee.

  “Stand to my right, sweetie,” he requested. Jaycee obeyed, not understanding until she spied a camera on the wall from that direction. How did he already know where all the cameras were? Jaycee heard a thud, and a cry. She swung her head to see Sean throw his fist into Roger’s gut. He might not have anything broken, but he would definitely be black and blue.

  “Sean…” Jaycee spoke almost to herself, amazed how far this gentle man was willing to go to protect her. Earlier today, she would have said Sean wouldn’t hurt a fly. While Roger was more like a cockroach, he was definitely hurting after the raw power Sean had put into his punch. Groaning, Roger would have slid to the floor, but Sean was still holding him up by his shirt.

  “I want you to leave. Tell your parents you couldn’t find Jaycee. Tell them she went anywhere but here. And if I catch you anywhere near her again, you won’t be walking away on your own two legs,” Sean spoke menacingly low. His words were practically growled. Releasing Roger, he stepped in front of Jaycee to block his view, as Roger slowly ambled off.

  “Do you think he’ll leave us alone?” Jaycee asked after Roger was out of sight.

  “For now. It isn’t over, but don’t worry, beautiful. I’ll protect you. I may look like a geek with all my tech and comics, but I’m also a black belt.” Placing a kiss on her brow, Sean dragged Jaycee to a bench, pulling the cart behind him. “Sit here a minute. I need to tell the guys about this.”

  Sean: Roger showed up at the grocery store. Tried to kiss our girl.

  Marc: Did he walk away?

  Sean: Yes. I would have liked to break both his legs, but it’s too public here.