by BJ Harvey
She sighs, leaning forward to ruffle her son’s hair. “Okay, baby, let’s go get some dessert while Jamie and Jax talk shop.”
“What’s talking shop? Are they going shopping?” he says, holding April’s hand as she leads him from the room. We all chuckle at that question, not hearing April’s answer but from past experience, I know she’ll have to get creative if she’s going to assuage his curiosity.
“Right. Follow me. I’ve got the final plans from Ezra and the budget estimates from Matt and Jase. This is gonna be our biggest job yet.” He pushes off the doorframe and, once I reach his side, walks down another hallway to the back of his house where his office—and Cook Construction’s new headquarters—are effectively based.
“What did you need to talk to April about?” he asks.
“Nothing important.”
“Women trouble?” He’s not too far off.
“More like getting her perspective on signals I’m getting.”
“Isn’t Abi the first person you call for that kind of stuff?”
“Somehow I think Abi’s got enough on her plate at the moment, you know, being pregnant with two mini Carsens.”
“That’s very true. God, she’s always been that lovable pain-in-the-ass sister, and now I feel sorry for her. If she ends up with boys like you and Bry, she’s gonna need a whole lot of help—and I’m talking about the pharmaceutical kind.”
I shove him with my shoulder, walking ahead of him into his office. “You’re a funny guy, you know that?”
“My fiancée seems to think so too. Maybe she’s right.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“I just wanted to point out I had a fiancée,” he says, his shit-eating smile shifting from slight to beaming.
“Asshole.”
“Why, yes. Yes, I am. So, about the house…”
“Yep,” I say, leaning over a meeting table where the building plans are spread out. Three floors, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, full site with a garage leading to a rear alleyway. In short, a huge undertaking.
“You have classes Monday and Thursday, right?”
“Yep. And maybe some trips on the weekends for contract work. But otherwise, I’m yours to use and abuse.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that,” he says.
I look up from the extensive plans and meet his serious eyes. I’m the first brother to come onboard for the physical, on-site side of this house-flipping business. We’re all now equal partners financially, but working alongside Jamie on this project is something I’ve really been looking forward to. “Yeah. You can hold me to it.”
We stand there, eyes locked. “This is a big job,” he says, breaking the silence.
“And we’re gonna kick its ass and walk away with our heads held high and our pockets full of profit afterward.”
“Fuck yeah we are.”
“Demo day Wednesday?”
“Yep. Wake up ready to hurt those little hands of yours.”
“My mommy bought me gloves and a full-body protective suit.”
“So you don’t damage your pretty face?”
“Exactly. Some of us have brawn to get us through; some of us, we’re graced with brains and beauty,” I reply with a smirk. “You’re just lucky April likes the meathead look.”
“Fuck you,” he says, his chuckle softening his words.
“So, April helped you out with your mixed signals?”
“Yep. You’ve got yourself a good woman there.”
“Why do you think I put a ring on it?”
“If you start humming Beyoncé, I’m gonna walk away.” I speak too soon because he starts humming the tune to “Single Ladies,” and I can’t help but chuckle. “Happiness has made you soft, brother.”
“Nothing about me is soft. Ask my fiancée.”
“And that’s my cue to leave,” I say, laughing as I clap him on the shoulder. “See you eight a.m. Wednesday?”
“Yep. I’ll bring the coffee. Just make sure you’re awake, coherent, and ready to work.”
“I’m always awake, only sometimes coherent, and I’m ready to work whenever you need me so that won’t be a problem.”
“Just don’t get drunk and try demo on your own,” he says with a goofy grin.
“Yeah,” April says from the doorway, her voice warm as we both turn to face her. “Drunk demo ends up with getting schooled by your neighbor. Wait, have we checked the pink house doesn’t have any hot neighbors? You know, just in case…” April narrows her eyes at me. “Actually, it doesn’t matter. You won’t have time for neighbors. Somehow, I think you’re gonna have your hands full already.”
“I think you might be right,” I reply, nodding in agreement, loving the fact we have a private joke that Jamie doesn’t know about.
“Wait, why do I get the feeling I’m missing something here? Is this about the women’s advice Jax needed?”
April walks over and ducks her head under Jamie’s arm, wrapping her arms around his waist. “It’s nothing… yet, anyway. When there’s something to tell, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Well actually, I kinda hope I’m the first to know… since I’ll be the one… you know… involved and all…” I say with a shrug.
Jamie looks confused, April rolls her eyes and then suddenly, Axel bounds into the room with wide eyes and a look so guilty, I just know the next thing out of his mouth is going to be entertaining.
“Soooo… about the delicious, and now possibly eaten apple pie…”
Looks like dessert is out, but grabbing Ronnie’s phone number from April while Jamie and Axel were in the kitchen was my best idea yet because now I’m armed with information and an empty house tomorrow night, and I know exactly what I’m going to do with it… and with her.
Ronnie
I’ve been home, showered, checked my emails, and read two chapters of my favorite book when my phone vibrates on my nightstand.
Unknown number—I think I’m in need of a lawyer.
Ronnie—I think you have the wrong number. I’m an EX-lawyer.
Unknown number—Definitely not the wrong number. I think this is exactly who I want to be talking to. The runaway student…
Ronnie—Your stalking abilities are impressive.
Jax—If only you knew that my roof was covered in photos of you and that I look at them when I go to sleep at night.
Ronnie—If I didn’t know you, that message would definitely be creepy. Since I do, I know you’re living in a giant pink house that may not have a ceiling in a few weeks’ time. I think I’m safe.
Jax—Okay, you got me there. I’ve got them in an album in my man bag. I take them with me wherever I go.
Ronnie—Now THAT I believe. So how did you steal my number?
Jax—It’s not stealing or creepy if it’s given willingly.
Ronnie—Are we still talking about my phone number or something else?
Jax—Well NOW we’re definitely going to talk about something else, since you brought it up.
Ronnie—Maybe not over the phone. What about coffee sometime?
Jax—Are you asking your teacher out on a date?
Ronnie—Will it get me favorable grades?
Jax—No, only your work will get you those, and I won’t be the one marking it.
Ronnie—Well, obviously. I was making a joke Jax. Or should that be Professor Cook?
Jax—That’s Bryant’s title, not mine. I’m Jax… or Sex God, or maybe even just God… whatever comes out of your mouth at the time…
Ronnie—Asshole? Bastard, cocky, delusional, egotistical, frustrating…
Jax—Galant, handsome, intelligent, juicy…
Ronnie—JUICY?
Jax—You were working your way through the alphabet, and that was the only word I could think of. I could be juicy… like a peach
Ronnie—I’m never going to look at a peach the same way again.
Jax—So coffee?
> Ronnie—Name a time and a place, and I’ll be there.
Jax—Okay. Tomorrow night at seven. I’ll text you the address?
Ronnie—Um… is this some kinky sex date where you say it’s coffee and that is actually a code word to get into some top-secret exclusive sex club?
Ronnie—Because April told me Jamie knows people, and I’m totally intrigued, just maybe not for a first date… or whatever this is.
Jax—Oh, it’s a date, and no, it’s not Sean’s sex club, but I am making a note of this conversation for future reference. Ronnie is kinky, check.
Ronnie—Ronnie will not hesitate to kick your ass
Jax—As long as we’re naked, you can try and kick my ass anytime you like. In fact, I dare you to ;)
Ronnie—Dammit, now I’m going to have to look up naked wrestling porn online. There goes my night.
Jax—God, I hope you’re not joking.
Ronnie—You don’t have a problem with women watching porn?
Jax—I’ll never have an issue with a woman embracing her sexuality and owning her needs, wants, and desires. And if you just happen to want to watch porn with me… and maybe act out a scene or two…
Ronnie—Yeah, not so much. But now you’re going to be thinking about me… watching porn… by myself… on my couch… maybe my bed…
Jax—And there goes MY night. I won’t need porn. I’ll just be running a highlight reel of Saturday night through my mind for the rest of the evening.
Ronnie—Where are you?
Jax—Lying in bed.
Ronnie—I’m in bed too.
Jax—I won’t ask what you’re wearing.
Ronnie—I won’t tell you I’m naked.
Jax—Why is this not weird?
Ronnie—Because we’re not making it weird.
Jax—Because it feels natural.
Ronnie—As natural as me lying naked in bed, my satin sheets smooth against my skin as I squirm watching two men going at each other.
Jax—Two guys together—that’s what gets you going?
Ronnie—Does two women together get you going?
Jax—Well, duh.
Ronnie—So in lieu of you not being here to drive me crazy as only you know how, I’m indulging in a little fantasy and watching my favorite two stars devour each other.
Jax doesn’t reply straight away. So much so I have to look at my phone signal to make sure it hasn’t dropped out.
A good five minutes later, a text message finally comes through, and when it does, he doesn’t disappoint.
Jax—So how about meeting for coffee tonight instead?
I burst out laughing.
Jax
Tuesday morning I wake up energized, like I could run twenty miles, or hike a huge mountain. It’s not because I slept well—my brain wouldn’t stop turning—but because tonight I am going to get my first chance to have Ronnie all to myself without any chance of being interrupted or cock-blocked or having my mom walk in just after the deed’s been done.
Tonight, I may have said coffee, but what I’m really hoping to do is actually talk to Ronnie, find out what makes Veronica Nelson tick. Yes, I’ll serve coffee. I’ll make sure I have beer, a bottle of wine, and even a bottle of whiskey on hand—I texted April and checked what her favorite drink was.
On Saturday, I thought I wanted to get her out of my system. Now it’s about making sure she sticks.
I do have one errand I have to make today, and that’s with my mentor and dean of the arts faculty, Joey Blackman. Ronnie may have signed off on a statement to cover any future infraction of the non-fraternization policy, but I want to discuss the ramifications of any relationship, and also the steps I have to take to ensure there are no accusations of impropriety. I’ve never let my dick get in the way of my career, and I’m not about to start now. I’ve worked too damn hard in the past ten years to destroy my credibility.
So, no run or hike for me. I may get to go for a ride up north and take some candid scenic shots this afternoon, but first, it’s meeting Joey for breakfast and discussing my options.
I’m already waiting at the diner around the corner from the arts building when Joey walks in.
The thing that has never changed about Joseph “Joey” Blackman since the day I met him at my own college orientation is his zero-fucks-are-given style. He’s been working in academia for well over twenty years, and one look at him would have you thinking he belonged on the stage as the lead singer of a rock band: he has onyx hair that’s unkempt and in constant disarray, thick-rimmed black glasses that make him look interesting and debonair, and bright blue eyes that are constantly calculating and analyzing. Then there are the clothes: black on black on black, right down to the unlaced black motorcycle boots on his feet and the leather messenger bag slung across his chest.
I stand as he reaches the table.
“Jax, good to see you,” he says, pulling me in for a bear hug like he’s done since sophomore year. He saw potential and ran with it, taking me under his wing at the first opportunity and nurturing me ever since. When I told him I was going freelance, he never once tried to talk me out of it. Instead, he stole my portfolio and got me my first client. From there, it grew and grew, a snowball effect the likes of which I’d never anticipated, let alone ever expected to happen. Now, I have the freedom to pick and choose jobs and contracts, and—like I’m doing this semester—return to my alma mater and teach.
“Good to see you too,” I say, giving him a light-hearted slap on the back as we step apart and sit down. “I didn’t catch you during your office hours and spent yesterday preparing for my Intro class.”
“I got a little side-tracked last week.”
“Right. Woman or scenery?” I ask, one brow lifting. He throws his head back and laughs loudly. One thing Joey is known for is the freedom by which he expresses himself. His reactions are honest, his behavior transparent, his emotions as clear as day.
“Scenery this time, but it was a woman who led me there, so you’re right on both counts,” he says with a chuckle. His eyes crinkle, and he looks me up and down just as a waitress appears beside us to take our order.
Breakfast instructions given, she leaves us alone again, and it’s then I see that Joey knows exactly why I’m meeting him. There’s a glint in his eye that is a combination of amused and skeptical. I’ve never been in such a position in any professional capacity before. My personal and career lines have never even blurred, let alone been crossed.
“Tell me, how was class yesterday?” he says.
I narrow my gaze. “It was good. They all seem eager to get started next week. There were a few questions afterward about equipment and the specs needed, but otherwise, it was relatively straightforward.”
“Relatively?” he muses, not even trying to hide his enjoyment.
I roll my eyes at him, unable to stop my lips from quirking. “Yes, relatively. I had no idea Ronnie—I mean, Veronica—was going to be a student in the class.”
“She didn’t tell you?”
“It’s a complicated story.”
He looks toward the open-plan coffee-shop kitchen and the barista, who is still churning out espressos like her life depends on it, and shrugs when he returns to me. “We’ve got time.” His grin widens.
“You’re totally enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“The extra paperwork? No. Seeing you squirm? Absolutely. It takes a lot to get you squirrelly and right now, you look like you’d rather be anywhere else than here, telling your longtime friend how your dick has gotten you in trouble.”
My head jerks back, my throat going tight. “Am I? In trouble, I mean?”
“Fuck no,” he says loudly. “It’s definitely not your style. Maybe your brother Cohen, but never you. So, I’m curious as to how you ended up in a relationship with a student and did not know.”
“She didn’t tell me.”
“She kept her schooling a secret?”
I
grab the back of my neck and look down in my lap as I search for the words to use. Then again, this is Joey, and he’s known me for almost half my life.
“I had been keeping my distance to preserve… family relations… and in passing, she mentioned school and giving up a big job, but it was a group conversation, and the next time we saw each other there wasn’t—”
“—wasn’t much talking going on?”
I chuckle. “You could say that.”
“Okay. I get that. Although if it was a one-night stand, then that’s probably trickier to manage, but—”
“Definitely not a one-night stand,” I near on growl.
Joey’s eyes flash with surprise. “And the female student involved?”
“I don’t think it’s a one-off thing for her either.”
“I gathered that by the signed statement in my desk drawer. Ms. Nelson was rather thorough in her explanation of the situation and insistent that there be no ramifications for you should the prior existing relationship be determined to be detrimental.”
My head jerks back at hearing that, my eyes wide as I whistle through my teeth. “I’m impressed. All she told me was that it was taken care of.”
Joey nods approvingly. “She’s definitely done that. All that needs to be discussed now is moving her out of your class and—”
“Is that necessary?” I blurt out. He frowns, opening his mouth as if to say something, then slamming it shut again. “I mean, as long as I don’t grade her work, surely she doesn’t have to change her schedule or wait until the next class is held?”
Thank God I checked the timetable before coming here today. When I saw she’d need to defer the paper until this time next year if she got kicked out of my class, there was no question in my mind that I was going in to bat for her. I’d wait another year to pursue her if that was the case. Not that I want to. Not that I think I could. But I would find a way.
Our breakfast arrives at the same time as our coffee does, the waitress apologetic as she puts our plates and cups on the table and leaves us to eat.
Joey leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest, his grin widening to a ridiculous level. “Ah, this one isn’t just a fly-by-night fling.”