Being home without Jack was weird as hell. It was one thing when he was gone for an away series of games; I always knew he’d be home soon. But him being upstate for months was a different beast altogether. And we weren’t sure when exactly he’d be back for good. It all depended on how well the team did this summer, and how far they got into their post-season.

I missed him like crazy and found myself spending more time in his room than in my own. It helped just being in there sometimes, made him feel less far away.

I was in his room studying one just before dinner about a week after I’d flown home. The doorbell rang, and I heard either Gran or Gramps scrambling to get up to answer it.

“I’ll get it,” I shouted so they could stay seated. When I pulled open the door, a man stood there, holding a clipboard like a delivery guy, but he wasn’t wearing a uniform.

“Are you Dean Carter?”

“Maybe,” I said evasively, not sure what the hell was going on.

“I have a delivery for you. Sign here, please.” He shoved the clipboard toward me and handed me his pen as I looked on the ground for a package of some sort since he wasn’t carrying one.

“What is it?” I asked as I signed where he’d indicated.

He waved a hand toward the gunmetal-gray Mustang parked at the curb, its windows tinted almost black.

Stunned, I stepped outside. “Um, I think this must be a mistake,” I said, babbling like an idiot.

He frowned, impatient and not at all amused. “Do you know Jack Carter?”

“That’s my brother,” I said, still goggling at the brand-new car.

“Well, he must like you a lot. It’s yours.” He dropped a set of keys into my hand before handing me a copy of the paperwork I’d just signed.

I stood there with my jaw hanging open, unable to move or even believe what I was seeing. I knew damn well that Jack could afford this, but I didn’t need a brand-new car. It was too much.

When I ran inside the house for my phone, Gramps shouted after me, wanting to know what was going on. Ignoring him for the moment, I dialed Jack’s number and waited.

“What’s up, little brother?” he asked, his tone filled with mischief.

“I think you know,” I practically stuttered.

“What do you think? It’s been your favorite car since you were thirteen.”

“Jack, it’s too much. Really. I don’t need something like that, I swear.”

“I know you don’t need it. But I wanted to get it for you. Just let me do something nice for you, okay? And by the way, a new Honda is coming for Gran and Gramps tomorrow. You’ve been warned. Gotta go,” he said, and I stopped him before he hung up.

“Wait! Thank you. It’s too much, but thank you. It’s gorgeous.”

“I know it is.” He laughed before ending our call.

Well, shit. I had keys to a new Mustang burning a hole in my pocket and nowhere to go. My phone vibrated in my hand, and I looked down.

 

Cassie: Are you back?

Cassie: Come over.

Cassie: I miss you.

Cassie: I’m bored.

Cassie: But that’s not why I want you to come over.

 

Cassie had blown up my phone with five text messages in a row, and I laughed as I typed out my response.

 

Dean: On my way.

 

I ran back into the living room and hugged Gramps.

“Do you see that?” I pointed out the living room window toward my car—my car—on the street.

Gramps squinted. “I see it.”

“It’s mine. Jack bought me a damn car!”

Gramps pushed out of his recliner and walked closer to the window. He took a good look outside and turned to me with wide eyes. “Jack bought you that?” When I nodded, he turned and called out, “Ma! Get out here and see what Jack did!”

She came around the corner, her expression a mixture of concern and confusion. “What he did? What could he have done? Jack’s not even here.”

“That!” Gramps pointed at my Mustang.

“What about it? It looks like a bullet.”

“It’s mine,” I said with a smile.

Gran’s eyebrows shot up nearly to her hairline. “Yours? He bought you a car?”

“Apparently. And yours is on the way.” I laughed, knowing that Gran didn’t like big surprises. If I warned her now, it would at least give her a little time to adjust to the idea. “And don’t try to talk him out of it. He’s stubborn and pig-headed. He won’t take it back.”

“Well, I—” Gran stopped and shook her head, clearly at a loss for words.

“It’s really nice, isn’t it?” I draped my arm around her shoulders as I towered over her.

She peered out the window again. “It’s more than just nice. You be safe driving that, you hear me?”

I nodded. “Cassie just texted me, so I’m going to head over there. You guys okay if I leave?”

“Of course. Go. Have fun.” Gran swatted at my back. “Tell Cassie hello from me, please.”

“Tell the kitten I miss her,” Gramps called after me with a hearty laugh.

“I’m telling Jack you’re in love with his woman!” I shouted as I ran out the front door.

Before I left, I walked around my car, inspecting it from every angle. It was gorgeous.

Jack was right; I’d loved Mustangs ever since I was a teenager, admiring their sleek lines and body style. The gunmetal color looked badass against the darkness of the tinted windows, and I shook my head, my mind still blown as I clicked the unlock button on the key fob.

When I opened the driver’s side door, I was immediately struck with the new-car smell and the supple jet-black leather. The dashboard was black as well, with striking silver accents. It was exactly my style, and had Jack not picked it out for me, this was exactly what I would have chosen for myself. Once I could afford it, of course.

I started the engine, grinning at the sound of it, and then took off to head toward Cassie’s. The gas pedal was a hell of a lot more sensitive than Gran’s Honda or Jack’s Bronco, and when I touched it, the car jerked forward with a surge of power. The brakes were touchy too. Whenever I tapped them even the slightest bit, I was slammed into the steering wheel. I must have looked like a kid with a learner’s permit driving this thing.

Stopped at a red light, I turned up the volume on the radio and smiled as the pounding bass filled the car. Leave it to my brother to not only hook me up with a killer ride, but make sure the stereo was the best as well.

When I pulled into the apartment complex, I parked my new baby far away from the other cars, wanting to avoid door dings or any other potential parking-lot issues. Excited, I sprinted to Cassie’s door and knocked, but didn’t wait to be let in. Ever since the night of the mugging, I’d stopped feeling like a temporary guest in Cassie’s life and felt more like family.

“Sis!” I shouted from the front door, and Melissa’s familiar squeal came from her bedroom.

“Dean, is that you? I’m naked! Don’t come in here!” she shouted.

The thought of that instantly made my shorts tighten, and all thoughts of my new ride fled as my imagination went wild.

“Why’d you tell me you were naked if you didn’t want me to come in there?” I called out, teasing her. Okay, I was only half teasing because if she let me, I’d run in that room and have my way with her in a heartbeat.

“Dean!” she shouted again from behind her closed door. “I swear to God!”

“You swear to God, what? Okay, I’m coming in. You don’t have to beg,” I shouted, taking two steps toward her room so my voice would sound closer, but stopped when Cassie slapped my shoulder, startling me from my game.

“Don’t tease her,” she said with a playful smile before giving me a big hug.

“Me? She’s the tease in this relationship,” I said against the top of her head.

Melissa poked her head out through her doorway. “I’m dressed now. You can stop tormenting me.” She stuck out her tongue.

“I haven’t even started yet,” I said, channeling my brother’s confidence.

“Who invited you anyway,” she asked before coming out of her room in a tightfitting sundress.

“Don’t listen to her, Dean. She knew you were coming over. What the hell’s wrong with the two of you?” Cassie looked between us with a smirk.

“Oh, so you knew I was coming over and you got naked?” I couldn’t stop, just had to torment her the same way she tortured me without even trying.

Melissa hooked her hands on her hips. “You’re almost as annoying as your brother.”

I gasped in mock horror before walking over to her and wrapping her in my arms. “No, I’m not,” I said against her hair as I breathed in the scent of her fruity shampoo.

Her body melted against me, and for half a second I wished we were alone.

“But you have missed me, haven’t you?” I asked, and she bristled, swatting at me to let her go.

“Maybe,” she said noncommittally before walking into the kitchen and rifling through the cupboards.

“I have!” Cassie called out from the couch. “Seriously, come here and tell me about your trip with Jack. How’s his house? Did you like his roommates? Was the field nice? How is he?”

“Jesus, Cassie, annoying much?” Melissa shook her head. “Ugh, ignore me. I’m starving. You two catch up.”

“One question at a time,” I said as I sat down next to Cassie. “I already forgot half the shit you asked.”

She rolled her eyes. “How was your drive?”

I had to stop myself from scolding her the way my brother would. “It was good. Really good, actually. Uneventful. Northern California’s kind of pretty, but in a different way from here.”

She tucked her legs under her, apparently getting comfortable for an interrogation. “His roommates?”

“Super chill. You’ll love them,” I assured her. “They’re really nice. I was worried they might be arrogant or really competitive, but they’re not. He lucked out.”

I explained to her that once you got to the minor leagues, your teammates were different from those you’d played with in school. You weren’t around guys hoping for a shot to play professional baseball; you were surrounded by guys who were the best at it, and knew it.

Cassie smiled. “Oh, that’s good. I’m so glad. He told me he likes them, but it’s still nice to hear it from you. Jack said the house is great.”

“Oh shit. It’s legit. Cassie, you don’t even know. Just wait ’til you see it,” I said, unable to contain my excitement.

She poked her bottom lip out in a pout. “I hope I get to.”

“Oh my God, already. Shut up.” Melissa groaned from her spot on top of the counter. She was sitting up there, swinging her legs as she picked at the crackers and cheese on the plate she’d put together while we were talking. “Sorry, but she’s been whining since he left. She seriously thinks she isn’t going to see him this whole summer.”

I turned to Cassie, an incredulous look on my face. “You think Jack would go the whole summer without seeing you? I’m surprised he’s gone this long and survived.”

Cassie shrugged. “No, it’s just that he travels a lot and I’m busy with my internship. And I don’t know when we’re going to see each other.” She sighed, putting on a lovesick face similar to the one I’d been seeing on Jack. “I just miss him. It’s weird being here without him.”

“You’re telling me. You don’t have to go home and live where he isn’t anymore. It sucks.”

She rested her hand on my knee. “I bet it’s quiet. How are Gran and Gramps taking it?”

“I don’t know. They seem all right. Gran’s a little quieter than usual, but she keeps it inside. She’s tough. Oh, they both said to tell you hello and they miss you. Although Gramps said he misses the kitten.” I chuckled as she grinned. “You should stop by sometime. They’d love that. You too, Funsize.” I looked back at Melissa, who stopped chewing to cock her head at me.

“What did you just call me?”

“You heard me.”

“Why on earth would I go to your grandparents’ house?” She frowned and shook her head at me like I was insane.

“So you can meet your future in-laws.” Shit. That just came out, and it was too late to take it back.

Cassie burst out laughing, and Melissa hopped off the counter and stormed up to me.

“You think you can win me over with your nice-guy charm and good looks, but I’ve got news for you, Dean Carter,” she said quickly, as if she’d rehearsed it a million times before.

I cocked a brow as I waited for her to finish. “Yeah? Wait—you think I’m good-looking?” I grinned, and all my nervousness flew out the window.

“Oh, shut up. You know I think you’re adorable. Have ever since I saw you in class.”

“Then why won’t you go out with me?” I asked, dead serious now, and she glanced at Cassie before looking back at me.

“First of all, you’ve never asked. And second, don’t start asking now. It’s too late.” Without giving me a chance to respond, she whirled and stomped to her room, and slammed the door.

“What? How is it too late?” I called out before turning to Cassie. Women completely blew my mind sometimes.

Cassie shrugged one shoulder. “I have no idea. I’m sorry. She’s always been weird when it comes to guys, but I don’t know why she’s like this with you.” Tilting her head to the side, she looked closely at me as she asked, “Do you really like her or do you just think you do?”

I swallowed, wondering what the hell kind of question that was. “I really like her. I was interested in her before you and Jack ever met, so it’s nothing weird like I feel I should date my brother’s girlfriend’s best friend or anything like that. I liked her first.”

“I’ll talk to her. See what I can do,” she offered, and I thanked her.

I’d take any help I could get. If Melissa and I weren’t a good match, I’d at least like the chance to figure that out.

“So Jack seemed good?” she asked, changing the subject back to the one that bonded us. “He’s been pitching really well.”

“Yeah. He said his arm feels good, and he feels good. Even though the guys he’s facing can and do hit him, it doesn’t intimidate him, you know? He’s so confident when he plays. You have to be tough like that in this game, or it’ll destroy you.”

Baseball was much more of a mental game than it was a physical one; Jack had taught me that much. Of course you needed strength and speed to run, hit, and throw, but it was so much more than that. And when you pitched, that was the toughest mental battle of all.

Your head had to be clear, focused, goal oriented. The second you let things get to you—fans in the stadium booing you, opposing teams talking shit, the batter glaring at you, shitty calls by the umpires, even your own insecurities—the moment any of those got inside your head, you were done for.

“I love knowing that he’s excelling. Not that I had any doubts, but still.” As if she’d just remembered, Cassie’s eyes lit up as she said, “Jack mentioned that you were going to start interning with his agents.”

“Yeah. I called them and basically said I’d be free labor as long as they taught me the ropes. It’s been just the two of them for so long, I don’t think they’d ever considered having an intern before. But apparently they can use the help, so I’m pretty excited.”

I was actually more than excited for the chance to work with Marc and Ryan. I had no idea if it would be something I would enjoy and want to pursue in the future, but just having something I was interested in was encouraging. Especially being around goal-oriented people like Jack, Cassie, and Melissa, who already knew what they wanted to do and were pursuing it.

I was younger than they were and the expectation level for me was lower, but still. Jack had always known that he wanted to play ball, and I was certain Cassie always knew she wanted to be a photographer. I just wanted to find my dream too.

“How’s your internship going?” I asked. “And how’s the new camera?”

Cassie sighed. “The new camera is unbelievable. The model he got for me was way newer than the one I had, and it has the ability to shoot in ways that my other one didn’t. I’m in love. With a camera. And my internship.”

“It’s that good?”

“It’s pretty good,” she said as Melissa walked back out of her bedroom and avoided looking at either of us.

Rather than stay there and make things any more awkward than I apparently already had, I decided to go back home.

“I’m gonna take off.”

Cassie whined a little about my leaving as I pushed up from the couch. Reaching for her hand, I helped her up, and she gave me another hug.

“Come over anytime.”

“You too,” I said, reminded her that she was just as welcome at our house as I apparently was at hers. Well, at least she welcomed me.

“Shit. I forgot to tell you guys that Jack bought me a car!” I blurted, suddenly remembering.

“What?” Cassie’s jaw dropped. “He bought you a car?”

“What kind?” Melissa asked from behind me. Apparently this was big enough news to stop ignoring me for.

“He didn’t tell you?” I asked Cassie. “You seriously didn’t know?” I had assumed that Jack kept very little from her, and it wouldn’t have surprised me in the least if she’d been involved in some part of his plan.

“No! I had no idea.” Her face lit up, as if Jack’s gesture made her proud of him.

“Apparently he bought Gran and Gramps one too, but it won’t be here until tomorrow.”

Cassie’s expression shifted, turning worried. “You don’t think he’d do that for me, right? I’ll kill him if he buys me something like that. He already bought me this camera, and I don’t need a car.”

I placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. “I’ll make sure he knows.”

“My car is here now. I convinced my parents to let me have it for the summer since I needed a way to get to my job every day.”

Melissa waved her arms at us. “Hello! I asked what kind of car? Why are you both ignoring me?”

I turned to face her. “Why don’t you come and see?”

Damn. This girl had suddenly made me channel all of my brother’s arrogance and confidence tonight.

Without another word, I walked out the front door into the night with the two girls trailing behind me, giggling and whispering.

“Jeez, where did you park? China?” Melissa asked as I walked past all of the normal visitor parking spots.

“I didn’t want any door dings,” I admitted, but wasn’t embarrassed by the fact.

“Well, you won’t have any because no one in their right mind would park this far—” She halted in her tracks, stopping mid-thought. “No way. Is that it? The Mustang?” Her voice was almost as excited as mine had been when I first saw it.

Darkness had fallen while we were talking inside. The car looked good under the streetlamps, but not as good as it did in the daylight. I wished that they could see it better.

“Wow, Dean. This is beautiful,” Cassie said as she stepped closer to admire it.

“Open it!” Melissa exclaimed, clapping her hands and hopping up and down like an excited little pixie.

How could she blame me for wanting to take her into my arms all the time when everything she did was so damn cute?

I pulled out the key fob to unlock the doors, and Melissa hopped into the passenger seat.

“Now would be a good time to kidnap her,” Cassie whispered to me with a laugh. “I’m going to go inside and leave you two alone.” When I gave her a grateful smile, she grinned at me before she turned around and headed back to the apartment.

I stared after her for a moment, feeling like a dick for being thankful. Then I shook it off and hopped into the driver’s seat.

“This car is hot, Dean. Hot like fire, hot!” Melissa said as she looked around and touched everything. She was so excited, I couldn’t even get pissed that she was leaving fingerprints on all my new hardware.

“Yeah. It was love at first sight,” I said, staring right at her as I said it.

When she saw my expression, she sighed, and her demeanor softened as she stared back. “Don’t say that.”

“Why not? Tell me, Melissa. Tell me why you and I are such a bad idea.” I’d never pushed her before, but it was getting old being clueless. I was dying where we stood.

“I never said we were.” She shrugged one shoulder and I leaned toward her, closing the space between us.

“Then why”—I brushed my thumb along her jawline and her eyes closed—“do you keep acting like it is?” I held her chin in my hand as her eyes reopened.

Melissa studied me for a moment, her eyes wide as they searched mine. Her face softened, her eyes turned hopeful, and I couldn’t stop myself.

I closed the distance completely, taking her mouth gently with mine, not wanting to scare her away. A small moan escaped her and I opened my mouth, hoping she’d do the same. When she did, the kiss deepened, our tongues touching and teasing as we explored each other.

My breath quickened and my pulse raced when Melissa reached behind my neck to pull me closer, giving everything she had to the kiss, deepening it, reveling in it. God, how I wanted to grab her by the ass and pull her body on top of mine, but I didn’t have the courage.

“Stop,” she said, surprising me when she tried to pull out of my hold. “Just stop.”

I froze, all of me releasing all of her. “Are you okay?”

“We have to stop.” She shook her head as if suddenly regaining her wits, and said, “Shit.”

“Did I hurt you?” I asked, not knowing what happened to make things change so quickly.

“No, of course not,” she blurted before opening her door and hopping out of the car.

“Then what is it? What’s wrong?”

Totally confused, I jumped out and raced after her. When I caught up, I grabbed her by the arm, spinning her to face me.

Melissa looked up at me and her eyes seemed to glisten in the dim light, but I couldn’t be certain. Then she sucked in a quick breath and straightened her spine.

“Nothing. We . . .” She paused, stumbling over her words. “I just . . . We can’t do this.”

“I’m sorry,” I lied, not a damn bit sorry that I’d finally kissed her. It just felt like it was what I was supposed to say. “I’ve wanted to do that for forever, and I thought—” Mentally, I scrambled, trying to figure out what to say to make this right. “Hell, Melissa, I don’t know what I thought.”

“We’ll just pretend it never happened, okay?” she said, her voice trembling. “Good night, Dean. I’m sorry.” Then she hurried away from me without another word.

Pretend it never happened? Fat fucking chance.