Cruel Vendetta, page 5
I drew in a deep breath, then slowly let it out. I knew I was getting ahead of myself. Drew wasn’t even interested in me.
Yet, whispered the little voice on my shoulder.
If Izzy could really make this happen, if I moved in with Drew… I smiled. I was going to find a way to make him see me—and fall for me.
Eight
DREW
The familiar sounds and smells wrapped around me as soon as I stepped into my parents’ house. Laughter filled the air, cutting over the sound of the TV in the den, and I closed up before heading deeper into the house.
My mother bustled around the kitchen, while my youngest brother, Luke, and Izzy stood at the counter. “Hey, ma.”
“Hey, baby.” She paused just long enough for me to press a kiss to her cheek, then continued to mash the potatoes she was working on.
“Hey, man.” Luke nodded my way, and I tipped my head as I settled on a stool across from them. “How's work?”
“Same old. Staying busy.” That was the understatement of the year. I almost hadn’t come today, but I knew I needed a break. “What about you? Still sleeping on the job?”
“Fucking hilarious.” He rolled his eyes, and I cracked a grin.
Though Gray and I harassed him relentlessly for not going into law enforcement, Luke truly loved what he did, and I knew he was damn good at it. Law enforcement and firefighters were competitive by nature, but I appreciated his dedication to the job. Didn’t mean I couldn’t tease him once in a while, though.
“What about you?” I switched my gaze to my baby sister. “You wreaking havoc up at school?”
She smirked my way. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
I snorted. Growing up with three boys, there was really no chance for her to turn out to be anything other than a hell-raiser. She was smart and sassy, and she always gave as much as she got. She was way too damn headstrong, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I knew she could take care of herself. “Where's the boyfriend?”
She lifted one shoulder, focused on rolling the cookie dough in front of her into tiny balls. “Didn't invite him.”
“Hmm...” I was more than a little suspicious of that whole thing. A couple weeks ago she'd dropped a bomb and told us she was not only dating someone, but thinking of getting married. None of us had ever met the elusive man she called her boyfriend, and it made the hairs of the back of my neck stand up. Something didn't add up here.
I studied her for a second, waiting for her to elaborate, but she stayed quiet. Deciding not to push for the moment, I flicked my gaze toward the hallway when I heard the front door open and close.
“Hey, y'all!”
Seconds later, Grayson and Claire rounded the corner. Ma welcomed Claire with a huge hug, and even I had to admit—she and my brother looked damn good together. They'd been friends for years and they knew every aspect of each other's lives. They just… fit.
Claire paused when she saw me, an uncertain look on her face. I'll be honest—there was a time when I wasn't the biggest fan of Claire's. I thought she was leading my brother on, but I was wrong. They were getting married, and in just a few short months she would effectively be my sister. I wanted to put the past behind us where it belonged.
“Hey, Claire.” I stood and opened my arms in invitation. Relief creased her features as she wrapped me in a hug.
“All right, y'all,” Ma called out. “Let's eat.”
We each carried in a dish and settled at the table, pulling up extra chairs and squeezing in wherever we could find space. If our family kept growing, we were going to need a bigger table. It was a good feeling, though, having everyone packed in here all together.
Chatter filled the air, and I snuck a look across the table at Grayson as he leaned in close to Claire and whispered something in her ear. She glanced up at him, silently communicating something with her eyes, then turned her attention back to her meal. They looked happy as hell, and the spurt of envy that rippled through me caught me off guard.
It was a strange feeling. I’d never really had the urge to settle down before. For the past few years I’d been so focused on my career that I hadn’t taken the time to truly date. And when I did, I found that a majority of the women were self-centered, not the nurturing type like Claire. Admittedly, I hadn't dated the right type of woman. I was drawn more toward the ones who understood the score—both of us looking for instant gratification, but nothing more. There’d been no substance to those relationships—not even an underlying friendship. Though I’d liked the women well enough, I hadn't been disappointed when the relationships eventually fell apart.
I hated that I was envious of Grayson and Claire, because they were great people. My brother always had my back, and Claire was perfect for him. I was glad they’d finally figured things out, but it made my own situation seem even more pitiful. I couldn’t believe I was admitting it, but I wanted what they had—someone they loved and trusted and knew they could count on. Maybe not today, maybe not even tomorrow. But someday.
After dinner, I carried my plate back to the kitchen. Izzy passed behind me, bumping me with her hip. “Come talk to me.”
Rolling my eyes, I followed her out to the back yard. Izzy plopped down on the garden bench and patted the seat beside her, indicating I should sit. I lifted a brow her way. “What do you want?”
“Me?” She turned a pair of innocent blue eyes on me. “Why would you think I want something?”
I scoffed as I sank onto the bench beside her. “Maybe because I’ve known you your entire life.”
She waved away my retort. “Why can’t I just talk to my big brother?”
I hummed a noncommittal sound. The whole thing was suspicious as hell, but Izzy worked at her own pace. If I wanted to find out what she was up to, I’d have to play along.
Several seconds passed in silence before Izzy spoke. “I’m happy for them.”
My brows drew together. “Who?”
“Gray and Claire.” She tipped her head toward the house. “I was worried, but they seem happy.”
I nodded but stayed quiet. Izzy bumped me with her shoulder. “How have you been?”
“Busy.”
She studied me. “You look exhausted.”
“I am.” I nodded. “Things have been hectic.”
She turned slightly to see me better and settled back against the armrest of the bench. “How’s the case coming?”
I snorted. “It’s not.”
I couldn’t hide the disgust in my voice, and Izzy made a sympathetic sound. “Emery and I were at Mason’s last night and ran into Aiden.”
“What?” I snapped my head toward her, and she held up a hand.
“We already got the lecture from him. He told us about your setup or whatever you’ve got going on.”
“You need to be careful—both of you,” I warned. “And it goes without saying that you can’t tell anyone. We don’t need someone tipping the guy off.”
No way in hell was I going to get this close just to lose him now.
“Of course not.” Izzy shook her head. “I know how much this means to you.”
I immediately relaxed. “I’m sorry. I know you wouldn’t say anything. I’m just… worked up.”
“I get it.” She offered a little smile. “You’ve got a lot on your plate.”
We fell quiet for a minute, but I could tell something was on her mind. I swiveled my head in her direction. “Whatcha thinking?”
She lifted one shoulder. “Lots of things. School, life, what I’m going to do once I graduate.”
Izzy was currently finishing up her business degree, but she was worried about the economy. “You’ll figure it out. You have lots of time.”
“I guess so.” She forced a smile. “Don’t get me wrong, I love it here, but… I don’t want to be stuck living at home forever.”
“I can understand that. You deserve to have your space and freedom too. You’ll land on your feet.”
“I hope so.”
“So.” I cleared my throat. “How are things with the boyfriend?”
She rolled her lips together and dropped her gaze to her lap. “It’s… complicated.”
I wasn’t entirely sure what nagged at me, but something about her expression was… off. Izzy was almost perpetually positive and confident, yet when she spoke of this guy her voice dropped and she seemed to retreat into herself.
I’d never been comfortable talking about dating with my baby sister. In my mind she was still ten and tagging along after us boys as we climbed trees and played in the mud. It was almost strange to think of her as an adult with her own life. I wasn’t entirely sure what advice to offer my sister; I’d never exceled at relationships, either. “When you find the right guy, you’ll know.”
“That’s what everyone says.” She lightly backhanded my knee. “What about you? You never bring anyone around.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’d have to be dating someone in order for that to happen.”
One brow lifted. “I know you’ve been busy, but you should make some time for yourself too. Maybe go out on a date.”
There was really no one I was interested in at the moment. I hadn’t even spoken with another woman in… over two months? Pathetic. “Maybe after this case is over,” I said lamely.
Izzy shook her head. “I know your job is important, but so is your personal life. When are you going to put yourself first?”
I shifted on the bench as her words sank in. Thirty was right around the corner, and I certainly wasn’t getting any younger. Granted, Gray had waited to settle down, but he’d had his eye on Claire for the past two years. Now they were engaged, and while I truly was happy for them, it left me more than a little unsettled.
Though I’d had a few serious relationships when I was younger, there’d been no one special for the past five years or so. I’d thrown myself into working for the police force, my sights set on moving up the ranks. I hadn’t gotten laid in… eight months, maybe? Christ, had it been that long?
Still, there was too much work to be done. I needed to finish this case first, then I could worry about dating. These women were more important than a one-night stand.
“I’ll think about it,” I finally said.
Izzy was quiet for several seconds, then she gave a slow nod. “Okay.”
I looped one arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Thanks for the pep talk, though.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” She grinned. “But when you finally fall in love, I expect a thank you.”
I snorted. “Yeah, yeah. You might be waiting a while.”
“Never know.” Izzy lifted one shoulder. “It could be right in front of you.”
If only that were true.
Nine
EMERY
I wiped one hand across my brow as the heat of the kitchen blasted me. I shook my head and smiled ruefully at our cook, Donny. “I don't know how you guys handle it back here.”
It was sweltering hot, even with the air conditioning cranked and the fans circulating the stifling air that emanated from the huge grill. He grinned back at me. “Ain't so bad, Miss Emery.”
“I doubt it.” I scoffed. “It's no wonder some of those chefs on TV are so grouchy all the time. I'd be grumpy too if I had to work back here.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I dug it out. A message from Izzy lit the screen. He's in!
My heart leaped in my chest, and I couldn't help the swell of excitement that filled my heart. Oh, my God. This was really happening! I had a new place to live far away from Alan. And not only that—though that in itself was reason to celebrate—but I'd get to see Drew every day. That was both exhilarating and worrisome. The thought of being so close to him all the time sent nervous flutters ricocheting through my belly. Oh, lord. I felt faint just at the thought of living in the same house with him.
“You okay?”
Donny's voice cut through my introspection, startling me, and I almost dropped my phone. “I'm... great, actually.” I grinned. “Just got some really good news, is all.”
“You deserve it.” Donny nodded my way and winked as he flipped a burger patty.
“Thanks.” I quickly tapped back a message to Izzy. That's awesome! When can I move in?
Her reply came just a few seconds later. Today. I’m finishing up class now. Meet at his place around 4?
An excited thrill ran through me, and I bounced on my toes. See you guys then! I tapped back before storing my phone in my apron.
Somehow I made it through the next two-and-a-half hours without going completely crazy, and when I finally finished my shift, I practically ran to my car. Drew’s house was only a fifteen-minute drive to the outskirts of town, and my heart slammed against my ribcage the entire way. I didn’t think my pulse had slowed since I’d gotten that text from Izzy earlier this afternoon. I was terrified that he would suddenly change his mind, and I wanted to get over here to talk to him as soon as possible. I’d never lived on my own before, but I would be a stellar roommate—I would make sure of it.
When I pulled into the drive, I was more than a little surprised to see only Izzy’s car parked in the driveway. Spotting her seated on the front porch steps, I pulled to a stop, then climbed from the car. “Hey!”
She popped to her feet, a huge smile on her face. “I’m glad you decided to come.”
“Of course.” I glanced around, then met Izzy’s gaze again. “I thought Drew would be here.”
She bent to retrieve a key from beneath a flower pot in the corner of the porch. “He got tied up at work, so he asked me to let you in.”
I nodded. That made perfect sense. She held the door for me, and I followed her into the living room. She passed me the key and gestured around. “Welcome home.”
“I can’t begin to tell you how much this means to me.” I turned to Izzy with a grin. “This is amazing!”
She waved one hand in the air as she rolled her eyes. “It’s not a problem. Drew is so busy you probably won’t even see him half the time.”
Well, that was slightly disheartening, though not unexpected. “I promise I’ll be the best roommate ever. I can take care of the place, whatever he needs.”
I glanced around the messy living room, and Izzy laughed. “He told me to apologize for the mess. Like I said, he’s been working crazy long hours with this new case.”
“Oh, it’s fine!” I rushed to assure her. “I’ve heard all about it. I hope they’re making progress.”
She lifted one shoulder. “Honestly, I have no idea.”
I smiled. “Well, I’m sure he’s doing all he can.”
“He will. Drew’s like a dog with a bone; he won’t let it go until he figures it out. But enough about that.” She grinned. “Let’s get you settled.”
“Actually, I only brought a couple bags of clothes,” I admitted. “I don’t have furniture or anything.”
I’d made a quick run home after work and shoved as many clothes and toiletries as I could fit into two duffle bags. It was all I really needed, and I didn’t want to have to go back this afternoon once Alan was home.
“That’s no problem.” Izzy gestured for me to follow, and I fell into step as she led the way toward the staircase, then ascended the steps. “He’s got a second room set up. It only has a pull-out couch, but we can definitely get a bed for you.”
I shook my head. “The couch is perfect. You guys are already doing so much for me.”
She paused on the landing and peered down at me. “You’re like family, Em. You never have to ask. Anything you need, it’s yours.”
“Thanks.” I smiled, but the small stab of guilt didn’t abate. I still hadn’t told Izzy about Alan—not because I thought she wouldn’t believe me, but because part of me felt ashamed. I didn’t want to admit that it had happened, not even to my best friend.
Izzy continued down the hall, then pointed to a door on the left. “There’s the bathroom. Linen closet is the next door on the left.” She moved to the door on the right, then gestured for me to enter. "Here you go."
I peeked my head around the door frame and took in the simple room. There wasn’t much; the fold-out couch Izzy had mentioned, an end table, and a small dresser with a lamp on top. But there were two windows that let in in the bright sunlight, and a closet that would hold anything I needed to store. I smiled. “It’s perfect.”
“Glad you like it.” She smiled. “Do you need help unpacking anything?”
“I’m good. And seriously.” I placed one hand on her shoulder. “I really do appreciate this.”
“I know you do.” She gave me a quick hug. “Well, I should let you get settled. If you need anything, just text me.”
“Sounds good.”
I walked Izzy to her car, then grabbed my bags from the trunk and carried them in. Since I didn’t have much, it took me less than an hour to unpack, and I began to wander the house. The bathroom was messy, and I wrinkled my nose at the short, dark hairs Drew had left behind in the sink.
Well, that was just one thing I’d have to get used to living with someone new. Drew had been nice enough to let me move in, and I was determined to uphold my end of the bargain. I went in search of cleaning supplies, which I found beneath the kitchen sink. I took my time cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, then tidied up the living room.
By the time I looked at the clock, it was already past dinnertime. Did Drew typically eat dinner at home? I had no idea. A scan of the fridge and cupboards told me he didn’t have much on hand, and that I would definitely need to do some grocery shopping tomorrow.
I debated what to do for dinner, but I didn’t have many options. Drew would more than likely grab something to eat at the station or on his way home, so I would have to fend for myself. I didn’t want to miss him when he came home, so I’d have to be fast. I made a quick run back to town and got a meal to go from the Dairy Queen, then headed back to Drew’s place. I ate dinner alone, then left a note on the counter while I hopped in the shower. By the time I went to bed, he still wasn’t home.
