The Ahern Brothers Collection - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,59
her,” Sterling says. “Have you guys discussed any of that, like safe sex and how to paddle your pink canoe?”
“God, please don’t say that.” I shriek, horrified at the embarrassing conversation that’s waiting for me when Linda finds out.
Lowering my hands, I say, “She doesn't have any filter. I’m not going to discuss our relationship with her. What if she asks me if you’re a good lover or if you need pointers?”
“I don’t need pointers,” Wes argues.
Sterling laughs. “I can’t wait to hear how this ends.”
Six years ago, when Wes first told me that his mom was overbearing, I wasn’t sure what he meant. It didn’t take me long to find out. The woman is nosy to the point of being intrusive. Her mission in life is to make everyone’s life more comfortable, but at some point her helpfulness can be overwhelming, to say the least.
“My deepest condolences.” Sterling nods, but there’s a flash of amusement in his eyes. “You two will have to deal with Mama Linda pretty soon. She’ll plan your wedding, your first child, and soon she’ll be telling Abby how to breastfeed the kid.”
“Whoa,” I stop him. “Hold your horses, dude.”
“It’ll be fun.” Sterling wipes his mouth and takes the plate to the sink. “Since you two are on your little honeymoon. I’m going to head back home.”
I’m tempted to stop him. Wes shakes his head, and his eyes plead with me to stay quiet.
“Can I crash at your apartment, Abbster?” Sterling throws his signature puppy-eyed look at me.
Wes grunts, but rises from his seat and finds a set of keys. “You’re the only one allowed in my apartment, Slugger.”
“Ugh, I’m not a kid and I don’t have time to organize parties. Only to par-ty,” he says waving him off. “Seriously though, you have to tell Mom before she feels left out.”
“Have you told Linda?” I cock an eyebrow.
“She knows, but she’s too busy planning her trip to Australia.”
“What happened to Alaska?”
“Yesterday morning she called me to let me know that her plans had changed. She and her friends decided to save the koala population.”
My body sags as relief washes over me. This gives me a few week’s breadth while I think of ways to set boundaries.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Wes
My plans are fucked thanks to my brother who asked me to give him a ride to the airport. I spent two hours on the road. While driving up to the airport, Sterling hit me with some news. Since Abby is going to help him with the business side of his career, he wants to move to France or perhaps Italy. He’s searching for inspiration.
It feels like I’m losing him. We fight a lot, and I want to maim him sometimes, but ever since Dad died it seems like we’ve become better friends. No longer just brothers. At least I have Abby near me, for now. She didn’t believe what I said, that we’d spend the next month here in Tahoe. That’s what she needs, and I’m giving it to her. In a month though, she’ll have to decide what she wants to do next. My chest tightens because I already know the answer. She’s staying in Tahoe. I’m not going to think about it. For these next few weeks, I plan to enjoy her and this place, as much as work will allow it.
“Is this what you do on Saturdays when I’m not around, Ahern?” Her voice is soft, sweet.
After I arrived from the airport, I had to work for a couple of hours. The board needed me to rework the last proposal. I type the final lines of the email I’m sending to my assistant and shut down my computer. Once again, the company has disrupted all the carefully laid plans I made while driving back from dropping off Sterling.
“Sometimes it’s inevitable because they keep emailing me, and usually you’re too far away,” I say turning to face her, “Lucky for me, you’re around now, baby.”
I grin to myself once the words I said settle in. Because it’s true, I’m so goddamn lucky to finally have her by my side. Is it luck when I have been the one stopping myself from taking a leap of faith? It doesn’t matter. She’s here with me, and the infinite possibilities of our future are open right in front of us. I stare at her perfect, lush, curvy body. It’s barely covered by a one-piece swimming suit. I lick my lips thinking of all the things we can do today.