Always Crew - Tijan Page 0,90

or maybe he wouldn’t call.

I no longer knew what I was feeling or if I was feeling anything at all when it came to him. I mean, he’d already been here. Then he left, now he was back again? But not because of me. Because of… Because of why?

Why was he here?

Cross came back, his eyes gentle and studying me. “You okay?”

I stiffened, but nodded. “Yeah. I mean, yeah.”

What did I say here? I had no clue.

Cross grimaced, his mouth curving down. “I could skip my classes? Ride along with you? I’m sure Brock would be okay with that.”

I shook my head, clearing my throat. “No. No. That’s fine. That’s okay.”

“Bren.” He moved closer, but he didn’t touch me.

I was glad he was giving me that space.

His head bent, and he was within touching distance. He did that on purpose, letting me make the choice or not.

He said, “You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

I moved to leave since I was dressed and ready. He caught my hand, pulling me back. No words were shared, just a last look, and I gave him another nod. “I’m good. I promise. This stuff with my dad, it’s just complicated, but I got a handle on it.”

Then, pulling my hand free, I left the room.

Jordan was just coming up from the basement. He had a nine a.m. class, but it was early for him. Seeing me, he paused, still on the stairs, grimacing.

I braked. “What?”

That look said enough.

“I seriously need some coffee,” came from behind him, and his eyes closed. He took a second before he stepped out into the hallway. He cleared the stairs, and I was blessed with the vision of Jessinda Hinkley herself.

She paused, her mouth falling open. She’d been fixing her bra strap, with her hair needing to be combed through. A red tank top over jeans that were more like a second skin, high heels, hoop earrings, and even though she had washed her face, there were still remnants of eyeliner underneath her eyes.

I was guessing Jordan had gone to a party last night.

Jordan coughed, clearing his throat, and gestured over his shoulder. “I—uh—coffee. I can do that. Bren? You want some?”

Jessinda was Tab’s sister. I was pretty sure this was sister code violation.

She closed her mouth, coughing, too, and came up the last few steps. She glanced at my feet before giving me a once-over. “I… Yeah. So, you and Jordan live together, huh?”

I leveled Jordan with a look. “Is this you getting back at Tab?” Because he had said he’d be moving on to her sisters.

He cringed, his hand raking through his hair. “No.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“It’s not.” He motioned to Jessinda, then let his hand drop by his side. “It just happened.”

And I had nothing to say to that. Turning, I started for the kitchen.

Jordan went to stand in front of the coffee machine, shirtless and only in his sweats. I was counting the nail scratches on his back when he looked over his shoulder. Seeing my gaze, he cursed under his breath. Three coffee mugs were set on the counter, creamer next to them. The machine began to spew.

“It’s not that, Bren. I promise.”

I didn’t have time to deal with that anyways. “My dad’s in town.”

His gaze sharpened and he wheeled completely around. “What?!”

Jessinda had been moving across the kitchen but faltered at hearing his reaction.

I added, indicating her, “You know me. Tell Tab yourself. Don’t make me do it.”

“Fuck.” His head reared back, and he glared at the ceiling. “Crew, Bren. Crew!”

I pointed at Jessinda. “Friend code. Tab lectured me last year about it. Don’t put me in that position.”

“I’ve chosen you over her so many times—”

“This isn’t quite the same and you know it.”

A pent-up growl erupted from him, but he sighed right after. “Yeah. I know. I’ll tell her.”

“Wait.” Jessinda’s last foot came down hard on the floor. She snapped out, “What?”

Jordan skimmed her over, his mouth tightening. “I’m not dating Tab anymore. I’ve not actually done anything wrong. Bren’s hardcore with her loyalty, and she’s not loyal to you right now. You’re the one who violated your code, so you gotta call her and tell her.”

Her mouth had been hanging open, and it snapped shut. “You’re fucking with me?”

Jordan shook his head, resigned.

She swung my way.

I gave her a hard stare back. “Do not even think you can scare me. Do not play that game. You won’t win.” And with that said, I was done.

The coffee had churned enough. Jordan poured one