Caught by Brandy Walker Page B

from me.”
    “Holy shit! Are you serious? You demanded we stay away from her. Did you honestly think we wouldn’t take that as a challenge? We’ve been screwing with you all night, just having a bit of fun. Laurel never took any of it seriously. It isn’t my fault you can’t handle a harmless bit of fun.”
    Kegen stepped between them. “Enough! Both of you need to get your asses inside. The last thing we need is for the neighbors to call the cops because you two are having a yelling match in the front yard. Mom and Dad would skin us all alive if that happened.”
    Rev spun away without another word, followed by Kegen.
    Quin stood out front lost on his thoughts staring at the spot where Laurel used to be parked. He didn’t think he needed to tell Rev and Kegen how important this night was. The fact that he asked her to come to their usual Saturday Guys Night get-together should have been enough. In truth, he didn’t quite understand how important it was either until it went horribly wrong.
    He must have been outside longer than he thought. Rev poked his head out the front door. “You coming in or what? Mom dropped off her famous coconut crème pie earlier. We’re ready to eat it.”
    Studying his youngest brother, a wave of guilt enveloped him. He knew better than to take his frustrations out on Rev. He should have been able to handle the teasing and flirting. He would have done the same thing if one of his brothers had told him to keep away from a beautiful woman.
    “Hey Rev?” He waited until he had his full attention. “Sorry about earlier. I’m tied up in knots about that woman. There’s just something about her that makes me want more.”
    “Yeah. I get it. She’s special and I hate to say this because it will give you a big ego, but she’s not for Kegen or me. She’s only got eyes for your stupid ass. At least that’s what she told me right before you lost your shit.”
    Surprise at hearing those words grabbed him by the balls. “Seriously? You’re not fucking with me now are you?”
    “Nah. I asked if I’d ever have a chance with her. She told me no. For some idiotic reason all of her affections, past and present, belong to you. Though, I have to tell you, she’s just not sure where she stands with you. You’ve got her pretty confused so I’m thinking you need to work on that. I’d hate to see you ruin something that could be the best thing you’ll ever come across.”
    Rev disappeared into the house again. Before he could join his brothers he needed to do one thing. Pulling his phone from his pocket he texted Laurel.
     
    Sorry I was an ass. Call me. Want to make it up to you. ~ Quin
     
    Shoving the phone back in his pocket he went inside and tried to patiently wait for a reply. It became apparent after a couple of minutes he wasn’t very good at that.
    Kegen stood in front of him shaking his head in disgust while holding out a plate of pie. “Bro, stop looking at your phone. She just left and she’s driving. I doubt she’s going to text you back right this minute. She seems like the responsible sort. Probably stops at railroad crossing even if there’s no sign of a train.”
    Rev with a mouthful of food mumbled, “She was pretty ticked when she left. I have a feeling she thinks all men are idiots.”
    Quin looked over at his brother. “What happened to piss her off anyway? It can’t just be my fault.”
    “Nope. I blame most of it on dipshit over there.” Kegen pointed to Rev as he took a seat in the recliner, “He got all butt hurt when she said she was meeting someone at the wine bar.”
    “Why would that make you upset? So she was meeting a friend. Hell, maybe it’s someone you two could date.” Unless there was more to the story Rev wasn’t telling him. The bite of pie he just swallowed curdled in his stomach. He had a sinking feeling he wasn’t going to like what came next.
    Rev cleared his throat. “A guy friend. One she has known since college and I’m guessing