“I could always sprint back toward that bed.”
“But you won’t.”
He sighed. “Not tonight. But Jane?”
“Yes?” Was that her voice? All husky and desperate?
“Tomorrow is a new day, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” she croaked, “It is.”
“Sweet dreams.”
“You too.”
“If you think I can leave your room and actually sleep…” He shook his head, then gave her a sad smile. “Cheers to a night of tossing and turning.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
The next morning, Brock yawned over his scrambled eggs and toast, then yawned again as he took a long draw of coffee, and one last time as he stabbed his sausage with a fork.
“Long night?” Bentley said with a grin. “Dreaming about all the possibilities that didn’t actually happen? Dancing like little erotic ballerinas in your head? Ones who rhyme with shame? Lame? Game?”
Brock let out a grunt and flipped off his brother just as Brant helped Jane to the table. Brock nearly jumped to his feet, knocking his chair backward against the floor. “You’re up?”
Jane thanked Brant by kissing him on the cheek, and sat in the chair across from Brock. The rutting bastard, thought Brock. “Yes, sorry I slept in.”
Damn, if that’s what sleeping in looks like, sign me up. From her bright chocolate eyes to the pink spreading across her cheekbones, she looked stunning.
He gripped his fork so damn hard he was surprised it didn’t bend in half.
“Pity, it’s such nice silverware, too. Some might say an antique.” Bentley grinned at Brock’s hand while Jane gave them both a confused look.
“You clearly slept well, my beautiful, sexy, sweet—” Bentley stopped talking the minute Brock slid a knife toward him and glared. “Jane?”
“It’s too early for violence,” Brant muttered.
“Um, I slept okay.” Jane stared down at her empty plate, a smile curving her lips like she was keeping a secret.
Brock found himself grinning at her, like he had a right to, like he’d spent the night in her arms, when really he’d taken a cold shower and slept with half a bottle of whiskey. Thus the hangover currently pounding on both sides of his head.
“Glad to hear it,” Bentley sighed. “I was worried you’d be all hot and bothered.” He paused, sharing a look with Brock. “You know, because of all the blankets I’m sure this jackass piled on top of you before abandoning you.”
“Oh, Brock didn’t abandon me.” Jane shrugged. “We shared a midnight drink last night.”
“No,” Brant said in a dry tone. “That’s a shock. What did he do? Pound down your door and demand you pour whiskey into his cup because he lacks the intelligence to do it himself?”
Brock groaned. “I don’t know why I put up with either of you.”
“Family sticks together,” Bentley pointed out. “Just ask Grandfather.”
The room fell silent and tense.
“Jane.” Suddenly desperate to spend more time with her away from his brothers—even though he knew nothing could come of it—he stood. “Why don’t you eat a few more bites and I’ll start the cleaning.”
Bentley choked on his coffee while Brant hid a laugh behind his hand.
“What?” Brock shrugged. “I’m going to help her. What are you jackasses going to do? Take a selfie and post it on Instagram?”
Bennett removed his hand from his mouth. “Did you just say selfie?”
“Does he even know what Instagram is?” Bentley added. “Jane, do me a solid; check the window and see if one of the pigs is flying.”
Brock clenched his teeth. “I know about Instagram. I just choose not to take pictures of myself with the world’s longest selfie stick!”
“Known as my penis.” Bentley grinned then raised his hand for a high five. Brant hit it and gave Brock an apologetic look while Jane burst out laughing.
Great; he was back to being Boring Brock, getting offended and uncomfortable while his brothers laughed at his expense.
“Why don’t you start with the game room?” Jane said, completely ignoring his brothers. “And I’ll have one of the guys help me up.”
The hell they would.
Brock sat. “I’ll wait.”
“’Course he will.” Brant sighed. “Have you even fed the animals yet today?”
Brock gave them a blank stare.
“Fine.” Bentley stood. “We’ll do it. We’ll start with the pigs. But if you hear screaming you better come running. I’ve heard they eat humans, and I can’t promise I won’t accidentally push Brant into the mud for a photo op.”