"What does my sister have to do with your underwear?" Jimmie is the first to ask the question, but Dex is right behind him, demanding answers.
Nate waves them off as if their anger is all a joke. "It surprised me too," he laughs. "Addy was eager to help. She's doing her part to keep me from going commando."
Dex's composure falls away and the kitchen becomes a whirl of action. Dex launches out of his chair and is across the table in seconds. I've never seen him move that fast, not even on the field. His hands are wrapped tightly around the Nate's shoulders and their faces are inches apart. If it wasn't for the sneer on Dex's face you would think they were engrossed in a good conversation.
Dex's heavy breathing, reminds me of one of those fighting bulls I've seen on television. It's not a pretty sight. And to top it all off, my brain has stopped working. I think I'm in shock! My tongue is glued to the roof of my mouth and no matter how many times I try and speak, nothing comes out. I'm basically a mute freaking out in the middle of my kitchen with my hands waving in the air and my eyes pleading with Jimmie and Cam to do something to stop the madness.
"Friend or no friend, you have three seconds to explain yourself before I take you outside and kick your sorry ass."
It's unusual for the CW Boy's to fight each other. Their anger is better spent on other's outside their tight circle. In the many years that I've known them, I can only recall once or twice that it's morphed into something of this magnitude. And it's all because of me. Well, that and Nate is acting like a dumb ass.
Panic rises in my throat and this time when my mouth flaps open, actual words shoot out. "Enough you two." I stomp forward and position myself between the two of them placing a hand one each of their chests, willing them both to stop the madness. I'm not delusional enough to think I can hold either of them back, but since my brother and Cam don't seem inclined to step in and help, I'm out of options.
Nate presses forward, pushing more of his weight against my hand. "Addy Bear, you don't need to speak for me. I'm a big boy and can take care of myself. Now move out of the way before you get hurt."
My head shakes in dismay at being put in such a spot that I'm now pleading for the two of them not to pummel each other. This might have started out as a fun game to Nate, a way to mess with Dex, but we're all on dangerous ground right now.
"I'm not doing this for you Nate," I answer back, my voice packing a load of venom. "I've had a crappy day and you two buffoons are making it worse. I don't need a testosterone show down in my house and I sure as hell don't ever want my best friends fighting. Especially over something as silly as me washing someone's dirty laundry."
It takes a full five seconds for my words to sink into Dex's thick skull and when they do his shoulders droop like a limp noodle. Taking a step back, he looks to me with furrowed brows. "His laundry?" he asks. By the incredulous way, he says the word laundry, I don't think Dex believes me.
I nod my head.
"Why in the world would you be washing Nate's clothes?"
My mouth bobs. "To say I'm sorry?" I didn't mean for it to come out as a question. Dex's scowl is messing with my mind and making me second guess my innocent agreement with Nate.
His eyes narrow in on me. "What in the hell do you have to be sorry for?"
I nibble on my bottom lip. "Since the..." I stop myself before saying the word incident. We've got enough landmines in the room without bringing Nicholas into the equation. I swallow hard and try once again to explain myself. "I've neglected spending time with Nate lately. Not on purpose, of course, but with my new work schedule, and shopping for Christmas and such, he and I haven't hung out like we used to."
Soft blue eyes glance at Nate, then refocus back on me. "That's it?" He questions. His tone is still hard, but his stance has relaxed. "So, you're saying, I have nothing to be worried about?"
"Not at all," I reply.
With unblinking eyes, I watch as he stares through me. Not at me, but straight down, past all my many layers to my soul. I hold very still and let him see the truth for what it is, just two friends hanging out while washing and folding a little laundry. Nothing more, nothing less.
Dex rests a hip against the counter, rubs the back of his neck, and blows out a heavy breath. "Okay," he says. That one simple word eases the heaviness in my chest. I can breathe easily again.
Dex grabs my arm and pulls me to him. Connecting to his chest, my arms wrap around his neck as he leans down and nips at my lips. My hold on him tightens until there isn't an inch of space between us and I kiss him with all I got. When we finally part, I rest my forehead to his and look at him.
"You doubted me." It's not an accusation, but a fact. I don't want to admit it, but his lack of faith in me hurts like a knife to the chest. If we're going to point fingers at those capable of being disloyal than he's in for a rough ride.
He nods. "It was a knee jerk reaction. I'm sorry." His hands fall to my hips where he holds me tight as if afraid I might try and leave him. I won't. I have no intention of running from our problems. And Lord help us, we have a long list of those to deal with.
I let out a soft sigh. "We'll work on it."
Jimmie reaches around us and grabs a cookie off the table, effectively ruining our moment and slicing the tension in the room. My cheeks heat, remembering that we're not alone. Everyone in the room, including my brother, just saw me kiss Dex like my life depended on it. Dex has a way of putting a spell on me. One touch from him and everything around me disappears. He's like a magician and I'm his best act.
Jimmie throws a punch to Nate's shoulder, nothing too hard, but enough of a hit to catch his attention. "You shouldn't have poked at Dex like that," he tells Nate. "Not cool dude. You're lucky my sister is sweet enough to step in and save you from an ass kicking."
Jimmie's comment pulls a grunt from Nate. "It was a stupid joke. Didn't know it would put a twist in his panties."
Dex's eyes flash in warning. "Don't talk about me like I'm not standing here. I hate that shit."
"Soooo...," Cam say, drawing out the word as she glances around the room. "Anyone up for hearing about how Addy got her ass kicked at the ice rink today? You've got to get a look at that lump hiding behind her bangs." She lets out a low whistle. "It's a real doozy."
And just like that, the room comes alive again!
