Disgruntled, she said, “Fine.” Fortifying herself with a deep breath, she muttered, “You spook me. You know I moved here to make it on my own, to prove to Parrish and the rest of the McKenzies that, while I appreciate their help, more than I can ever say, more than I can ever possibly repay, I can do this on my own. Their efforts weren’t wasted. What they gave—trust and understanding and guidance—I’ve put it to good use.”
It was clear Jodi had no understanding of how family worked. “They love you, and I’m pretty sure you love them. Like my brother showing up here, like my mom and dad worrying, family won’t ever give up on you. Doesn’t matter if you need them or not.” Because she didn’t look convinced, he added, “You know every one of them is capable, right?”
With a roll of her eyes, she said, “They’re a bunch of Zeus imitators, remember? They’re able to handle anything.”
If that was her standard for herself, he had a lot of ground to cover. “Not true, honey. What if something happened to Kennedy?”
“No.” Her eyes flinched as if the possibility actually hurt. “Don’t even say that.”
“I’m sure she’s fine, but if the unthinkable happened, you don’t think the others would show up in force to help her in any way possible? To help their brother? You’d be there, too. That’s family. Through thick and thin, family is ready to do anything necessary. Nothing ever changes that.” He framed her face in his hands. “They love you, Jodi Bentley. You’re now a part of them and that means they’ll be in your life, there for the good times and the bad, when it’s fun and when it’s inconvenient as hell.”
As if pained, she closed her eyes.
“Hey, you know what’d make it easier for you?”
“Probably nothing.”
Hunter smiled. She was such a hard case, but little by little, that massive chip on her shoulder got smaller. “Giving in.” He couldn’t resist another kiss, this one searching, wanting—needing—a response. “Giving in, accepting that they’re a part of your life, acknowledging that they are family. Doesn’t matter if you’re blood related or not. You’re one of them, and that means they’re always going to be around.”
With a groan, followed by a small laugh, she conceded, “You’re probably right.”
“I know I am. After all, that’s my brother taking up space at the other side of the house.”
Her mouth twitched again. “I think you sexed me up so awesomely, my brain isn’t firing on all cylinders yet. It’s unfair of you to expect me to think.”
“Actually, this might be the best time for me to bring up those ground rules.”
“Ugh.” She dropped back and threw out her arms as if defeated. “All right, then, lay it on me.”
“King is dangerous, we agree on that much.” In case she didn’t agree, he moved right along...while also settling over her. “For that reason, we should keep each other informed. About everything.”
Dubious, she arched an eyebrow. “Everything?”
“If we’re apart for any reason—though we shouldn’t be, not while there’s trouble around—we need to check in.”
The eyebrow came down and her chin tucked in. “I’m accountable to you now?”
“Same as I’m accountable to you.” He smoothed back her hair. “Look at it this way. If you suddenly found me gone, wouldn’t you worry?” Hoping she’d give the right answer, Hunter waited.
It took her a few seconds, then she slowly nodded. “Yeah, I probably would.”
“Same for me. So...” While she was being agreeable, he figured he’d get it all said. “I don’t want you making any moves with King—not even any decisions—on your own.”
An electric stillness settled over her, then she hit him with that stare. “Come again?”
“I plan to do the same, once I’ve recouped.” Hell, recuperation rapidly approached. With her naked under him, he already felt revitalized. “Until then, I want your agreement.”
“Those are all the ground rules?” she asked with suspicion.
“All I can think of right now.” He kissed her stubborn chin and smiled. “We care for each other. We respect each other. We team up and work together.” Knowing he’d hit her with a lot all at once—sex, a brother, the invitation to live with him—Hunter said, “Everyday life for the everyday woman. This is how it’s done, honey. It’s called a relationship, and I promise, it won’t be as hard as you’re imagining. I’m even willing to bet that, once you get used to sharing the load, you’ll find it easier.”
In a barely there whisper, she confessed, “I don’t know how to do relationships.”
“Are you kidding me? You excel at it. Dinners together, quiet talks, caring for my dog and accepting my brother—”
“The sex is phenomenal.”
Hunter grinned. “I agree.”
Still in that quiet voice, she said, “I didn’t know I wanted any of that until you. That’s part of what’s so scary about it.” She placed her fingers against his mouth. “What if the novelty wears off? What if all of a sudden you realize I’m just too much trouble? What if your mom or dad doesn’t like me, or...?” She inhaled a shaky breath. “What if my trouble gets you hurt? I couldn’t live with that.”
Hunter took her wrist and lowered her hand. “First, I’d had all that before and knew, with certainty, that I never wanted it again. Not until you.” Anger started to edge in. “Caring about you is not a novelty, damn it. Do you think I’m so dense I don’t know what I feel?”
“No.”
What she said barely registered. “What if you decide I’m too much trouble?”
“I would never—”
Shoving up and away from her, Hunter sat at the side of the bed, trying to come to grips with her reserve. He’d basically bared his soul to her, and still he could feel her emotionally pulling away. It fucking infuriated him. Unreasonably so, because if she pulled away now, he didn’t know what he’d do. “I care for you, damn it, and all you do is come up with excuses to keep me away.”
Jodi’s arms came around his neck, and hell, he felt her bare breasts against his back. “I’m not. I was just worried.”
“You think I’m not worried, too? Especially for you. I like who you are, Jodi, but I damn well want you safe.”
“I want you safe, too.” Her lips brushed his ear, then the side of his throat.