Her brothers best friend

Chapter 4

Della walked down the stairs. She was feeling pretty good after the shower. Now to get food in her. The whole house smelt amazing. She got to the bottom of the stairs and realized all the curtains were open. She may have been a bit harsh closing them all like that. Oh well.

“Feel better?” Joe asked.

“Yeah. A lot actually.” She sat down at the island. Joe handed her a cup of coffee. She took it and smelled it. Smelled so good. She took a sip. It tasted way better than it smelled.Joe had pancakes and bacon on plates on the island. He looked like he was finishing scrambling some eggs. He handed her an empty plate and grabbed a couple of forks.

“Where did you learn how to cook?”

“My dad. My mom hated cooking. She never cooked. My dad did it all. He taught me a few basics over the years.” Joe said.

“Cool.”

“I guess.” Joe said as he put the eggs on a plate. She grabbed some. She grabbed a pancake and some bacon. She could smell Joe behind her. She loved his smell. She could see him coming up behind her. Grabbing her. Kissing along her neck. Saying something dirty in her ear… what the heck?! She has to clear her head of this man! He grabbed the bacon off her plate. She made a face at him and he smirked. She grabbed more and he went to take it off her plate. She stabbed him with her fork. But gently… mostly. He removed his hand and laughed.

“Feisty little thing aren’t you?” He asked.

“You didn’t figure that out a few days ago?” Joe lifted his shirt. She saw a very defined six pack. Dang! This guys body has to illegal. Then she saw his rib cage was covered in a bruise.

“The open the door and surprise him trick did that.” Dang… but at least it worked. “You’re also a little too strong for my liking.” Joe said.

“Blame my brothers. I try to train with them some times.” She said.

“Makes sense.” He said. They ate mostly in silence. She was honestly enjoying the food. He was a great cook.

“By the way… this all tastes really good… you didn’t put drugs in any of this right?” She asked looking over at joe. He laughed.

“Just a little extra butter and salt.” Joe said.

“That’s it?” She asked.

“And some love.” Joe said. Her heart lunged. Oh no. She didn’t forget about that. Oh gosh. She didn’t want to talk about it right now. One problem at a time.

“Yeah I don’t believe that.” She said. The door bell rang. She got up.

“Touch my bacon and I will cut your hand off.” She said. Joe started laughing. She did too. She opened the door. Cruz… her boyfriend. How did she forget about him?! Okay it’s official Joe was dangerous and he needs to go!

“Hey!” She was so excited she leapt into his arms.

“Hey I heard about Jared you doing okay?” He asked and then kissed her forehead.

“Yeah. I’m okay. I slept through most of the worry.” And she did. At least the hard part of worrying. Joe showed up behind her. Cruz looked surprised to see him. She completely forgot about him at the sight of Cruz…oops. Joe was getting more and more dangerous by the second.

“He’s one of Jared’s friends. He came over because my phone died and I hadn’t charged it yet. Uncle frank was worried.” She said. Cruz seemed fine with that explanation.

“Why don’t you come crash at my place for a few days?” Cruz asked. That sounded good. Maybe finally have s*x! She honestly couldn’t wait.

“sure. I’ll go pack.” Then she remembered the kitchen.

“I got this go pack.” Joe said. And she walked upstairs. Cruz stayed down with Joe. She could hear them talking. She couldn’t hear what they were saying but she could hear two male voices. She packed quickly and then went downstairs with her duffle. Cruz saw her. Joe was finishing up drying the dishes.

“Those can stay a few days. Out.” She said pointing to the door. Joe smirked. He hung up the dish towel and then picked up his phone and keys and walked out of the house. Cruz followed him. They were still talking. Della turned off all the lights then walked out and locked the door. Cruz grabbed her duffle from her.

“It was nice to meet you. Maybe we can all hang out sometime.” Cruz said. Doubtful. Joe was after Della. She had no doubt in her mind. Why would he suddenly reappear after 2 whole years? And the age where she can legally consent to have s*x?

“Yeah maybe when this whole Jared thing is over.” Joe said. “Bye Della.” He turned around and walked away. What was the control he had over her body? Why did she get so aroused when he said her name? He hopped into his truck. Cruz walked to his and opened the door for Della. So sweet. She hopped in. He opened the back seat and put her duffle there. He pulled out of the drive way. He took a left not a right.

“I thought we were going to your dads.” She said. He smiled. He held a key out for her. It had a leather keychain on it. It had her named burned on it. There were turquoise rivets in it. How much did he spend on this? Actually knowing him he probably made it.

“I said over to my place.” Cruz said.

“Since when have you had your own place?” She asked.

“Since I cancelled our plans. The original buyers fell through and I wanted it so I had to go over and get it under contract and fast! Then I got all the furniture delivered.” Wow. She didn’t know that.

“You’re sneaky.” She said moving closer and putting her head on his shoulder. Why didn’t he smell good? He was not intoxicating to her like Joe was. He laughed. Pulling her from her thoughts.

“Figured it would be a nice little get away for you if you needed it.” He kissed the top of her head. Man he was so thoughtful. “But that Joe guy.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Other than she was mildly sexually attracted to him. She smirked a little. Mildly yeah right. She didn’t even believe that. When he had her by her throat a few days ago she was ready to throw him on the ground and have s*x with him.

“Nothing seems cool. How long have you known him?”

“8 years.”

“I’ve known you a little over a year and I’ve never seen the guy.” Cruz said.

“He’s been gone.” She said. Slightly true. Did he really live 5 miles down the road?

“Transfer then come back?”

“I think so… I don’t really know him that well. He messaged me happy birthday and then he showed up because uncle frank asked him to check on me.” She said.

“Why didn’t he ask me?”

“I don’t know if he has your number.” Cruz laughed.

“Maybe you should give it to him.” Cruz said. He didn’t sound bitter or mean or rude. He said it so nonchalantly

“You’re right.” She pulled out her phone and sent uncle frank Cruz’s number and then she sent Cruz uncle franks number. Then she updated uncle frank on where she would be in case he showed up looking for her. She also turned on her location so he can find her if he has too. He pulled into a drive way. Wow. That was such a cute little house. A little log cabin… so he slightly listened to her.

“3 bedrooms. 2 1/2 baths.” Wow.

“It’s cute.”

“Figured it would be a good starter home for us.” Wait what?

“What?” She probably couldn’t hide her surprise.

“I’m going to propose to you… just when you least expect it.” He said. He kissed her nose and hopped out of the truck. She hopped out. She didn’t think they were that serious. She never thought that she would end up with Cruz. Seemed like a good starter boyfriend not a happily ever.

“Go ahead and unlock it. Go take a look inside.” Cruz said as he went to grab her duffle. She did just that. She walked up the stairs and to the door and opened it. Wow. It was cute. Looked like a log cabin on the inside. He had a fire going. It was nice and toasty. He had some windows open. He decorated in Indian Aztec patterns. Bright and beautiful. Just what she would have done. He had a couple deer antlers and cow skulls on the walls. His furniture was dark gray. She walked into the kitchen. It was a great size kitchen. The accents were dark turquoise. Beautiful with the marble countertops. She didn’t venture into any rooms. Cruz came in.

“What do you think?” He seemed too interested for her approval.

“It looks great. I couldn’t have done this better myself.” She said