Her brothers best friend

Chapter 8

Joes pov

“What do you want?” She asked crossing her arms. He looked her over. Gosh her body was gorgeous. He knows she worked hard for it. He really appreciated it.

“They found Jared. He has been shot in the leg but he will survive. They are bringing him back to the states.” Her features softened a lot.

“Oh. That’s great news!” She threw her arms around him and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her. This felt right. She belonged here. She went to back up. She must have realized she shouldn’t be doing this. He stared deeply into her gorgeous brown eyes. He put his thumb on her lower lip and traced it from one side to the other.

“Gosh you’re gorgeous.” Joe doesn’t give out random compliments to anyone. Her brothers would say girls were cute or gorgeous and the most Joe would say was they were alright. He leaned down and kissed Della right on the lips. And it was everything he thought it would be. Her lips were soft and smooth. She arched her back and moved further into him. He deepened it and his hands went to her hair. Pulling her closer to him. He moved a hand down her back and pulled her body closer. She belonged with him. She was his. He knew it she just didn’t know it yet. He broke off the kiss and started kissing her cheek then down her neck. She started breathing heavy. She moved her body even closer.

“Gosh I love you.” A moan escaped her lips. Everything was going great. Any second she would ask him to come in. She suddenly moved back away from Joe. What was she doing?

“I’m engaged.” He probably couldn’t hide his surprise. He was not expecting that to come out of her mouth. Joe take me is what he was expecting. Was she seriously going to go through with it? After that moment they had. She crossed her arms again. Back to be extremely cold to him. She was a roller coaster of emotions towards him.

“Congrats. I hope he’s good to you.” He could hear the harshness in his tone. He didn’t care though. He turned around and walked to his truck. He slammed the door a little too hard and left. Della was already back in the house. She was making a mistake. She just needs to see it.

Hours have gone by since the Della incident. Gosh he wanted that to happen again. He couldn’t get her off his mind. The way her body felt in his arms. Up against him. He was getting a boner. He pulled out his phone and messaged her.

‘Sorry about earlier. I knew you were engaged. I just know you’re making a huge mistake. But it’s your life. If you love Cruz I’m happy for you.’

He doubts he will get a response out of her. She might be mad enough she won’t let it slide. Minutes went by. His phone finally vibrated.

‘I think it’s best we don’t see each other for a while. I’ll make that your problem.’

His problem? Why would that be his problem? She was making him slightly angry again.

‘I wish you would change your mind.’

Seconds later.

‘I won’t! I’m in love with Cruz. I’m marrying him.’

She didn’t mean that. He knows she didn’t.

‘You mean to tell me you felt nothing on the porch? Your heart wasn’t beating fast? That you didn’t want it to go further?’

She could lie to him or tell him the truth.

‘Nope. Nothing.’

She was lying. Joe could feel her heart beat. It was elevated. Her breathing was heavy.

‘That moan said otherwise.’

It was a hot moan. Joe didn’t know he could love a moan that much. He would love to hear it again.

‘It escaped.’

He bets it did. He wasn’t doubting that. She was fighting the s****l tension that was in the air between them. It was getting frustrating for sure. They both need a release.

‘You’re making a mistake but that’s okay. I’ll let you. Sooner or later you will be coming to me. I know you will.’

She will. She will realize she was his and she wanted him. He was going to let her make every mistake in the book. He will still take her when she’s done.

‘Nope. I will never go to you for anything. Also isn’t it kind of weird about I don’t know our age difference? You’re too old for me. Time for YOU to move on.’

So age is what this was about? That’s weird. He doesn’t care about the age difference. He didn’t know how to respond. He needed to tell her why he disappeared for 2 years. She needed to know it was because he fell in love with her. He can’t control himself with her. He knew having s*x or kissing her while she was under 18 would have him killed by her brothers. So he stayed away.

‘We should meet up for coffee tomorrow.’

‘ Can’t. Already promised Jordan I would go over tomorrow. He’s got new little piglets.’

Aww she would look so cute. He can imagine the pictures now. Hopefully she posts some pictures online.

‘After then.’

‘Probably will be there all day. If Jared’s back and in the hospital then I’ll be over there. Sorry can’t tomorrow.’

He was desperate at this point.

‘What about Thursday?’

‘I don’t know. I’ll have to see what happens with Jared.’

‘Okay. Please let me know. We need to talk.’

They do. They really do. He wasn’t going to let her get married without telling her everything. After that if she married Cruz that was on her.

‘Nope. We do not. I really don’t want to see you again. Ever!’

She really didn’t mean that. She was hurting and tired. And he was guessing horny. She was acting like it. She was acting like she was sexually frystrsted.

‘Have you and Cruz even had s*x yet?’

Way too inappropriate to ask but he didn’t care. She was already mad. Might be a little fun to poke the bear. He smirked. Della was more like a tiger than a bear. She came out of nowhere lashed out.

‘What is wrong with you? That’s none of your business! Now leave me alone! I’m trying to enjoy my evening and you keep ruining it.’

Dang that was an attitude! He would love to take her to bed and tie her up. Bang that attitude right out of her. Honestly seems to be the best option for her. It would be fun. Tons of fun. But He still loves her. She’s still a virgin. He hopes she stays that way.

Della’s pov

Della was enjoying the bath then her phone buzzed. She picked it up.

‘Have you and Cruz even had s*x yet?’

Ugh! Him again! Seriously? When will he get the hint to leave her alone!

‘What is wrong with you? That’s none of your business! Now leave me alone! I’m trying to enjoy my evening and you keep ruining it.’

Hopefully that will keep him away. She activated the jets. She took a picture. Her legs showed that was it. They looked good. She sent it to Cruz.

‘Enjoying this a little too much.’

She put her phone down. She heard it buzz. Joe. What did he want? She opened it. She sent him the picture! Gosh no!

‘Imagine what I could do to you if you let me between those.’

Oh she has. Gosh she has. But no! She will never let him!

‘Leave me alone! Don’t message me again ever!’

And she meant it.

‘Della I can’t do that.’

She ignored him. Her phone kept on buzzing.

‘Della.’

‘Answer me!’

‘Della!’

‘You can’t ignore me forever!’

She reached down and silenced his conversation. He can send all the messages. She wasn’t going to respond. She was trying to relax. And she did. The water started turning cold. She turned off the jets and then started draining the tub. She got up and showered and then wrapped a towel around her. All her clothes were downstairs… it was okay for Cruz to see her in a towel. Maybe he won’t be able to control himself. She walked downstairs to their room. Cruz wasn’t in the room. She went into the bathroom. Not there either. She messaged him.

‘Where are you?’

‘Something came up I had to go help dad.’

Oh okay. He was with his dad. She got dressed and went to climb into bed. The door bell rang. Ugh! She slipped on sweat pants and slippers and went to answer it. She opened it up. Joe.

“How many times am I going to have to tell you to leave me alone?” She asked as she stepped out on the porch and closed the door. He was not going inside. She might lose all control and rational thought

“We need to talk.” He said it so firmly. She really didn’t want to talk to him.

“What could we possibly need to talk about?” She really had no clue.

“About us.”

“There is no us!” She was losing her patience with this man.

“Please let me explain…”

“Explain what? You randomly show up after 2 whole years of being gone and wreak havoc on my life. You pretty much admit to stalking me and now what in the world could we need to discuss about us? I’m not in a relationship with you! In case you haven’t noticed!… which you haven’t! So please tell me what in the world could you need to explain…”

“Im in love with you!” He yelled over her. Della heard someone to her right. It was Cruz… great. He stood there quietly.

“Cruz…”

“I’m going to go inside.” He said so calmly and walked past her. That’s it! Della went to walk inside Joe grabbed her. She jerked her arm free and in the process she ended up hitting her hand hard on the door frame. She not only felt it break but she heard it. She let out a cry of pain and started crying.

“Let me take you to the hospital.” Joe said trying to examine her hand.

“No! you’ve done enough! Leave me alone! I never want to see you again!” She opened the door and went inside and locked it. She kept crying til she saw he left. Cruz came out of the room.

“I don’t love him.” She said through her tears.

“I know. But it worries me a little that he keeps coming over… are you okay?” He looked concerned. She looked down at her hand. Swollen and her knuckles were bloody. She wasn’t okay. Not just physically but mentally.

“No im not okay. I’m confused. Angry. Worried.” She cried harder. This was so hard. She managed to get the ring off. “I’m sorry. I don’t think we should be getting married right now.” She put it on the counter. Cruz looked disappointed. He walked over to her. He hugged her.

“I’m sorry you’re going through so much. Feel free to still text me or call me.” Gosh she didn’t deserve him. He kissed her forehead. “Let me take you to the hospital.”

“No. I can make it myself. I’ll be fine.”

“You don’t have a car. Let me take you to your truck.” Her key and keychain were still on the island right next to her ring. Cruz grabbed the key and keychain.

“I mean it if you ever need a break come on over. That tub will probably never be used.” She didn’t deserve him. They walked out of the house and he helped her into his truck. He dropped her off at her house and she went inside to get her keys. She saw headlights. Hopefully one of her brothers. She walked back outside.

Hopeful and excited

“Let me help you.” He won’t quit! Her excitement levels quickly changed to anger.

“You’ve done enough. Go home! Leave me alone!” She tried to go past him.

“They won’t let you leave til someone will be able to drive you home. Let me take you.”

“No! I’ll call someone if I need help.”

“Della…”

“Go home! Why can’t you see I don’t want you around?! You are wreaking havoc on my life! Stay away from me!” She pushed past Joe and managed to fall down the steps. Landing on her broken hand. There was another snap but this time her wrist. She didn’t cry out in pain or wince or anything. She tried to get up. Joe came over and swooped her up.

“Put me down!” She yelled while squirming and trying to get free. He had such a firm hold on her. She kept trying to get loose. Nothing. This man was like a brick wall. He opened his truck passenger door and put her in it. He grabbed her seat belt and buckled her in. She thought about unbuckling and making a run for her truck. He would catch her and who knows what other bones she might break. He hopped into the drivers seat. They drove off. But not on the direction of the hospital. Where was he taking her? They pulled up to a house.

“I’ll be back.” She didn’t acknowledge him at all. He hopped out and went inside. He came back with a towel and what looked like an ice pack. He hopped back in the truck and put it on her hand and wrist. She removed it and put it on the seat between them.

“It will help with pain. Even if you’re mad at me you should still use it.” She ignored him. He put it back on. She removed it again. He grabbed her arm again and she tried to get free. He held her still and wrapped the towel around her and tied it down. She tried to get it off she couldn’t. She was so angry at him! She just moved back against the door and looked out the window. She wasn’t talking to him. She started crying again. Joe wasn’t really a bad guy. He just knew what he wanted and went after it. Even if it belonged to someone else. Cruz probably wasn’t going to marry her after this. No way. She didn’t blame him though. He pulled up to the hospital. She unbuckled and got out. She didn’t let Joe help her. He parked the truck and came inside. She was struggling to fill out paperwork. He grabbed it and the pen. She went to grab it back. He moved it out of her reach.

“I got that.” She said. He was getting on her last nerve tonight!

“So do I.” He sat a couple of chairs away. Good thing. She was getting ready to hit him with the ice pack. Rehurt her hand and all. She didn’t care. A nurse came out to look at her hand. The nurse untied the towel and Della threw the ice pack as hard as she could along with the towel at an unsuspecting Joe. It bounced off him and onto the floor. The nurse and Joe both smirked. “Well sweetie it’s definitely broken. Let’s get you to x-ray then we will get you in a room and get a cast on you.” She helped Della up. Good away from Joe. He will be stuck out here away from her! Finally a break!

Joes pov

Della just threw the ice pack and towel at him… as hard as she could. It bounced right off him. The nurse and him both smirked. He picked it up off the floor. She was so funny.

“Well sweetie it’s definitely broken. Let’s get you to x-ray then we will get you in a room and get a cast on you.” She helped Della up. She looked like she was in a ton of pain. She walked past Joe. She didn’t say anything or look at him. He knows he messed up tonight. Really badly. And Della got hurt in the process. That was awful. He can’t wait for her brothers to hear about this… nick especially. That was going to be fun. Another nurse came out. “Want me to take you to the room she will be in?” Della will be so mad…

“Sure.” He got up and followed her to a room. He closed the door. The door opened and in walked Della and the nurse. Della rolled her eyes at the sight of Joe but didn’t say anything. The nurse left. Della went to get up on the exam table. She was struggling. Joe got up and didn’t even ask if she needed help. He just grabbed her hips and lifted her up with ease. She gave him a dirty look. He smirked.

“You’re welcome.” He quickly kissed her on the lips. Once his lips made contact with hers she moved away. She also looked away. He moved away from her and sat back down.

“You know it’s going to be a long night if you don’t talk to me?” She didn’t even seem to care.

“Alright fine you asked for it. I stopped coming over to the house when you turned 16. Not because I wanted to but I had to. I had fallen in love with you. I knew if I tried anything your brothers would kill me so I had to stop being around you. But I still wanted to know what was going on in your life. That’s when I took one of my old scopes and tried to see into the house. Not necessarily your bedroom at first just the house. Eventually I noticed your bedroom light always on. You rarely if ever left that room. Then your dad died. Your brothers seemed to give you his room. They talked about it. They figured since you’re a woman having an attached bathroom would be nice for you. Privacy and all. Then you rarely left that room. I started counting down the days til you turned 18. They couldn’t go by fast enough. I was going to go up to you and profess my love but then you started dating Cruz. That threw a wrench into everything. I figured give you a month or two and you’ll be over it… that was not the case at all. But I still needed to do it. That’s why I was trying to get you to have coffee with me. So I can explain all this. Della I love you. I want to spend my life with you.” He got quiet. He was waiting for her to talk. “Della say something.”

“I think I hate you.” Okay not what he was expecting but she was at least talking. He will take it.

“You hate me?” He asked.

“You ruined my life. After this I don’t want to see you again. Ever! I want you to leave me alone.” She started crying again. She leaned back. Joe got up. She was tired and in pain. She didn’t know what she was saying.

“You know you don’t mean any of that.” He started stroking her hair. She loved it when her brothers did that. She seemed to enjoy it at first but then she seemed to remember who she was with. She pushed his arm away.

“I mean it leave me alone.” There was a knock on the door. Joe went and sat down.