Family Matters Book 3

Jana

The night had kicked off beautifully! The meal was scrumptious, the chatter was light-hearted, and the company was delightful. Kyle and I stuck together throughout the evening, and it felt so right.

Just his simple act of draping his arm around me during dinner made me feel so safe and cherished.

It was a complete contrast to the feeling of being owned that I often experienced when Michael would wrap his arms around me.

Before dessert was served, Ashlie, Chelsea, and I seized the chance to dash to the restroom and freshen up.

Being an only child and not having many friends in Reno, having these two ladies in my life was a blessing. Over the past few months, we had grown incredibly close.

They had become like sisters to me, and I adore them. I guess you could say that about everyone I've met in their family so far.

“Jana, you seem pretty comfortable tonight with my brother,” Ashlie teases as we wash our hands. “Are you sure you two want to stick with this ‘just friends’ thing?”

“Because from our perspective, there’s more than friendship brewing between you two.” Chelsea chuckles as she dries her hands.

I turn off the tap and shake the excess water off my hands before heading over to where Chelsea is standing to dry my hands on the blower next to her.

“Kyle and I decided that we would let things unfold naturally tonight and see how we feel,” I explain to them.

“What do you mean you two will see how you feel?” Chelsea questions. “It seems like you’re perfectly fine with being more than just friends.”

“It’s complicated, you both know that,” I sigh. “I want to wrap up all the legal drama with Michael before I consider something more with Kyle.

“If we decide to become a couple, there would be a lot to navigate through, and I don’t want to add my legal battle with Michael to the mix.”

“I get it, and you and Kyle know what’s best for both of you,” Ashlie says as she comes over to dry her hands.

“I just want to be able to introduce you as Kyle’s girlfriend, that’s all. I can wait, just don’t make me wait too long.” We all burst into laughter at her straightforwardness. I love these girls.

We exit the restroom and head back to our table. As we approach, I lock eyes with Kyle, and my heart flutters.

His eyes are mesmerizing, and his smile makes my heart melt. When I slide into the booth next to him, and he wraps his arm around me again, I can’t help but snuggle into him and sigh. I feel at home.

When the waitress returns with our bill, we start to gather our things to head to the club. That’s when I notice three men approaching our table, and my stomach churns.

I quickly distance myself from Kyle to avoid giving the impression that we’re together. How long had they been here?

“Jana? I thought that was you,” Ronald greets me. He’s Michael’s lead attorney, and the other two are his colleagues.

I had only met them once when I had to visit their office to review the divorce papers.

He greets Rodney as if they’re old pals, but I can tell from Rodney’s expression that it’s more of a professional relationship than a friendship.

“Everyone, meet Ronald Emerson and his colleagues Aiden Garrison and Lance Reed,” Rodney introduces them and then turns back to Ronald.

“What brings you here, and how do you know Jana?” Ronald turns to me and smiles.

“Would you like to explain, or should I?”

“Ronald is Michael’s lawyer,” I inform everyone quietly. My eyes dart around the restaurant, searching for any sign of Michael, which Ronald quickly notices.

“He’s not here, Jana,” he reassures me. When I look back at Ronald, his eyes soften, and he sighs. “How are you holding up?”

There’s genuine concern in his voice, and his sincere gaze takes me by surprise. I start scanning the restaurant again, looking for Michael.

“Um, should you be asking her that, considering you’re representing her ex-husband and you’re in the middle of a custody battle?”

Ashlie glares at him as she leans back in her seat, arms crossed. Did I mention how much I love that girl?

“Listen, I didn’t swing by as Michael’s lawyer,” he assures me, a small grin playing on his lips. “I’m here as a friend, Jana.” His words leave us all puzzled.

“I’m not as heartless as Michael, and I thought you would have noticed that in our interactions over the years.” I respond with a slight nod and a smile.

“I’ve known Michael for quite a while, and I’m aware of his ways with women,” he admits with a sigh. “Honestly, I’m amazed you stuck with him as long as you did. I just wanted to check in on you.”

“I’m doing fine,” I assure him. “I appreciate your concern.”

“I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but Michael has hired a private investigator to tail you,” he whispers, ensuring only we can hear.

“He’s going to dig up whatever he can on you and your companions to use against you in court.”

“If he’s got someone tailing Jana, isn’t it risky for you to be chatting with her now?” Kyle interjects, his hand reaching under the table to find mine. “Won’t Michael find that suspicious?”

“He won’t find out,” Ronald chuckles. “The investigator is my cousin. He won’t spill.”

He sighs lightly, looking at me with an apologetic expression. “I don’t want to keep you. It seems like you were about to leave. Take care, Jana, and hang in there. This will all be over soon.”

With that, he and his colleagues bid us goodbye and leave our table.

“That was odd,” Kyle remarks. Everyone nods in agreement. He then turns to me and asks, “Are you okay?”

“I’m not sure,” I admit with a sigh. “Learning that Michael has me under surveillance and is digging up dirt on me and my friends is a lot to process.” Kyle tightens his grip on my hand, his gaze intense.

“Don’t stress about it,” he assures me. “I’ve got your back.”

“We all do,” Austin chimes in. “How about we head home? Maybe we can skip the dancing and watch a movie instead.”

“I’m down for that,” Chelsea agrees. “Plus, I think I overdid it on dessert, and the baby is doing somersaults in my belly.”

We all share a laugh as we exit the restaurant. Kyle keeps hold of my hand as we make our way to the car, and I can’t help but feel self-conscious, wondering if the private investigator is watching.

I attempt to pull my hand away, but he tightens his grip. He turns to me, leaning in to reiterate his earlier promise.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

“What if his investigator sees us holding hands?” I ask, scanning the parking lot nervously. Kyle halts and pulls me closer.

“Friends can be affectionate,” he reassures me with a smile. “I’m just holding my friend’s hand as we walk to our car.”

“Michael can twist that however he wants,” I point out.

“Let him,” Kyle retorts confidently. “I’m not afraid, and you shouldn’t be either.” He gazes deeply into my eyes, squeezing my hand as if to lend me his courage.

“Remember, no restrictions or worries tonight.”

I nod, letting out a sigh as he plants a kiss on my forehead. He guides me back to the car and we drive off.

When we get back to the house, Caroline and Garret are tidying up the kitchen while Athena and Lucas are sprawled out in their fort, engrossed in a movie.

Well, Lucas is engrossed in the movie. Athena is fast asleep beside him.

“I should grab her stuff from the room and head home,” I chuckle.

“Why not stay the night?” Ashlie suggests. “That way you won’t have to wake her.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I didn’t bring any extra clothes or our toothbrushes,” I explain.

“Your place isn’t far from here. Ashlie and I can accompany you to grab some things,” Chelsea offers. I glance between her and Ashlie, realizing they’re trying to get some alone time with me to chat.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” I ask.

“Absolutely not!” Chelsea declares, her grin wide as she saunters over to me, linking her arm with mine. She guides me towards the exit, Ashlie trailing just behind us.

“We’ll be back in a jiffy!” Chelsea hollers over her shoulder at the guys as we step outside. I can’t help but chuckle at her and Ashlie’s antics.

I slide into the backseat of Ashlie’s car, while she and Chelsea claim the front. As we roll out of the driveway, Chelsea swivels in her seat to face me.

“You’re aware our family’s flying in this week for the casino’s grand opening, right?” I respond with a nod.

“They’ll be here Saturday morning, and we’re planning a barbecue later. You and Athena should join,” she suggests, her smile broad and inviting.

Ashlie catches my eye in the rear-view mirror, nodding and smiling in agreement.

“Uh, I wouldn’t want to intrude on your family gathering,” I protest.

“Nonsense,” Chelsea laughs. “You two belong there.”

I chew on my lip, my hands fidgeting in my lap as I ponder their invitation. Chelsea reaches back, clasping my hands in hers. “You and Athena are family. Please tell me you’ll come.”

“And pack some clothes,” Ashlie adds as she pulls into a parking spot in front of my apartment building. “We’re having a slumber party.”

“I’m not sure if I should…” I begin, but Ashlie spins in her seat, raising her hand to halt my words.

“We want you and Athena there,” she insists, her smile warm. “You can stay in the same room you’re using tonight.” Ashlie and Chelsea turn on their best puppy dog eyes and pouts, making me giggle.

“You two are worse than Athena with those faces.” I grin. “Alright, alright,” I concede with a dramatic sigh.

“We’ll be there. Thanks for including us.” They cheer and swivel back around in their seats. We exit the car and head up to my apartment to gather some things for the night.

Chelsea and Ashlie volunteer to collect some items for Athena while I retreat to my room to pack my own things.

As I’m collecting my toiletries from the bathroom, a wave of nerves washes over me at the thought of spending the weekend with their entire family.

Despite my comfort around Kyle, Austin, Chelsea, Ashlie, Ethan, and Xavier, the prospect of meeting the rest of their clan, especially Cassie, Kyle’s first love, fills me with a strange anxiety. Why? I couldn’t tell you.

Kyle

The girls have left to escort Jana back to her place so she can gather some things for their sleepover here.

I carry a snoozing Athena from the fort to the guest room, tucking her into bed. When I return to the living room, Lucas, Caroline, and Garret have already retreated to their rooms for the night.

Austin and Rodney are busy dismantling the remaining fort and tidying up, so we can kick off the movie when the girls get back.

We’ve just finished restoring the living room to its original state when the girls return. Jana heads off to change Athena into her pajamas and get her settled for the night.

The rest of us sprawl on the couch, scrolling through movie options, trying to settle on one.

“I can’t wait for everyone to arrive!” Chelsea exclaims as she flips through the movie list on the TV screen.

“Same here!” Ashlie echoes, before turning to Rodney. “I can’t wait for you to meet everyone.”

I glance at my sister, noticing the sparkle in her eye as she says this. She’s finally found someone who loves not just her, but Lucas too.

“Are you sure you’re ready for dad and Uncle Jason to be in the same room when everyone meets Rodney?” I tease. “You know how they can be.”

Ashlie whips her head around to face me, her eyes wide.

She seems to have just realized that our dad and his younger brother, Xavier’s and Austin’s dad, have absolutely no filter when it comes to relationships, sex, or pretty much anything else.

It’s awkward enough dealing with them individually, but when they’re both in the same room, things can get downright wild.

And that’s not even considering what happens when you add Aunt Elena, Xavier’s mom, to the mix. Ashlie stares at me for a moment before narrowing her eyes.

“Are you ready for them to meet Jana?” She smirks.

“Absolutely not. That’s why she won’t meet them until the staff party, where everyone has to be on their best behavior,” I assure her, grinning.

“Speaking of that,” Ashlie interjects, turning to Chelsea with a smirk. “Chels, don’t you have something to tell Kyle?”

Chelsea shoots her a glare and shakes her head. Austin, Rodney, and I exchange puzzled looks. When Chelsea’s gaze lands on Austin, he erupts into laughter.

“OH. MY. GOD!” he exclaims, covering his mouth. “You invited Jana, didn’t you?” Chelsea winces at his words and looks my way.

“Please tell me you didn’t,” I plead. Chelsea remains silent, offering me an apologetic look. “Why?! Why would you do that?!”

“I’m sorry!” she blurts out. “I didn’t think it would be a big deal! The girls wanted to meet her, and it seemed like the perfect time since they were all coming into town.” I groan, dragging my hands down my face.

“It’ll be okay, Kyle,” Ashlie giggles.

“No, it won’t,” I counter. “Jana and I aren’t rushing things. Even if I explain that to Dad and Tío Jason, they’ll try to push it further.

“And let’s not forget Tía Elena! She’ll probably start planning a wedding ten minutes after meeting her.” They all burst into laughter. “I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.” I sigh.

“You mean you don’t want to feel uncomfortable,” Austin teases.

Ashlie and Chelsea join in his laughter, and all I can do is shake my head. “I don’t see what the big deal is. She’s practically family already.”

“That’s true, little brother,” Ashlie chimes in, still giggling. “I think I might love her more than you.” I narrow my eyes at her and toss a pillow her way.

She throws it back, and suddenly we’re in the middle of a full-blown pillow fight. After a few minutes, we stop to tidy up the living room before Jana emerges and starts asking questions.

Ashlie settles next to me and takes my hand. “Hey,” she murmurs.

I turn to her, and she offers me a comforting smile. “Don’t stress. We all know how much she means to you, and I don’t think anyone will do anything to scare her off.”

I sigh and nod, leaning my head back on the couch to stare at the ceiling. Ashlie nudges me with her shoulder. I lift my head to look at her. “Everyone is going to love her, and do you know why?”

“No, why?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. She squeezes my hand and grins.

“Because we love you, and you love her.” A small smile tugs at my lips at my sister’s words. She was right. I love her.