Page 93 of Until Joy

“They're going to be awful to you.” I turned to face him, taking in his sleep-rumpled hair and the beard that always looked perfect no matter what. “Randy's already in full protective big brother mode, and Seth's probably worse.”

“Baby, I handled ISIS fighters who wanted to kill me. I think I can manage your brothers.”

I traced my finger along his collarbone, needing the contact. “The ISIS fighters didn't love me before you did.”

“There is that.”

“I guess we need to get up. Want to share a shower?” He grinned.

With that, all thoughts of my brothers flew out of my mind.

Thirty minutes and two orgasms later, I was barely dressed, with my wet hair in a braid, just starting to mix up the waffle batter when the rumble of a truck engine announced my brothers' arrival. Through the kitchen window, I watched Seth climb out of the driver's side while Randy emerged from the passenger seat, both of them surveying Graham's house with expressions that clearly found it lacking.

“They look thrilled to be here.” Graham appeared at my shoulder, handing me a fresh cup of coffee.

“Just remember, underneath all that attitude, they love me.” I leaned into his solid warmth for a moment. “And they're scared.”

The doorbell rang, followed immediately by heavy knocking.

“I'll get it.” Graham squeezed my shoulder.

I heard the front door open, followed by voices that carried easily through the house.

“You must be Graham.” Seth's voice held all the warmth of a winter morning.

“Seth. Randy.” Graham's tone stayed perfectly neutral. “Come on in. Joy's just starting breakfast.”

I turned the bacon in the pan, hoping the smell would make it to the doorway. Then I poured the first round of batter into the waffle maker.

“Smells good.” That was Randy, already sounding slightly less confrontational. Food had always been his weakness.

I turned as the three men entered the kitchen, wiping my hands on a dish towel. Seth looked exactly like he always did, tall and lean with the same blond hair I'd inherited, though his was cut military short. Randy had gotten Dad's darker coloring and broader build, making him look like a linebacker next to Seth's runner’s physique.

“Hey, guys.” I crossed to hug them both, breathing in the familiar scent of home that clung to their clothes.

Seth's arms wrapped around me tightly. “We missed you, JoJo.”

“Missed you, too.” I pulled back to look at them both. “You guys look good. How was the drive?”

“Long. Interesting setup you have here,” Randy said as he eyed the patio furniture inside the house, with the recliner butted up against the patio table.

The dig was unmistakable. I felt my shoulders tense.

“Graham has a minimalistic style.”

Graham snorted.

“Coffee's fresh. Mugs are in the cabinet above the pot,” I said.

Seth poured coffee for himself and Randy while Graham leaned against the counter, perfectly relaxed despite the obvious tension.

“So.” Randy settled into one of the bar stools, wrapping his hands around his mug. “How long have you two been together?”

“A couple months.” I slid the first waffle in front of him, along with butter, whip cream, strawberries and three strips of bacon.

“And you're already living together?”

“Randy.” Seth's voice carried a warning.