Into My Own

Thirty-Four

"Yeah, I decided you were worth a shower," I teased, giving the man in front of me a once over.

He looked great in a dark blue western shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. The collar of a white T-shirt peeked out slightly between the buttons. A pair of dark wash wranglers were set off by his massive gold belt buckle that had obviously been won at a rodeo.

He was clutching his usual black cowboy hat in his fists. I was a bit awed that he had thought to take it off. The presence of water in his blonde hair and his fresh scent gave the impression that he had kept his promise of showing up cleaner than Monday.

"I'm glad we're on the same page there," he winked.

"I know I look like a wreck right now but I honestly do have an explanation..." I began rambling, trying to untangle my dripping hair with a nervous hand.

Charlie appeared at that moment, shutting me up.

"Hey, Kellan."

"Hey, Charlie," he grinned shaking my brother's hand firmly.

"Go on upstairs and finish getting ready," my brother told me quietly with a soft smile.

I gratefully excused myself and bounded back upstairs, water from my hair flying out behind me.

Even sitting by the window with my hairbrush I couldn't quite hear the words being exchanged between the two. Annoyed, I finished raking out my hair and tangled it into a haphazard braid.

Though the heat of the day was winding down, I was sweating profusely in the fitted t-shirt and jeans I had on. After a bit of deliberation, I decided to switch out the shirt for a loose, berry colored tank. Instead of yanking a pair of wool socks and boots over my bare feet like usual, I slipped into a pair of older flip flops.

Deciding that this was as good as it was gonna get, I took a deep breath and made my way down the stairs in a more graceful fashion than earlier.

The two boys were still standing on the front steps, seemingly deep in conversation.

"Hi," I waved awkwardly.

My date sent me a dimpled grin. "Hi again."

Charlie also turned in my direction. A quick glance from him warranted a subtle shake of the head but no commentary. I wasn't sure what was going through my big brother's brain, but I didn't really want to know.

I cleared my throat and directed a question at Kellan. "Uh, are you ready to go?"

The blonde glanced at my brother as if for permission.

"Kellan, I like you. But if you hurt my little sister, I will put you six feet under. Got it?"

Kellan nodded soberly while I tried not to cover my bright red face.

Charlie clapped him on the back. "Alright. Have fun but be back by eleven."

"Be safe. I love you," my brother whispered in my ear as I gave him a side hug.

"Love you too." I followed Kellan to the passenger door of his freshly washed black Ford and accepted the offered hand to help me up in it.

Charlie stood on the steps looking a bit forlorn as we pulled out of the drive.

"Are you okay?" Kellan's gentle tone interrupted my thoughts.