The Strong Family Romance Collection Page 4

  “Sure. You’re … surprisingly chill about your beautiful house getting destroyed.”

  Gavin shrugged and focused on Austin, who was already refilling his glass of chocolate milk. “It’s just a house.” Gavin took all the dirty rags, bundled them up, and dropped them in the sink.

  “Where’s the washing machine?” Ella asked.

  “There’s a set in the mudroom, but each bedroom has their own washer and dryer in the closet.”

  “Wow.” She must’ve missed that in her hurry to change. “This place is incredible, bro. How long ago did you finish it?”

  “About six weeks. Just got the landscaping done days ago.”

  “I love it.” She did find it strange that a single guy would build such a house, but maybe there was someone significant in his life. If he could build a house since Easter, maybe … “So, is there someone special in mind that you built this house for?” She winked.

  Gavin’s gaze slid to Austin. The little man was dunking cookies and plunging them into his mouth. “Just my bro.”

  Austin looked up and gave him a thumbs-up and a toothy grin. “Bros before girls,” he said.

  “Oh, you did not just say that,” Ella said.

  “Sticks before chicks,” Austin taunted.

  “You are a little punk.”

  Austin laughed. “Just kidding, sis. I love the ladies. I’d only put Gavin before them.”

  Gavin grinned. “Good kid, eh?” He whirled on Ella. “Your bike’s waiting outside. You can ride it down to meet the group.”

  “Oh, perfect. Thanks so much.” She started toward the door.

  “Hey, can you do me a favor?”

  “Sure.” She stopped and turned to her oldest brother. Gavin was always taking care of all of them. Such a great guy. She’d do anything he asked.

  “Don’t let Trey flirt with you, and if he asks you out, please say no.”

  “Excuse me?” Anything but that. Her dream man was finally stopping and taking notice of her, they were both here for the week with all kinds of exciting possibilities laid before them, and Gavin was asking her … No, not happening.

  Gavin’s eyes flicked to the bracelet on her wrist before he glanced out the massive windows. “You know I love Trey like a brother, but you’re young and inexperienced and he’s dated the entire world.”

  Wow. Both assumptions hurt. Then again, she’d seen through social media that he was probably right about Trey. “I am not young and inexperienced,” she began. “I’ve been away to college for four years. Do you think I just sat in the library every night?”

  Gavin glanced at her again, a muscle working in his jaw. “I prayed that you did.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, Gav, I really appreciate you being the tough, big brother who’s going to protect the entire family, but I’m a big girl. I can make my own decisions.” And one of those decisions was going to be spending as much time with Trey as she could. He’d flirted with her and given her the bracelet. It had to mean something.

  Gavin slowly nodded. “I know you can, and will, make your own decisions. I just …” He pushed out a breath. “Don’t want to see you hurt.”

  Ella knew that was his motivation, and she didn’t blame him, but she still couldn’t tolerate being treated like a child. “Thanks for caring.”

  “But if Trey asks you out?”

  “I’m definitely going.”

  “Look.” Gavin focused on Austin, who was obliviously dunking Oreos in his fresh glass of chocolate milk and shoving them in his mouth while he played on the iPad. How had that iPad avoided getting covered in chocolate milk a few seconds ago? “I’d trust Trey with my life.”

  “But not with your sister?” she shot back at him.

  “It’s not that I don’t trust him. I don’t think he would disrespect you or push any boundaries, but he’s six years older than you and has years of experience dating. He’s seen the world and dated most of the women in it. Do you really want to be another number to him? I’m sure he’ll treat you good, probably treat you like a princess all weekend, make you fall for him, and then he’ll head off to his next job and his next girl without looking back.”

  Ella hated, hated the picture Gavin was painting of Trey. Yet in her gut, she was afraid it was probably accurate. Sure, she’d dated in college, but she’d never dated a man with the appeal and confidence that Trey had. She could sense that Gavin’s prophecy would absolutely come true. Trey would treat her amazingly—maybe she’d finally get those kisses she’d dreamt about since she was a teenager, and she’d most definitely fall head over heels for him—but it couldn’t possibly mean to him what it would mean to her. He’d seen too much, dated too many fabulous women; how could she possibly capture such a man’s heart like she’d role-played in her mind over and over again? A simple Instagram search of #treynelsonstunts would pull up page after page of different pictures of gorgeous women with their arms wrapped around him.

  She fingered the bracelet, her stomach sick. She’d thought finally this was her chance, but she was still being stupid and immature where Trey Nelson was concerned.

  She must’ve looked as deflated as she felt, because Gavin came up and voluntarily gave her a side hug. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a jerk, but I’m worried.”

  She nodded, blinking back tears that she would be humiliated to let fall. “Thanks for worrying.”

  He peered down at her. “I know, sis.”

  “You know …” Her heart started thumping faster. “Know what exactly?”

  “I know you’ve been enamored with Trey since you were a little girl.”

  “Has it shown on my face?” she asked, horrified. Did Trey know how long she’d wanted him? How humiliating was that?

  Gavin gave her a patient smile. “I don’t think he’s noticed. Sometimes you don’t see what you aren’t looking for even if it’s there.”

  Interesting words of wisdom from Gavin. But it was probably true where she and Trey were concerned. Trey had only seen her as a little sister, so he probably assumed she felt the same way.

  “But Mama and I have talked about it a few times over the years,” Gavin said.

  At least Trey hadn’t noticed. That was good, but it actually reaffirmed what Gavin was trying to get through her thick skull. Trey didn’t even notice her. He’d taken notice today because it’d been a while since they’d seen each other and she’d matured, but he’d never consider her a serious prospect. A man like Trey might never consider anyone a serious prospect, too busy traveling and enjoying life.

  Ella straightened, and Gavin pulled away. She gave him the best smile she could manage. “It doesn’t matter. I’m leaving in a few days, and I’m here to spend time with you, Austin, Mama, and Papa. I’ll treat him like a sibling like we’ve always treated each other.”

  Gavin nodded. “That’s smart.” His shoulders kind of drooped. “I’m sorry. I know how it hurts to have feelings for someone your entire life, yet know they’re not the right one for you.”

  Ella’s mind was yanked away from Trey, and she blinked at her brother. “You do?”

  Gavin looked back at Austin. He was finished with his Oreos, but he was intent on whatever game was on his iPad. “Yeah,” he murmured.

  Ella edged closer. She remembered Gavin having a high school girlfriend, but nothing since. Gavin and Trey used to double-date almost every weekend, but she’d been much more intent on Trey’s high school girlfriend, Kaytlyn Klein, than she ever had on Gavin’s. Did her brother still love … she couldn’t even remember the girl’s name. Something-nielle. Danielle? Shanielle? No, that wasn’t right. “How come I’ve never heard about you and some long-lost love?”

  Gavin snapped back to face her. His back went ramrod straight, and his face looked like he was carved from granite. It was interesting that Nick had chosen the military path when Gavin could make a general quake in their boots. “Forget I said anything.”

  “I won’t forget,” she teased.

  “Forget
it!” Gavin roared, his face going red.

  Ella took a step back, and Austin finally broke away from his iPad. “Bro?” he questioned timidly.

  “Sorry,” Gavin said to Ella. He swallowed hard and looked to Austin. “Sorry, buddy. I kind of … flipped out for a second.”

  “Sheesh, you scared me. You good?” Austin gave him a thumbs-up, then turned his thumb all the way down then to the side. “Or not sure yet? You need a time-out?”

  Gavin gave an unsteady chuckle. “I’m good. Thanks.”

  “Big people.” Austin gave an exaggerated eye roll, then focused back on his game.

  Gavin met Ella’s gaze with obvious chagrin. “I’m sorry,” he said again. “I don’t like to think about …” He broke off and jammed a hand through his dark hair.

  “Obviously.” Ella felt frozen. She’d seen her brothers get mad, but there was something terrifying about that “forget it,” and not because she thought Gavin would take it out on her or anyone else. Gavin had impressive self-control, but he was obviously bottling up a lot of pain and had been for years. It made her ache for him. “Is that why you don’t really … date?”

  Gavin gave a chagrined laugh. “What has Mama been telling you?”

  “She worries.”

  “I know she does. I’m fine. Sorry.” He shook his head, far away from her, judging by the look in his eyes. “You’d better go do the mountain bike ride.”

  Ella was thrust back to the present and how her Trey dreams had been crushed. “Oh. I don’t know.”

  “Go. It’ll be fine. If you don’t come, he’ll have more questions than if you go and just treat him like a brother. It’s a fun ride.” He paused and then admitted, “I just don’t want you hurt.”

  “Like you’ve been hurt?” she ventured.

  He studied the outside view again. “Yeah.”

  “Thanks for caring.” She truly meant it, though her stomach felt like it was full of rocks. Gavin had been hurt horribly and had never moved on. He was trying to protect her from the same sort of pain. Could Trey truly inflict that kind of pain on her? Not intentionally, but with how much she’d always adored him from childhood on up, he could easily capture and seal her heart with him inside, then shatter it from the inside out when he dropped her, headed out on his next adventure, and found his next beautiful woman to date.

  She tilted her chin to Gavin. “I’ll see ya.” Then she raised her voice. “Save me some Oreos for after my ride!” she called to Austin.

  “You got it, big girl!”

  Gavin and Ella both laughed. “He doesn’t realize that’s not a compliment,” Gavin said. He walked with her to the front door and gave her one more smile. “There’s nothing big about you, but you’ve grown into a beautiful and confident woman, sis.” It was the most generous compliment she’d ever heard from her oldest brother.

  “Thanks, Gav. I wish I could say the same, but you’ve always been handsome and confident, and there’s lots that big about you.”

  He chuckled and nudged her toward the porch steps and the bike waiting there for her. “Have fun. Be safe.”

  Why did the words “be safe” feel ominous? She had no fear of any mountain bike route or even the animals lurking in the forest. She’d been trained her entire life to come off the conqueror with both. This “be safe” was more about guarding her heart. Could she keep it safe from the charming and delectable Trey Nelson? She blew out a breath and steeled her spine. She had to listen to her brother’s advice. He knew both of them so well, and he’d never hurt either of them. In fact, he loved Trey so much, Ella had actually imagined Gavin would encourage them dating with the hope they would end up together and he’d officially have Trey as a brother. The fact that he had warned her off instead was very sobering.

  Be safe.

  It was going to be rough.

  Chapter Four

  Trey’s eyes darted toward the road that led to the Strongs’ private canyon and homes as he waited at the parking lot of the lodge. He took the time to greet everyone personally, spending a little extra time with those he hadn’t met last night when he’d first arrived here and helping the fifteen participants of this mountain bike adventure make sure they were fitted properly for their bikes. Where was Ella? He gave the group instructions on how to lean and maximize their leg strength going up the mountain, and how to stay loose and avoid crashing going down, all the while praying and hoping she’d appear.

  When they were on the ride, he’d work with them on whatever tricks they wanted to learn, or, if they were the safer type, he’d just help them feel good about their performance and enjoy rubbing shoulders and getting action shots with what most people considered a celebrity. Online celebrity, that is. It was kind of a joke, but it had secured his career. The cameraman they’d hired for the weekend was ready and gave him a thumbs-up, but Trey wasn’t going without Ella.

  Would she stand him up? What if Gavin had gone home to warn her off of dating Trey? His eyes narrowed. That was probably why his friend had been so quick to volunteer getting the bike for Ella. Had he convinced her not to come? Some kind of friend Gav was. Trey knew Gavin was fiercely loyal to him, but he also knew Gavin’s protection of his sisters would trump that loyalty. How could he convince Gavin, and Ella, that his intentions were pure? Were they pure?

  As a biker came into view—her long, dark hair streaming out from under her helmet, and her lean body encased in a tank top and bike shorts—Trey doubted any man’s intentions could be completely pure around such a beauty. When their gazes met and she granted him her gorgeous smile, they seemed to connect on a deeper level than he’d ever connected with any of the many women he’d dated. Maybe his intentions were one hundred percent pure. She could easily be the perfect woman for him. Everything about her just fit: she was adventurous, smart, and funny; she had the best family in the world; she was a believer; and she was the most attractive woman he’d ever met.

  Suddenly, her eyes dimmed and her smile slipped. She broke eye contact with him and stopped at the back of the group, next to none other than the idiot Marcus. The man gave her a huge, welcoming grin and even had the gall to squeeze her forearm. Trey was going to bust that poser’s skull, and soon.

  Trey’s eyes traveled over her again, and he saw the pink-and-green bracelet on her left wrist. She wouldn’t have put it on if it didn’t mean something to her. They had history, and he wanted them to have a future.

  “Hey, Trey, you gonna give us our ride now?” a thirty-something blonde asked from the front of the group. She gave him a lewd wink, and Trey made a mental note to keep as much distance as he could.

  “Um, just one moment.” He held up a finger and tried to convey with his gaze to Ella that he wanted her to come up and ride next to him, but she studiously avoided looking at him, playing with her mileage indicator. At least she wasn’t encouraging Marcus, though he could see the man’s jaw flapping at her.

  Leaning his bike against the bike rack, he strode around the group and right up to Ella. She met his gaze, but something was off. She’d been so flirtatious and cute with him earlier; why did she now feel like she was a hundred miles away?

  “Hey.” He gave her what he’d been told by many women was his irresistible smile. When she barely returned the smile, he faltered on all his flirtatious lines. He swallowed and managed to say, “You all set?”

  She nodded, much too serious. “Yeah, Gavin lined me out.”

  Trey tilted his head to the side. What had Gavin done or said? Maybe Marcus wasn’t the only one who needed a little … head jostling.

  “Are we riding today?” Marcus interrupted.

  “Just a minute.” Trey’s neck was heating up. He had to get to the bottom of whatever “Gavin lined me out” meant, or his entire future might implode before he had a chance to even make his play for it. He eased in closer to her. “Did Gav fill your head with crazy stories about me?”

  She leveled him with an unemotional stare that unnerved him. “Just reminded me that you and I
are like brother and sister.”

  Trey backed away as if she’d slapped him. No, no, no. She couldn’t honestly still think of him as a brother now that they were all grown-up. That was gross and all kinds of wrong. “What if I have no brotherly feelings for you?” he asked in a low voice.

  Ella shrugged so adorably he almost pulled her in close. “Sucks to be you,” she said in a teasing manner, exactly the way she’d talk to one of her brothers.

  Oh no. He had to find Gavin and get to the bottom of this. His friend had obviously warned Ella off, and she was listening. Ella usually told Gavin off when he tried to give her unsolicited advice. She was probably just trying to be a respectful sister, but she was wrong to listen to Gavin. Forget family loyalty; he wanted to date her, dang it.

  He felt a rush of guilt. The Strong family had all been there for him, always. Their loyalty was one of the reasons he was the successful, confident person he was. He deflated, hurt that Gavin obviously didn’t want him dating Ella and that Ella seemed to agree with his insensitive friend. Did they think Trey wasn’t worthy of her? His dad had deserted his mom when she was pregnant with him, and his mom had sent him away when she couldn’t deal with him as a rambunctious nine-year-old, hardly having any contact with him since. Yet he’d never felt like any of the Strongs had judged him for having flaky, uncaring parents.

  “Come on, handsome,” the blonde called from up front. “Let’s go.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Trey gave Ella one more beseeching glance, then turned and strode away before he caught her looking at him like a brother. He shuddered at the nastiness of that.

  Striding to the front of the group again, he said, “I’ll lead the way.” He tilted his head. “Johnathon will take up the rear.” Johnathon worked for Gavin and was a fabulous mountain bike rider in his own right. He and Trey were planning to shoot some tricks after this ride along the lush green mountain trails. He loved this valley and the mountains surrounding it as much as any spot he’d traveled to.

  Trey’s gaze caught on Ella again. Her dark eyes were serious, but there was something in them. Maybe it was buried deep, but he knew when a woman was interested in him, and Ella had that look in her eyes. As if she wanted him but she wouldn’t let herself give in. Well, dang it, he was going to make her give in. Thought of him as a brother? No way.