Stronger With Her (33 page)

Authors: JA Hensley

Tags: #Romantic, #Literature & Fiction, #Erotica, #Romance, #Contemporary

“Are you ready, James?” Stephanie asks as she puts her hand on my leg. Of course, that wakes up my cock, which I don’t want right now. Well, I want her, but not when we’re about to have brunch with my brothers.

“As I’ll ever be,” I answer tugging on her arm to bring her close enough for a kiss. She only allows a small peck before she moves away and gets out of the truck.

Once we’re in the house, the smell of bacon and the sounds of my brothers arguing take center stage.

“Fuck you, John. You know that Marino is the best quarterback ever,” Joe yells.

“Language!” My mother hollers from the kitchen.

“You’re such an idiot. No fracking way he’s better than Peyton Manning. Get your head out of your ass,” John replies.

“You’re both wrong. Hands down, Joe Montana is the top of that list. I can’t believe we’re even having this discussion,” Jason says quietly taking a sip of coffee.

“I can’t believe you guys haven’t even mentioned Elway, Unitas, Tarkenton, or Steve Young. I hope you don’t consider yourselves football fans,” Stephanie says loud enough for everyone to stop and stare at her. She looks back at my brothers and crosses her arms over her chest, challenging them to argue. I’ve never been more impressed in my life that someone rendered my family speechless.

“You’re amazing,” I whisper in her ear, which earns me a smile though she never takes her eyes off my brothers.

“Stephanie, I’m so glad you could join us,” my mother says as she pulls my girl into a hug.
My girl.
I like the sound of that.

“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Owens. I really appreciate the invitation.” She looks over at my brothers who are still not saying anything. “Are they always like that?”

“No dear, they’re just not used to someone being smarter than they are. Don’t worry, they’ll get over it soon enough. Would you like something to drink?”

Stephanie follows Ma into the kitchen after offering to help, and I sit down at the table with the mute triplets.

“For the love of Pete, you guys are going to catch flies,” I laugh. Joe is the first one to break.

“Runt, if you don’t marry that girl I will.”

“Yeah, she’s a keeper,” John agrees. I feel my chest puff up a little with pride.

“She’s something really special. I never thought I’d be able to move on, but she makes it easy.” They all nod in agreement, not saying anything.

“Well, enough of this sappy shit, I want bacon,” Jason says lightening the mood for us all.

“Is he coming today,” I ask John.

“I don’t know. He’s not talked to any of us since Friday night. Is she prepared in case he does?” he asks glancing in the kitchen. Maureen and Stephanie are talking while helping Ma get the eggs out of the refrigerator.

“She’s tough and she knows what she’s dealing with now. Of course I’ll kick his ass if he does anything to upset her.”

“We’ll be right behind you,” he agrees as the front door closes. We look at each other and roll our eyes. This ought to be interesting.

“Hey douchebags,” Jacob says as he walks past us into the kitchen. I follow closely behind him, just to make sure he behaves.

“Well, Stephanie, nice to see you again,” Jacob says sarcastically. He walks toward her and I can see her stiffen.

“I wish I could say the same, Jake. Excuse me,” she says as she tries to walk around him.

“Don’t be like that,” he says reaching out and grabbing her arm. She stops and stares up at him defiantly.

“Look, I don’t want to cause a scene, but don’t think for one second that I will put up with your crap. Have some respect for yourself and your mother. Act like a grown up.”

Maureen chuckles and Jacob’s face turns red.

“How dare you,” he starts, but Stephanie cuts him off.

“Should we tell your mom about what happened when you went out with your brothers two nights ago? I’m sure she’d be super proud of her son who can’t keep it together in front of a room full of strangers. Better yet, maybe I’ll hold onto that little tidbit in case you ever find a woman stupid enough to go out with you,” she says quietly. Jacob glares at her but lets go and she walks by him.

“That’s my girl,” I say as I pull her into a hug and kiss her firmly on the lips. Yes, I did it to piss him off, but I don’t really care.

“Brunch is ready,” Ma announces acting as if nothing has happened. Everyone helps her bring all the food to the table.

Once we’re all seated, we hold hands to say Grace. Usually, John does it but Ma tells him that she wants to this time.

“Lord,” she begins and we all bow our heads. “Thank you for blessing this family. We are so grateful for all that you have provided, healthy sons, beautiful women who put up with them, the close relationship we all share and the strength to handle any trials we may encounter. Please continue to watch over us, and know that we are forever grateful to you. Amen.”

I give Stephanie’s hand a squeeze before letting go. As I look into her eyes, I send up my own silent prayer of thanks for bringing her into my life and making me stronger with her.

Read other books by JA Hensley

Thank you for taking the time to read Stronger With Her. This book deals with suicide, which is a topic that, unfortunately, continues to be an issue in our society. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts, please seek help. There are trained professionals in every community. If you don’t know where to go, here are a few toll-free numbers you can call to get started on the road to recovery.

In the United States:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

In Australia:

13 11 14

I love to hear from readers!

Writing a book is never easy. The process is long and tedious, but it would be even worse without the support of so many people.

First and foremost, I have to thank my husband and daughter. They put up with so many days, nights, and weekends of Mommy being stuck to the computer and traveling to signing events. I couldn’t ask for a more understanding family.

My beta readers Pam Herald, Danielle Downey-Morris, Karen McIntosh, Mo Systma, and Danielle Goodwin, without you this book would not be finished. Thanks to all of you for pushing me to be better!

My author friends, who have been by my side every step of the way. Kate Roth, thank you for plotting out this book during our trip home from Cleveland and for reading it in chunks. Amber Nation, thank you for reading the book and giving writing advice along the way. Savannah Stewart, Amy Lynn, and Nacole Stayton, this year wouldn’t have been the same without our trips to Corydon. Thanks for including me in your group! Sydney Logan, my BFF, for your unwavering support, your suggestions, your honesty, and for loving me no matter what.

Thank you to my street team, Hensley’s Harlots. I appreciate all you do to help spread the word about my books!

Big thanks to Robbie Lozier for help with the technical speak of computers and to Sarah Pascoe and Paula Gold for helping me find just the right songs for this book. To Savvy Designs for making some awesome teasers! My S
³girls, you’ve put up with a lot of complaining, begging, whining, and opinion polls and I can’t thank you enough for putting up with me!

Special thanks to my editor, Silla Webb, and my proofreaders Patti Jaeger, Terri Gislason, and Rebecca Mullen. You’ve worked so hard to make me a better writer.

The biggest thank you to the readers. There’s really no way to express my gratitude to everyone who takes a chance and reads my books. I know that you have a choice where to spend your hard-earned money and I am so grateful that you picked Stronger With Her. I hope you enjoyed it and will leave a review and recommend it to your friends.

Stronger With Her

Strength Series #2

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and

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The story contains mature themes, strong language, and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.

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