The Situation (Brewer Family #5)

by Adriana Locke

Jamie Ralston is known for many things. She’s one of the best hairstylists in Nashville and owns one of the most popular salons, The Luxe. Her sense of humor is unmatched. She has an unbelievable shoe collection, knows every lyric to every country song written in the past thirty years, and has perfected the pouty red lip. But she’s the last person I’d go to for emotional support unless I’m ready to hear the raw, ugly truth.

But a month ago, I picked up my first romance novel in years. My sex drive is suddenly back and very, very needy.

Lol same girlie same

I turn to take my drink from her, but instead of reaching for it, my attention focuses on a man standing at the front of the plane. Ocean-colored eyes. Square jawline. Sinful smirk. Whoever is on the other end of his call must be getting an earful because the veins in his temple pulse. “Thank you,” I say, taking my drink from the flight attendant. She glances over her shoulder, then grins at me knowingly. The man passes aisle one and then aisle two. The lady by the window nearly breaks her neck looking at him. Aisle three is full. Chaos floods my body as he gets closer. He stops at the seat next to me, flashing a killer smile my way. Jamie, I’m sorry I lied to you. I return his smile. First class could—and did—get a whole lot better.

“This is the moment when I say something clever and you laugh,” he says, his gaze dancing with amusement. “But I have completely lost my train of thought.” “Why?” “Because I expected to sit next to someone much older and much less attractive than you.”

“What are you reading?” he asks once we’re at cruising altitude. “A book,” I say without looking up. “What kind of a book? Thriller? Biography? Nonfiction?” “It’s a romance novel.” “What’s it about? And don’t say romance.” I hide a smile and finally raise my gaze to his, only to catch his eyes sparkling. Good God. “It’s about what every romance novel is about—a happy ending,” I say. Seconds go by as my words sink into his brain. His brows lift, and a slow, sexy smile slips across his lips. “Is that an innuendo?” he asks. “Maybe.” “Now I’m curious.” He glances at the book cover. “What’s the plot? Or is it just … happy endings?” “There are enough of both to be satisfying.”

“I didn’t see a wedding ring,” he says. “Does that mean there’s no Mr. Kapowski?” I laugh. “Is that your slick way of asking if I’m married?” He takes a drink, watching me over the rim. “I just want to know if I have any competition.” “Competition? For what?” “For you.”

Tate is fucking smooth

“I don’t understand.” I smile. “The women you typically engage with are at one stage of life, and I am at another. They’re in their twenties and have energy to toss around. On the other hand, I’m just looking forward to getting to my hotel and having dinner at this cute little restaurant called Ruma inside the hotel, if I can get in, before going to my room, lighting a candle, and taking a hot bath.” I shrug. “We aren’t the same.” “But you still want to have dinner with me tonight, right?”

“I don’t typically set up dinner dates with men I’ve only just met on planes,” I say. “Sorry.” “What are the requirements then?” Huh? “What do you mean?” “Tell me what I need to do to see you tonight.”

Kelly’s grin tugs at my heart. The curve of her shoulder as it gently slopes to her neck knots my stomach. The way she turned me down? It fucks with me. Hard.

“No, I haven’t been drinking,” I say, slipping off my shoes. “We met on the plane and connected. We had a moment. I can’t explain it.” “I bet you did.” “You know what? I don’t like your tone.” He chokes back another laugh. “Why is this so funny? Renn got accidentally married in Vegas. Jason married his secretary. You married my best friend. And you somehow think that meeting your soulmate on a plane is wild?” I ask. “It sounds like a pretty normal way to meet a woman, if you ask me.”

“You, Carys Brewer, have done the impossible,” I say, cutting to the chase. “Oh really? What did I do?” I open the closet, pull a few things, and lay them on the bed. “You’ve started to rub off on your husband,” I say, surveying my selections. “The fucker almost has a personality.”

Twisting the camera to face Carys again, I frown. “I asked her out, and she kinda turned me down.” “What?” Carys’s eyes go wide before she bursts out laughing. “You got turned down?” I glare at her. “It’s not funny.”

“What’s happening, Tate?” she asks. “I don’t know. I met this woman on the plane.” Carys grins. “She’s the whole package. She’s beautiful. Sexy. Funny. She has this …” It’s more than her sinful body and sweet smile. It’s not just her laugh that I can still hear ringing in my ears. I wanted to pull her onto my lap when she touched me. It’s the crazy mix of confidence in her language and vulnerability in her eyes that has me unable to stop thinking about her. And I don’t know how to explain that without freaking Carys out. If I said that to her, she’d probably call an ambulance.

“What was this guy like? Tell me about him.” “He’s physical perfection. His personality is a mix of sexy and playful, which makes my brain overheat. He sat by me on the plane, and we had a great conversation. He was just …” I put a hand to my chest and sigh. “I’m in over my head here, Tally. What am I doing?” “You are not in over your head.” She giggles. “Listen, I know you just got divorced and want to ease your way into dating again, but he doesn’t sound like a serial killer or sheep kicker.”

Ummm…he wants to marry her

Of course, she googled Kelly Kapowski.

Its a shame people arent cultured enough to know saved by the bell

The idea of seeing Tate again sends a rush of excitement down my spine. I can’t remember the last time I felt like this—so … alive. “Fuck it. What can it hurt?” I snort as I reach for the lotion again. “Famous last words …”

My steps slow as I approach the entrance of Ruma. A small group of stunning college-aged girls stands beside the arched doorway. They huddle together, holding drinks and cell phones, whispering as they not-so-subtly stare … at me? Before I can turn around, a large palm skims the small of my back, and the contact, combined with Tate’s proximity and the warm spiciness of his cologne, lights my body on fire. My legs wobble as his touch spreads through me like wildfire. He’s here. “Every man out here is staring at you,” he says softly behind me, his lips inches from the shell of my ear. “And to think I’m the lucky bastard who gets the privilege of sharing the evening with you.” Holy shit. Universe, I accept.

“My God, Kelly.” He takes another step back, his gaze caressing my body from my face to my stilettos. Every movement feathers the fire burning in my core. “You are an absolute dream.”

Im finding this fucking funny

“Do you know how beautiful you are?” he asks. “And how smokin’ hot?” “Do you realize that there is a pod of girls standing ten feet to your right who are practically drooling over you?” He lifts a brow. “Really? Then let me wrap my arm around you so you don’t slip as we go inside.”

I KNEW I LOVED TATE FOR A REASON FROM THE VERY BEGINNING

“And what is it you want, exactly?” “You.” An easy, cheeky grin kisses his lips as he stares down at me. “This is for you.” A long-stemmed red rose appears out of nowhere. “You got me a rose?” I ask, surprised and confused. How did he have time to find a rose? “You’re adorable.” My brows pull together as he hands me the rose. “I love that you think I’ve been able to think about anything other than you.”

“I’ve traveled a lot.” Both of my husbands loved to travel, so I pretended to enjoy it, too. Such a waste of time. “I’m more of a homebody these days.”

Same babes

He smiles. “My girl Mimi likes to cook.” Mimi? I nod as if a streak of jealousy didn’t just rip through me. “Mimi is my brother’s wife’s grandmother,” he says, winking.

MIMI THE GODDESS THAT SHE IS bat shit crazy too

I laugh. “Does Mimi have a thing for you?” “I’ll put it to you like this—I see her almost every Wednesday for our date night. That usually consists of dinner that I pick up somewhere and a cookie or cake she makes for me. Then we get into her golf cart, and I drive her, usually shirtless, around the neighborhood so she can make the old man at the end of the street jealous.” My giggles are instantaneous. “You’re serious?” “You’ve never tasted her lemon meringue pie.” He smiles from ear to ear. “She’s really … I wouldn’t say sweet because she can be hell on wheels, but we love her. Two of my other brothers and I have adopted her as our pseudo-grandma. She likes me best, of course.” “Naturally.” “I’m going to pretend that I didn’t hear the sarcasm in your voice.” “You do that.”

“Have you chosen dessert yet?” She smirks and glances at Tate. “Aside from the obvious.” I exhale, relieved to be in the presence of a girl’s girl. “Not yet.”

YES GIRL'S GIRL

“What are you after, Tate?” He holds my gaze unabashedly. “The mother of my children,” he says without apology.

Thats you honey

“You stood some of the time?” She laughs softly. “Who sits in a lobby with an open reservation just hoping someone walks by?” I hold her gaze. “Someone who knows what they want.” “And you want me?” “You have no fucking idea how much I want you.”

I am going to rock her world so fucking hard that she’ll want even more than my number. She’ll want me.

“Whatever gets you off is what I’m into.”

“Are you sure you won’t smother to death from this?” I ask. “Can’t think of a better way to go out.”

I grab my phone and pull up the app. Then I type in Kelly Kapowski. Four accounts pull up with the same chick that is definitely not my Kelly. “The fuck?” I open a browser and search for her there. “Why is this only pulling up a television show?” I open one article and discover that Kelly Kapowski is the name of a character from a teenage sitcom. “Her mom must’ve been a fan. People are so weird.”

Well bless your heart

“I really should’ve fucked your stepmommy,” I tell Carys. “Then you could’ve known what it’s like to have someone from your family reject you.” Carys laughs. “Aurora isn’t my stepmommy anymore, remember? So if you had hooked up with her, she wouldn’t have been my family. Besides, I like Aurora. She wouldn’t reject me.” “Like Kelly rejected you.” Gannon chuckles again.

Welp…i meannnnnnn

“I’m sorry,” Tate says, the corner of his lip twitching. “I missed your name.” I bite my tongue. “Aurora Johnson.” “Aurora Johnson.” He says my name slowly, as if tasting it on his tongue.

Fucker

I’m a romantic at heart and have a habit of falling for the first man who crosses my path when I’m vulnerable. And traditionally speaking, the first man to cross my path isn’t the one for me.” “That makes total sense.” “Good.” “It seems as though a few motherfuckers cut in line.”

“Aurora.” My heart leaps in my chest as I stop pushing. “Yeah?” “You could’ve left me half of the pie.” I snort, shaking my head, and walk out.

Nope. No sir. That pie was for her and her alone

“Apparently, Tate’s last name is Brewer. As in, he’s part owner of the franchise.” Jamie gasps. “You banged a billionaire?” I burst out laughing. “I guess so. I hadn’t thought of it like that.” “You’re the new Anastasia Steele.”

LMAO

“Well, pull some strings for your woman over here and tell them I don’t want Callum. I liked Grey. Can I just have Grey?” “You just think Grey is cute.” “So? Let me look,” she says, throwing up her hands. “I’m going to die soon. Let me get my kicks in while I can.”

“She left here about twenty minutes ago,” Tally says. “There was just enough time for her to run home, get cleaned up, and then get to Caesar’s by six.” The way she says each word makes it clear she’s intentionally dropping information. I really, really like this girl. “You know what? Forget the number,” I say, my brain two steps ahead of her. “I’ll contact Aurora another way.” “I think that sounds like a great idea, Mr. Brewer. You should do that.” I smile. “Tally?” “Yes?” “Go home. You’ve gone above and beyond today.” She laughs as I end the call.

“Electronic things typically prefer men.” “Excuse me?” I ask, my eyes widening. “It’s not women’s fault. I think it’s something in their body chemistry that does it.”

Bitch wha-!?

My hand wraps around the door handle, and I twist and push. As I take a step inside the small room, a palm splays against the small of my back and ushers me inside. I gasp, swinging around like a madwoman, ready to brawl. But I don’t even get turned all the way before I’m hauled into a wide, strong body, and a mouth that I’m very familiar with comes crashing down onto mine. Tate yanks me to him, carrying us both into the restroom and locking the door behind us. My brain misfires. It’s unable to compute a thought. Instead, my body takes over and I melt into the man I’ve been thinking about all day. “What are you doing here?” I ask, my head spinning. He smirks. “Checking out my competition.”

“I think the fuckhead you’re having dinner with is the only one who’s oblivious to it.” “Fuckhead?” I laugh. “You don’t even know him.” He stares at me. “I’d want to fight him for being with my girl if he wasn’t so pathetic.”

“Your body is fucking fire, but your brain is the sexiest thing about you,” he says. “And I mean that in the best way.”

“You’re the hot stepmommy,” he says, his eyes twinkling.

“It was harmless,” he says. “Don’t panic. Anyway, I saw a picture of you looking hot as fuck in your cheer uniform. And I’ve always teased Carys that I wanted to bang her hot stepmommy. Now I’m banging her hot stepmommy.” “Never call me that again.” He cackles. “New kink unlocked.” “Stop it!” “Wanna role-play?” He wiggles his brows. “You can⁠—” “Tate! Stop,” I say, trying not to laugh at his ridiculousness. “You didn’t even hear me out.” I sigh. “You can call me Daddy if you want.”

“Oops,” he says, grinning devilishly. “Right. Oops, my ass.” “I can oops your ass.”

His kiss is tender and sweet, and I melt into him. But as he pulls away, his smirk is back. “Ready to get eaten, Stepmommy?” “Tate!” His laughter mixes with mine. And if this is the kind of relationship Tate has in mind, I might be okay with it after all.

He has SERIOUS mommy issues

“As you know, I met my future wife,” I say. “No Kelly jokes. Now isn’t the time.” Gannon holds his hands in front of him. “Not saying a word.” “Guess who she is.” I pause but can only manage to wait a couple of seconds. “Time’s up. Her name is Aurora Johnson.” “Who?” Gannon asks. Carys’s jaw drops. “You’re kidding me.” “I’m not. I am, in fact, banging your hot stepmommy.” Gannon’s lip twitches. “Only you, Tate. Only you.”

“Did you know that your father abused Aurora?” I ask, licking my lips. Carys’s eyes widen, and she shakes her head. “No.” “Did he ever touch you?” Gannon asks, his eyes darkening. “No,” she says, shaking her head again. “No. Absolutely not.” My brother and I exchange a look. Between the two of us, Kent Johnson’s days are numbered. “Apparently, there was a dinner she was making for you, I think. Pot roast? And⁠—” “Oh my God. Yes! She had hurt her back somehow. I think she said she fell.” “Yeah, well, your dad did that to her.” Carys covers her mouth. “Is she okay?” “She’s okay. Your dad is a dead man as soon as I get my hands on him.”

“Gannon high-fived me for banging the hot stepmommy.” “He did not.” “You’re right. He didn’t.” Tate laughs. “Gannon has never high-fived anyone in his life.” I exhale into the phone. Bastard.

I can’t wipe the smile off my face. How did I get so lucky to find a woman who’s as brilliant as she is beautiful?

I’ve fallen in love with her, and I fucking hope the feeling is mutual.