Free Caught Off Guard by C.M. Steele

he’s been here, a big grouch.”
    “No, for a big tough guy he has a good heart. He is really easy-going unless it is something serious. Then nobody better cross him.” Jackson said matter-of-factly. He stood in front of me. I thought he was going to question me about Mike, but he got really serious and said, “Zoey, I love you. I’m so sorry that you were hurt. You have no idea how destroyed I’m that you got involved in my problems with Thompson.” I stopped him right there.
    “Jax, don’t. It is not your fault there are those that envy you. I have watched people envy what we have and it is just a matter of time before one of the crazies try to take it from us. I love you my big bro.” I hugged him and he pulled me in tight.
    “Now, I’ll be back in a few days, so you better behave. Don’t give the guys too much shit. And don’t think I don’t know what is going on between you and Mike. I don’t want to know details, but I want you to know he is a good guy and don’t try to make the guy jealous with that Rick boy that came by. He seems like a good kid, but Mike will crush him.”
    “Thanks Jax.” He walked me down the stairs and into the kitchen.
    “Well I got to go talk to Mike then make my wife smile before I go. Do me a favor and keep an eye on her for me. I don’t want her to feel lonely.”
    “You know you don’t have to be concerned about that. I love her too. Have a safe flight.” He winked and walked out of the room.
    I just sat down with my cup of coffee when Milo walked in the room.
    “Good morning Milo.” I smiled warily at the giant.
    “Morning Zoey. I think Elizabeth wants to go see her family today, so I’m going to leave you here with Mike. Is that okay?”
    “Yes that is will be fine.”
    “Please don’t hurt him. I know you think he is beneath you, but he is wealthy. We maybe new money, but we still have money.”
    “Milo, I’m not going to hurt him. I was just angry with his behavior when we first met, so I said those things. I didn’t mean it, I was just being a bitch.” I didn’t tell him that I was afraid Mike would hurt me.
    He patted me on the shoulder and walked out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts. I’m starting to believe he is serious about me. I wonder if he has been serious with anyone else. Hell I didn’t know if he had ever been married before.
    My father had already gone into the office to work on getting some of his public relations team on my brother’s situation. It seems Thompson wasn’t just out to get revenge on my brother for his success. He was embezzling and into fixing cases and it was about to be out in the open. It was going to be a big hit to my brother’s reputation if it wasn’t taken care of quickly.
    The rest of my day was spent with my mother and sister in law.
    “So sweetie since Mike is walking around with a shitting eating grin I’m assuming you to have?” She actually gestured with her hips, asking if we were fucking. Seriously!
    “Mom!” I screeched.
    “Oh come on. You think I wasn’t young once. Hell your father is still the man.” she said, as gave Elizabeth a wink.
    “Seriously mother I don’t need to know that about dad anyway”- I turned to Elizabeth- “And you don’t start talking about my brother like that again. Gross. For your information we have not done anything, but kiss.” Elizabeth started jumping up and down shouting ‘yay!’

“It’s a start. I remember the first time Jackson kissed me.” Elizabeth got all dreamy eyed. Then all of the sudden she started tearing up. Oh no, I hoped I didn’t get all mushy when Mike went away for work.
    “He’ll be back soon.” Mom understandingly patted Elizabeth’s hand.
    Milo walked into the room and told Elizabeth it was time to head to her parent’s house. All three of them left the room and after helping get my breakfast. Not being able to walk around with ease, was getting really annoying.  I had just finished when Mike walked in and sat down