Free Ex Nihilo Academy by Jennifer Watts Page B

these guys forever. They are like family to me.”
    “You are one very tall and very muscular family.” I tease. “Seriously, the four of you should start a basketball team. I already feel tiny
     enough standing next to just you.”
    “Yeah, we do stand out in a crowd I guess. Come on then, let’s go back in and I can introduce you properly.” He holds out his arm and I loop mine through his. “You know that I’m just trying to look after you,
     right?” He sighs.
    “I appreciate the thought but you don’t have to look after me. I may not be a giant but I’m used to looking out for myself.” I laugh and shove him playfully.
    “Watch who you are calling a giant! How’s the weather down there?” He pats my head. “Well, at least you are closer to God up there.” I say and his eyes widen as his mouth breaks into a smile.
    “More than you know, little one.” He pulls me in front of
     him, holding me against his chest as he uses his body to clear a path for us through the crowd. Just before we reach the table where his band is sitting he leans down and whispers in my ear. “For the record, I’m just taking the piss. I
     love that you’re tiny, in fact I think you’re perfect just the way you are.” His breath tickles my neck and he smells like cut grass and mint and boy and it sends tingles all the way down my spine. I know that by not pulling away I’m sending the wrong message but it feels so good being pressed against him with his arms looped tightly around my waist. I can’t deny that I do feel a connection to Rowan but he has a girlfriend which makes him strictly off-limits in my eyes. I slip out of his embrace and take the chair next to the drummer.
    “So this is the wee lass you’ve been talking about? The name’s Tom.” He offers me one hand, the other holding the remnants of a pint of beer. “Yer a sweet one, aren’t ya? No wonder he’s been going on and on.” I look
     up in time to see Rowan cringe.
    “Leave her alone Tom, you’re langered.” He says and Tom chuffs. Tom has a blond buzz cut and light blue eyes. He is wearing military-style pants and a tight black t-shirt that showcases a set of thick,
     ropy biceps.
    You’ll have to excuse Tom, he’s Scottish.” Rowan says as if that answers everything and the drummer quickly loses interest in teasing me. Rowan goes around the rest of the table and makes the introductions. In
     addition to the drummer, Tom, there is Danny the bassist and Charles the other guitarist. I can’t get over how incredibly tall and broad they are with their big arms, wide shoulders and thick, powerful legs. They all have strong
     features and smooth creamy complexions, and all three seem a lot older than Rowan.
    “They’re all so….blond. Are they related?” I whisper to Rowan and he laughs.
    “They’re sort of half-brothers.”
    “Sort of?”
    “It’s a long story.”
    “It seems to me like all of your stories are long ones.”
    “Something like that.” He winks then shoves Danny out of his chair so he can sit down beside me.
    Danny slides into the next spot over. The bassist has pin-straight white blond hair that falls just below his chin. He is wearing baggy jeans and a loose button up and when I try to smile at him he flushes and stares down at the table. He definitely seems to be the most reserved of them
     all. Rowan gets up to get another round of drinks and I look across the table at Charles who’s watching me very intently. Charles is probably the most handsome of the three brothers with his curly straw blond hair and wholesome
     good looks. He is wearing a form fitting sweater, distressed jeans and one hell of a smirk.
    “So what do you think of our Rowan?” He asks as his cold gray eyes bore into mine.
    “I’ve only known him for a short period of time but I think
     he’s great. I’m lucky to have him to show me around.”
    “He’s one of a kind alright and he seems to be invested in you already. Just be careful. He’s not