SHE AIN'T LIKE A SISTER NO MORE

Chapter 80 ~ "Grounded!"

JEN

"Jen?" The tiny heartbroken sob from behind has me spinning on my heels.

"Oh hey Jaxo, what's wrong buddy?" I squat down to eye level, to see tiny tears rushing down his flushed little cheeks.

"Justin says I can't help him with the-the cooking." His tiny little face splits my heart in two. He's almost at the same age Justin was when I first met him. The resemblance in their features makes my heart ache. It feels like only yesterday Justin was a tiny innocent little man like Jaxon. Now...well, not so innocent anymore.

"Jax, the barbecue is really hot and dangerous."

"That's what he said!" Jaxon looks across the backyard towards Justin and gives his bare back a dirty scowl.

"Well he's right bud, but do you know what? I'm going to tell him off right now because he needs to put a shirt on."

"Is you gonna ground him?" His eyes flash from sadness to excitement as he hastily brushes his tears away.

"I just might!" I grin. "You wanna help me little man?"

"Yes! But can I tell him the part that he's grounded?" A massive grin has taken over his face, devilish little eyes to match.

"Yes you can." I take his hand and we start walking across the yard towards Justin.

"And-and can I tell him he has to stay in his room all day tomorrow?"

"Yup!" I match his evil grin.

"And he's won't be allowed to play with any of his toys?"

"Right!" I nod as we approach Justin, Pattie and Ryan at the barbecue.

Justin spins around, as though he's felt me near, barbecue tongs in hand, no shirt and low hung shorts. His eyes land directly on mine, a huge grin appearing before he looks down at Jaxon.

"Uh oh...I'm in trouble aren't I!" He sighs, his grin disappearing.

"Jen says your grounded forever." Jaxon pipes up proudly, arms crossed over his little chest and all.

"That comes after the wedding." Ryan mumbles.

"What are the conditions?" Justin asks, flashing Ryan a quick smirk before his eyes come back to me. He licks his already moist lips.

"You does just have to stay in your room allllllll day tomorrow."

Justin's eyes scan me up and down, "suits me" he shrugs, taking a swig of his beer but not removing his eyes from mine.

"You're not allowed to play with any of your toys." Jaxon adds.

Ryan snorts from beside us.

"Well...what do you consider as 'toys'?" Justin frowns, asking Jaxon and still staring deep into my eyes with that penetrating look that makes me forget how to breathe.

"Justin!" Pattie scolds, shaking her head.

"Five minutes ago you were asking when you were getting grand babies Mom! How do you think they're made?!" Justin grins, turning towards Pattie.

"I wouldn't know. You were an immaculate conception."

"Good to know." Justin nods.

"That was a lie. I happen to remember-"

"Be quiet Jeremy!" Pattie scolds.

"I'm good at the practicing part, I know that much. Right baby?" Justin winks at me.