Brody (24 page)

“He congratulated me,” I said, rolling my eyes when she took a cookie out of the canister before dumping the rest into a Ziploc bag. “Said he was happy for me.”

“And you believed him?”

“I don’t know. I think he’s still getting used to the idea of me being back with Brody, but he’ll be fine with it eventually. What choice does he have, right?”

“Right.” She looked around my galley kitchen. “You’ve lived here a long time. Are you going to miss it?”

“It’s the first place I bought all on my own. Of course I’m going to miss it.”

“You’re planning to sell then, not rent it out?” Macy asked, wrapping utensils in packing paper.

“Why?” I hadn’t considered renting to Macy, but that would be the perfect solution if she decided to stay here for a while instead of going back to Nashville. “You interested?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Me? No. Nashville’s home for me, you know that.”

“But what about Brendan? Won’t going back to Nashville mean going back to him?” Since they were living together, I didn’t see how it could be avoided.

“Not necessarily,” she said, packing the plastic cutlery tray on top of the stacked rolls of cutlery. “I was talking to Kane about it and—”

“You were talking to Kane about it?” I asked in the midst of packing one of my favorite vintage teapots my grandmother had given me. “Why not talk to me if you need advice?”

Brody and I were both uneasy about the relationship developing between my sister and his brother. I loved Kane, but he didn’t do relationships, and Macy was a free spirit who loved to travel and make music. No way could they make that work, which meant awkward holiday dinners and children’s birthday parties in our future.

“Kane is objective.” She bit her lip as though she was waiting for me to unleash on her.

“And I’m not?” I asked, holding the teapot against my chest. “Thanks a lot, sis.”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” she said, looking pained, “but you can get way too overprotective sometimes. If I’d told you some of the shit that’s gone down with Brendan, you’d go all crazy on me, or worse, on him.”

“Macy,” I said, lowering my voice, “I swear to God, if he’s hurt you in any way—”

“He hasn’t. It’s not like that, trust me. It’s just… he’s really intense. And every time I talk to him about taking a break, he goes off the deep end.”

My heart pounded as I thought about my little sister feeling trapped by a man who intimidated her. “What does that mean? He goes off the deep end?”

“He just throws these temper tantrums and storms out. Then he comes back all apologetic, usually with flowers.”

“Why didn’t you tell me any of this?” I asked, taking a serving tray from her and setting it on top of a box so I could grab her hands. “I thought you knew you could always come to me. You’re not just my sister, Mace. You’re my best friend.”

She reached over the box between our feet to hug me. “I love you too. But there’s no way I’m going to bring you down with my problems. You’re finally happy, planning to marry the man of your dreams, and there’s no way I’m going to ruin that for you.”

“But—”

“Hey, babe,” Brody said, slamming the door. “I brought a pizza home for dinner. I figured we’d be busy packing most of the night and…” He smiled when he saw Macy. “Hey, girl. Glad you’re still here. You can join us.”

“I’d like to,” she said, sniffing appreciatively, “but I have plans.”

“With?” I asked, fearing I already knew.

Without answering, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and promised to pass by the new house tomorrow afternoon so she could help me unpack. She grabbed Brody’s jaw as she looked up at him. “Hey, you be good to her, okay?”

“You know I will,” he said and kissed her forehead.

We watched her grab her purse and walk out the door.

I sighed, sinking against the wall. “I’m really worried about her. This thing with Brendan may be more than she can handle.”

He drew me into his arms and kissed my temple. “Your little sister is one of the toughest chicks I know. She’s gonna be just fine. You don’t have to worry about her.”

Of course I did. It was my job to worry about her. I’d been doing it since the day she was born. I was in the first grade when we welcomed her home from the hospital, and I vowed to my mom I would always look out for her. Ever since, I’d been protecting her from bullies on the playground, trying to be a good role model, and making sure she didn’t stray too far off course. She may be a grown woman with a life of her own, but that didn’t mean I’d stopped caring or worrying about her.

“Did you talk to Kane?” I asked, tipping my head back to look him in the eye.

“I did.” He sighed before reaching for the pizza box he’d set down and leading me into the living room. “He said Macy was off-limits as far as he was concerned.”

“Good,” I said, releasing the breath I’d been holding. “I’m glad he feels that way.”

“Yeah…” Brody offered me a piece of pizza before he took one for himself. “But not for the reasons you’re hoping. She’s not off-limits because she’s your sister. She’s off-limits because she still has a boyfriend.”

“Ugh, so if she breaks up with Brendan, you think he might pursue her?” I knew firsthand how hard it was to resist a Steele brother, and if I hadn’t been able to, how could I expect my sister to?

“He didn’t come right out and say that, but I got the impression he was seriously considering it.” Brody took a bite of his pizza, chewed, and swallowed. “The age thing didn’t seem to bother him, not that I thought it would.”

I didn’t think that would be a deterrent either. He wasn’t a cradle robber or anything, but he’d always believed age was just a number. “So what are we going to do?” I picked a pepperoni off my pizza and popped it in my mouth.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? Are you serious? I can’t do nothing, Brody. This is my sister we’re talking about!”

“And my brother,” he said, shaking his head. “I know it sucks, but we’ve told them how we feel. Bottom line, there’s not a damn thing we can do if they decide to hook up, Ri.”

Hook up? I didn’t want my sister to be another one of Kane’s random hook-ups. “Maybe if I try talking to him? We’ve always had a good relationship. Maybe he’ll listen to me.”

“You’re welcome to try, but I don’t think you’ll get anywhere with him. You know how hard-headed Kane can be.”

“And you think he’s made up his mind that he wants
my
sister?” I asked, reaching for the bottled water I’d left on the table earlier.

“That’s the impression I got.” He kissed me when I grimaced. “Sorry, babe. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but I’m afraid we’re just gonna have to watch this one play out.”

***

I was working on my second cup of coffee by the time the movers arrived with the truck containing all of my worldly possessions. Brody had a bunch of stuff in storage, so another truck was following with his stuff. I’d been so excited last night, I’d barely slept, hence the second cup of coffee. When the doorbell rang, I assumed it was the movers. Instead it was Mackenzie, Jaci, and Skylar.

“Hey, what’re you guys doing here?” I asked, smiling from ear to ear.

All three ladies were already my friends, and I was so excited that in just a few short months, they would officially be my family. Skylar was the exception, but I knew it was only a matter of time before Seb put a ring on her finger. I’d never seen him happier or more in love.

“What do you think we’re doing here?” Mac asked, pushing up the sleeves on her long-sleeved T-shirt. “We came to help you get settled. I know Macy’s probably going to help too, but we figured you could use all hands on deck today.”

“You are so right,” I said, hugging each of them as they passed. “Thanks for coming.”

“And we come bearing gifts,” Jaci said as she waved a box from their bakery under my nose.

“Oh my God, are those Mary’s cinnamon rolls? I love those things!” Brody had teased that I could eat a whole box by myself, and while I’d never put his theory to the test, I suspected he was right.

“Don’t we all?” Skylar said, walking into the kitchen so she could set the take-out tray of coffees from the bakery on the island. “I swear I’ve gained ten pounds since I met these girls.”

“You’ve gained weight?” Jaci snorted. “I’m the one who’s gained weight.” Her eyes traveled over all of us before she bit her lip. “But at least I have an excuse.”

I could have sworn our jaws dropped in unison before I blurted, “Oh my God, are you pregnant?”

Jaci squealed before clamping a hand over her mouth. “I shouldn’t have said anything. This is your day, yours and Brody’s. I didn’t mean to steal your thunder.”

I rolled my eyes before pulling her into a tight embrace. “Please, we’re moving, not getting married. And I couldn’t be happier for you guys. Congratulations, sweetie.”

“Thanks.” Jaci laughed through her tears as she took turns hugging Mac and Skylar. “Damn pregnancy hormones. I swear I’m such a mess these days.”

“I can’t believe Ryker didn’t tell me about this,” Mac said as she dove into the box of cinnamon rolls. “I’m going to kill him for holding out on me.”

“It’s not his fault,” Jaci said, claiming one of the sweet treats for herself. “Nex hasn’t told the guys yet.”

“Why not?” I asked, reaching for a paper napkin from the stack they’d brought. “Those guys tell each other everything.”

“Well, we’re not technically out of the danger zone yet. Besides, you guys just announced your engagement and the big move. We wanted to let the excitement from that die down before we dropped our little bombshell. But me and my big mouth… I just couldn’t wait.”

“Are you kidding?” I said. “I’m glad you told us. It gives us one more reason to celebrate.”

“Speaking of,” Mac said, looking around the spacious kitchen, “are you going to give us a tour of your beautiful new home, or what?”

“Of course.”

I led them out of the kitchen and through the first floor. When I heard the front door open and close, followed by Brody’s booming voice, I was showing the girls the last of the four bedrooms.

“Up here,” I called, leaning over the banister. “Are your brothers here yet?”

“Yeah, they’re outside,” Brody said, rolling his eyes. “Supervising the movers.”

I laughed. That sounded like them. “We’ll be down in just a minute.”

“Take your time, I’m gonna head back out for a sec. I just wanted to let you know we were here in case you need anything.”

Jaci grabbed my wrist before I could lead the way back down the stairs. “Do you think Nex is going to be mad that I told you guys before he could tell his brothers?”

Mac put her arm around her sister-in-law, smiling. “How could he be mad that the woman he loves is so excited about having his baby that she couldn’t wait to share it with family?”

“I’m not family,” Skylar reminded them.

I caught Sky’s eye and sensed some uncharacteristic sadness. I hadn’t known Skylar as long as Mac or even Jaci, but she typically wore her heart on her sleeve and wasn’t difficult to read.

“Is everything okay between you and Seb?” Jaci asked, obviously getting the same vibe I was.

“This isn’t the time or place to have this conversation,” she said, shaking her head. “With all the good news floating around, I refuse to be the bearer of bad news.”

My stomach plummeted. Oh my God, if Skylar was planning to break up with Seb, it would crush him. I reached for her hand. “Sky, tell us what’s going on. Please.”

Lowering her head as she gripped the railing, she said, “Last night I told Seb the lease was almost up on my uncle’s apartment. He won’t be needing it anymore, since he’s getting married.” When we all looked at her expectantly, she finally added, “He suggested I hang on to it… just in case things don’t work out between us.”

Mac and Jaci gasped, prompting me to give them the stink eye over Skylar’s shoulder.

“Honey,” I said, squeezing her hand, “we all know how Seb feels about you. He’s crazy about you. Is it possible you misunderstood?”

“No,” she said, looking glum. “I wasn’t even sure I should come today, but I wanted to be here to support you and Brody.”

“I appreciate that.” I put my arm around her as I led her down the stairs. “So where did you and Seb leave things?”

“I went home last night. It was the first time in weeks I haven’t slept with him…” She sniffed. “And I hated it, but I’ll guess I’ll have to get used to it, right?”

“Please don’t tell me you’re thinking about breaking up with him just because—”

“He already has one foot out the door, Riley. What am I supposed to do, stick around until he decides he’s done with me?” Raising her chin defiantly, she said, “Not gonna happen, sorry. I still have my pride.”

“But—”

The guys chose that moment to lead the movers inside, and Skylar excused herself, claiming she needed to use the restroom. Brody talked the movers into bringing in his toys first so the guys could help set up his man cave. But before Seb could sneak away, I grabbed his arm and led him out to the backyard.

Admiring the pool and professionally landscaped yard, Seb said, “This a sweet setup, Ri. I’m sure you guys are going to love living here.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’m sure we will too.”

I was rehearsing how I wanted to broach the delicate subject when Seb asked, “Is there something on your mind?”

“Um, yeah, there kind of is.”

“So go ahead. You know by now there’s nothing you can’t say to me. We’ve known each other a long time.”

I curled my hand around his forearm, hoping he understood that I was only butting in because I loved him and wanted him to be happy. “You can tell me to mind my own business, but I’m worried about you.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked, frowning.

“Have you really thought this through? I mean, what your life will be like without Skylar? I’ve never seen you happier than you are with her. Are you sure you’re ready to throw that away just because you’re scared to take your relationship to the next level?”

He gripped my upper arms, the color draining from his face. “What the hell are you talking about? Did Skylar say something to you about breaking up with me?”