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Gianna’s standing on the front porch when I open the door, holding two shopping bags. A giant Barbie doll is peeking out from one of the bags. “Hey, cousin,” she says with glee.
I shift my weight to one leg and put on a fake frown. She had left town the morning after our bonfire night, promising to return in just one day. "I was expecting you back a week ago."
She clenches her jaw. "I know, I'm sorry." She gestures to the bags in her hands. "I got you and Kira an apology gift for that."
Before I can respond, she nudges me out of the way with her elbow and strides inside. I follow eagerly, happy that one of my closest friends has finally returned.
My cousin trudges to the living room, where she sets the bags on the coffee table. She exhales as if she’s just climbed down a mountain. “Now, where’s my favorite little human?”
“Asleep.”
Gianna makes a disgruntled sound. “I feel betrayed. I was really hurrying to come and hold her.” She pouts and makes a sad puppy face. “Can I wake her up?”
“No. She’ll get cranky.” I sit on one of the couches and stare at the bags. “What’s that?”
“Bribe.” She grins and plunges down on the seat next to me. “I bought the newest version of the Astronaut Barbie doll for Kira. I think she’ll love it.”
Gianna is just like a rich aunty who loves to spoil her niece. I have a closet full of expensive clothes that she bought for Kira, despite my warning that my baby would overgrow them soon. She never stops buying things for her. Kira is one lucky baby.
“Can I see it?” I ask, reaching for the bag with the Barbie doll.
She snatches the bag from the table and hides it next to her. “No, you can’t. Only Kira is allowed to see it first. I got a few other toys too.”
My brow shoots up to my hairline. “You realize I can see the doll’s head and neck already, right?”
She purses her lips. “My answer is still no. I have something for you though.”
My curiosity piques at the mischievous glint in her eyes. “Please tell me it’s not a vibrator.”
She chuckles, throwing a hand over her mouth to smother the sound. “It’s something even better. Something that’ll help you get the main thing.” She pulls out a set of red lacy lingerie from the bag. “Viola!”
My glare bounces between her and the tiny piece of fabric she’s holding. “What is that for?”
“What does it seem like?” She tosses it at me. “I’m not stupid, Anya. I saw the way you and Brandon were gawking at each other on bonfire night. For a moment, I thought you’d rip off each other’s clothes and give us a good show.”
My eyes squeeze. “Gross.”
“What is gross is pretending you’re not insanely attracted to that man.” She leans in, the scent of her lavender perfume filling my nose. “I’ll take Kira for the night. Wear this, pour some wine, and invite him over.”
I gape at my cousin. “You’ve lost your mind.”
“Try it, you’ll thank me later.” She winks at me, then her lips curl into a lopsided grin.
“Thanks, but no.” I take the lingerie and throw it back in the bag. “He found out last night.”
“That you like him? It took him that long.”
“Not that. He found out that Kira’s his daughter.” I close my eyes. The memories from last night float into my mind. The pain and shock in Brandon’s eyes. The way my heart sank to my stomach. It's all still fresh in my memory.
“Oh, God.” Gianna’s tongue darts out and swipes over her lips. “What was his reaction?”
“He took it better than I expected. He wants to be her dad, fortunately.” I don’t know what I would have done if he’d looked me straight in the eye and told me he didn’t want to be a part of Kira’s life. I would have cried all night, but I would have put myself together after that. Violence is never an option for me, but he would have gone home with a broken nose at least.
“That’s good news.”
“It is.” I smile. Once more, the doorbell chimes. I hop up and make my way to the door. Brandon is standing there, basking in the afternoon sunlight. His white shirt accentuates his broad shoulders and his hair is tousled in an effortlessly attractive way. He looks amazing. So amazing that my mouth starts to water.
Behave, girl.
