AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I momentarily go on the defense, ready to cut him to shreds, but there’s no comeback in my head. Damn pregnancy brain. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I yank my elbow away and walk out of the bathroom, running smack dab into Gillian wearing a cute yoga outfit with a new mat swung over her shoulder.
She looks at Emmett and me, who’s followed me out, and frowns. “What exactly is going on?”
Oh hell, how did my life get even more complicated by returning to Willowbrook?
Chapter Ten
Briar
You’d think Gillian just found me in the bathroom with my professor or therapist or something. Emmett is her fiancé’s brother. Even if we had been making out or something, it wouldn’t be forbidden or wrong. And where is her trust in me?
“Nothing,” I say, walking by her and into the studio.
“Emmett!” There’s censure in her voice.
I turn at the entrance and return to her because Emmett didn’t do anything wrong. Sure, it’s weird that he followed me into the bathroom, but if it was really to make sure I was okay, can I fault that decision? No.
“Nothing happened, Gill.”
Emmett holds up his hands. “Hey, I’m sure if I would’ve tried anything, I’d be bent over in pain right now.”
“And he’s not.” I wave my hand up and down his body to show he’s perfectly fine.
Emmett gives me a look, shifting his gaze from Gillian to me. Is he asking me if she knows? He doesn’t even know. I never confirmed it for him.
“Hey, guys!” Emmett’s cousin Romy walks up, dressed in yoga pants and a T-shirt tied behind her back. Another family member joining us. I’m sensing a theme.
“Romy,” I say, “are you joining the class too?”
“Sure am!” Her overexcitement tells me they were all worried I wouldn’t have anyone in class, and that’s why she’s here. I’m positive Gillian is behind this.
One after another, Emmett’s cousins walk toward the studio.
Even Sadie, who is holding her stomach. “I heard yoga was good for the baby.”
Emmett coughs, and I shoot him my best scathing look to shut the fuck up before he outs me.
We huddle in a circle as a few guests trickle in, smiling and saying hello. I’ve never had people show up like this for me. Sure, Gillian and Koa, when he’s not off finding himself, but the Noughton brothers and the cousins are all so tight, it’s kind of scary.
“I’m so excited. Another girl at the house,” Romy says with a big smile.
“Thanks for having me. I swear I won’t be a house guest for long,” I assure her, Poppy, and Scarlett. Lottie is the only female cousin not here because she runs The Harvest Depot, and it’s open right now.
“It’s going to be so much fun. And I promise our couch is so comfortable. I’ve fallen asleep there many a night and just decided to stay there,” Poppy adds.
“The couch?” Emmett asks with clear judgment.
“Shouldn’t you be working?” Gillian asks in a tone that makes it clear she disapproves.
“I’m on break. You can’t sleep on their couch,” he says to me.
“Why can’t she?” Romy asks. “Last I checked, you weren’t looking for a roommate.”
All the women laugh except for Gillian and me. She’s staring at Emmett as if she wants to slice his throat. I’ve never seen Gillian so protective. Does she know something about him I don’t? Everyone probably knows Emmett Noughton is the biggest playboy in Willowbrook. That’s exactly why I’d never go for him. I promised myself when I left Chicago that I was done with my usual type, which is basically Emmett.
“I understand that Bruce said she should live with you, but I was able to make her more suitable arrangements,” my sister says.
