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“No, the whole meet-cute thing. Gillian is going to be spying on you with binoculars if you don’t tone it down on the come-ons.”
“Come-ons? It’s really the paint color. Want to see the can?”
“And you remember this, why?”
I walk by Ben because I’ve had enough of this bullshit with Ben and Gillian. “Trust me, I’m not trying to come on to her.”
For reasons I won’t say. Do I wish Briar wasn’t hot as hell? It would make my life a lot easier, but Briar being pregnant puts her in a category I’m not ready for.
He doesn’t say anything else, and when we get to the top of the stairs, the two women are hugging.
“What’s going on?” Ben asks, but walks to the bedroom.
Ben and I share a look but don’t say anything. I follow him into the bedroom because I’m not good with girl shit. I grew up with two brothers, and sure, I had my cousins, but they never lived with me.
For whatever reason, the girls don’t answer Ben’s question, so we move on.
“There’s only one box left,” Ben says. “In the back seat.”
Briar circles out of Gillian’s arms. “I can get that one.”
Ben steps back, running into me because Briar pushes him back with her hand on his chest.
Is the pregnancy test in there? What’s the secret in that box? I hate the fact I’m curious as fuck. I’ve never been able to control myself.
“I’ll get it,” I say, walking around Ben, thinking she’ll trust me since I already know her secret, but she steps in front of me, and her delicate hand presses to my chest.
I don’t draw back because I kind of like it. If only Briar could rake her nails down my abs and dip those fingers under the waistband of my jeans.
Bad dick, stop overriding my brain.
“I said I’ll get it.” She moves to the stairs.
Gillian gives us a look as though one of us better get our ass down there and get that box.
Ben goes, and I’m about to follow when Gillian’s hand lands on my chest. What the hell? At least I don’t get the same reaction to her as I did with Briar.
“Listen, I know I’m being hard on you and taking things out on you.”
I raise my eyebrows because yes, she is.
“I’m sorry, I’m protective of Briar. She didn’t have an easy childhood.” She nods toward the stairs where her sister just went. “Her mom didn’t die, she left her. Me and you, we understand what it feels like when your mother dies, but her mom decided to take herself out of the picture. To not see Briar grow up and accomplish all that she has. And my dad was great, but he worked all the time to support us. I see she’s hurting, but she hasn’t opened up to me yet. I know there was a guy, but that’s all I know. And sure, you’d be a great rebound?—”
“Ah, thanks, Gilly Bean,” I say, bringing comedy in because I don’t want to know this shit.
“But she needs stability, calm, and a place to pick herself up. I don’t want lust mixed into that equation. I apologize for being so hard on you.”
“Why?”
“Why what?” she asks.
“Why didn’t you just say this from the start? Instead of treating me like crap?”
She checks the stairs again. “I acted on instinct, like a new mom with a baby. It’s hard, but I don’t imagine you’ll understand.”
“I’m your brother-in-law. I’ve always had your back, and I’ll continue to. Trust me on this. I won’t hurt her,” I say, hoping that puts her at peace.
She blows out a breath. “Okay. Call me if it gets out of your hands.”
