Page 79 of Falling Back to You

“You could have texted,” I pointed out.

“I did. You could have answered.”

I frowned, glancing around for my phone.

Noelle handed it to me along with the ice pack. Greyson watched us silently, that wrinkle between his eyebrows deepening. Right. He had opinions and was keeping an eye on us.

I unlocked my phone, and sure enough, he had texted. “Sorry. Yeah, there’s a grocery list on the fridge.”

“Oh, I was going to do that,” Noelle quickly offered.

Greyson grunted. “I got it.” He slipped into the kitchen and snatched it from under the magnet. He scanned it quickly. “I’ll drop them off later.”

Code for: we’re going to talk when you don’t have an audience.

Oh, goodie.

“How are you feeling?” Greyson asked, studying me intently.

I shrugged. “Like I’m thirty-two and not twenty.” When he arched an eyebrow, I flashed an exaggerated grin. “Lighten up. I’ll be back on the ice and ready to take you in a match in no time.”

His eyes narrowed. “In your dreams.” He clapped my shoulder and turned to leave.

“I made millionaire shortbread bars”—Noelle motioned to the plate on the coffee table—“if you want one.”

Greyson’s face could have won a statue award. Not even a blink. But I knew my brother. He wanted to refuse the offer with every fiber of his being, but those mini morsels were gold, luring him to accept. In fact, they were his favourite. Something Noelle knew. She used to bake him a tray for his birthday every year. Our birthday technically, but he never shared them with me.

Every second he hesitated, Noelle deflated. And as much as I loved my brother, I hated seeing her shrink even more.

Determined to save her, I jumped up, wincing at the jar to my knee. Greyson didn’t expect my sudden motion, giving me the upper hand to snatch the plate. I shook them tauntingly. “All mine, brother.”

Greyson’s eyes narrowed. Excellent, I’d engaged the laser-focused competitive Grey. He’d be fighting me for these babies now. Simply because I had them. Sibling rivalry at its finest.

Of course, I forgot I was currently Hopalong Cassidy.

Greyson bounded over the couch in one smooth jump—show-off—and swiped the plate from me in two ridiculously long strides.

Khia giggled, and Noelle smiled. Oh well. If I was going to look the fool, it might as well be for a good cause. And her smile was worth it.

Greyson grunted between bites. “They’re good, thanks.”

Noelle lit up like an Easy-Bake Oven. Food might be the way to a man’s heart, but note to self: words of affirmation were the way to Noelle’s.

Mission accomplished. But I wanted my snacks back.

I snagged the plate from him. “You’ll have to visit me again if you want more.”

He shot me a withering frown. “Some of us have jobs.”

“Sounds like a you problem, big bro.” I shrugged and shoved another bar in my mouth for good measure, groaning. “Thesearedivine.”

“Daddy, don’t talk with your mouth full!” Khia sassed.

Greyson rubbed a hand over his mouth, hiding the smile, and Noelle chuckled.

I sighed dramatically. “You’re right, kiddo.” I winked at Noelle. “These are divine.”

She flushed bright pink, and satisfaction rolled through me, knowing I was responsible for that.