Page 61 of Brutal Truths

Your grandfather,

Rico

I reread my grandfather’s letter three times, letting each word settle deeper than the last. It hits harder every time.

When did he write this? Recently? Or has this been in his safe, waiting for a moment that never came? I’ll never know now.

Settling into the chair beside the window, I close my eyes, the letter still clutched in my hand as memories of him surface. One after another, they come faster than I can sort through them. He was a man of imposing presence, yet distant, more content to observe than engage, which made him difficult to understand.

Was that because of the guilt he carried? Did he fear I’d reject him once I learned the truth?

I can’t help but wonder if his hesitation was rooted in fear… fear that I’d follow in my mother’s footsteps.

A hand lands on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. The weight of everything I’m feeling presses down harder, and when I open my eyes, the face in front of me isn’t the one I’d hoped for.

Not that I’m surprised. Aiden said he wouldn’t be back until tonight, and it’s only been an hour.

“Here,” Lane passes me a box of tissues and sets a bottle of water within reach. “Drink that. Aiden will have my head if something happens to you on my watch. Need anything else?”

I twist the cap loose, shaking my head. “No. Thank you. I’m sorry. I’m sure babysitting me is the last thing you both want to do.”

The soft tapping of the keyboard fills the space behind him. Pauly doesn’t even look up. “Nonsense. You’re the easiest assignment we’ve had in forever.”

Lane lowers himself beside me, bracing a hand on the edge of the chair as he studies my face. “Want to talk? If not with me, I can get Misty or Kimber.”

Needing a distraction I let out a slow breath and ask, “How did you end up married to Aiden’s little sister?”

Pauly beats him to it, a low murmur that quickly gains strength. “Yes, please tell that one again. It never gets old.”

After he rolls his eyes, a grin pulls wide across his face. His eyes lighting up, like he lives to share this. “He brought me along when he met his siblings for the first time. I noticed Kimber right away.”

“You mean you banged her right away. Tell the truth.” Pauly’s laughter is contagious.

“Is that true?” The smile comes easy this time as heat rushes into Lane’s face, the color spreading up to his ears. It’s…. kind of adorable.

“It wasn’t like that.” Flipping Pauly off, he runs a hand through his hair trying to recover. “Did we? Yes, but it wasn’t like he’s making it sound.”

“Funny, because I remember it differently.” A soft, feminine voice carries in from the hallway, edged with amusement. “Go on, though. I’d love to hear your version.”

Lowering his chin, he shakes his head. “Fine. Maybe I took advantage of the situation after dinner when everyone else turned in. But that’s not exactly my fault. You’re the one who went skinny dipping in the pool.”

Kimber shrugs as she crosses the room, a small smile playing on her lips as she leans down to press a kiss on the top of his head. “Didn’t realize you were lurking in the dark.”

Her gaze meets mine, and she smiles. “Imagine how shocked I was when I came up for air to find him standing at the edge of the pool… stripping.”

I take a sip of my water, unable to hide my grin. “Bold.”

“Bold indeed.” Kimber takes a seat on the window ledge, leaning back against the frame as she crosses her ankles. “He watched me all night. His hungry gaze followed my every move. It was a first for me. Most guys didn’t notice me at all. The shy, nerdy girl, whose glasses were thick and always had her nose in a book.”

Her fingers brush lightly along the window seal. “I’d just gotten LASIK surgery. Misty pushed for the rest, saying now that I had new eyes, I needed a new haircut.” She looks back at Lane, and something softens in her expression. “Timing couldn’t have been better.”

Lane’s hand finds her leg, resting there like it belongs. “I’d have noticed you regardless. Your appearance had nothing to do with it.” His thumb traces a slow line over her knee. “Though I can’t deny I appreciated the view. Still do.”

Now it’s Kimber’s turn to blush. “Same.”

Damn, they are adorable. “Aww. So, Aiden was okay with you two?”

A quiet laugh sounds behind us, keys still tapping in a steady rhythm.