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“Ah,” Cody replied, grinning like a lunatic. “In that case, maybe I better come back later.” He started to get up, but Dakota motioned him back down.

“You’re both acting weird. Will somebody please tell me what’s going on?”

The door opened again, and Avery poked her head in. The siblings all turned and looked at her, and she smiled and waved. “Hi. Am I too early?”

They all answered at once.

“Yes,” Jax said.

“No,” said Dakota and Cody.

Avery stepped inside but hovered near the door.

“I’m glad you’re here. My brothers are acting weird,” Dakota complained.

Jax looked at Avery and gave her a subtle head shake, hoping she would get the message.

“Maybe I should come back later,” Avery said.

Jax sighed and waved her in. There was no point in her leaving now that his plan had been foiled. Besides, he wanted her there.

Avery came into the room, and Dakota scooted over to make room for her on the couch between her and Jax.

Jax caught Avery’s scent as she sat down, and he took a moment to soak her in. She was wearing a red V-necked sweater, black leggings, and black ankle boots. Her silky brown hair framed her pretty face, which was flushed, and her eyes were bright. He wondered if her cheeks were rosy from the cold or if she was nervous.

If Cody hadn’t barged in on him and Dakota, he would have given Avery a much more enthusiastic greeting. Now he wasn’t sure how to proceed, and he felt stiff and uncomfortable.

“How was your drive here?” Avery asked Dakota.

“Good. How come you’re wringing your hands?”

“Huh?”

The men exchanged a questioning look and waited to see where Dakota was going with this.

“You only twist your hands when you’re nervous. You used to do it all the time in college, especially on exam days.”

“Really? I didn’t realize I was doing it,” Avery said. She flattened out her hands on her lap and shot Jax a distressed glance.

“Maybe I should bring out some snacks. Avery, why don’t you come and help me?” Jax said.

“Sure.”

They both stood up, but Dakota shouted, “NO!” They slowly sat back down and stared at her. “I can’t take this anymore! When are you two going to tell me that you’re together?”

Jax and Avery gaped at her while Cody chuckled softly in the background.

“It’s so stinkin’ obvious it’s not even funny,” Dakota said, shaking her head at them.

Jax was flummoxed, wondering how and when she’d found out. Then he turned and narrowed his eyes at Cody.

Cody threw up his hands. “I never said a word. I swear it.”

Dakota glared at him. “Wait a minute. You knew before I did?”

Avery reached over and placed a hand on Dakota’s arm as if that would settle her down.

“It’s my fault. I should have told you sooner,” Avery said, beseeching Dakota with her eyes.