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I rubbed a hand down her back. “I get that, V. It took me years to talk about my mom without bursting into tears. Take your time.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. I noticed how her voice trembled, and felt relief when she leaned her head on my shoulder for comfort.

I hadn’t made my mother’s treats in years—not even with my brothers. I guess I’d just been waiting for the right person to make them with.

Manwhore

Hart

I woke, reaching over for Vera, and wasn’t surprised she wasn’t there. Vera never lingered in bed. When she was up, she was up and taking on the day. But it left me wondering what a man had to do to get her to stay.

“What the hell do you mean Thanksgiving is canceled?” Vera shrilled. That was my cue to get my ass up. I relieved myself and took care of the morning basics before entering the kitchen, where I found her perched on the countertop, working her way through a pint of strawberry ice cream. I kissed her forehead, stole the pint from her hands, and shoved it back into the freezer.

She narrowed her eyes at me and silently threatened me with the spoon, making stabbing motions in my direction. I refused to engage and checked my texts and emails while she kept talking.

Braxton: Hart. Good news. Bellamy Vineyard responded, and they would like to meet to discuss becoming our official vendor. I can be there at 3:00.

I was about to give him the green light when a thought came to me. I could send Braxton, or I could take Vera and spend the day with her across the harbor.

Me: I’ll go. Enjoy the day off.

Braxton: Are you sure?

Me: I’m always sure.

“Oh… oh…” Vera said, drawing my attention.

“Who are you talking to?” I mouthed.

She covered the microphone with her hand and whispered, “My brother,” before returning to him. “Christmas this year will be insane. No, no, I’m not participating in Secret Santa this year. You can count me out. I mean it, Snoh. Last time, I ended up with…”

I stopped listening when she said “Snoh.”

Snoh?

As in Snoh Gray?

No, no, no, no.

I was spiraling when Vera said, “I’ll talk to you later, bro,” before hanging up. “So, what are we doing today?”

“Um,” I said, running my fingers through my hair that tragically stood on end. “Your brother’s name is Snoh Gray?”

“It is.” I nodded and immediately felt sweat slick down my brow. Honestly, I needed to take a seat. “You good, Sweet Hart?”

I licked my top lip and braced my hands on the countertop. “I don’t know, Sugar. That all depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“If your brother won an Olympic silver medal for snowboarding in the 2022 Winter Olympics.”

“He did. Do you know him?” she asked cautiously.

I closed my eyes and hung my head.

I’m fucking cooked.

“Hart… what’s going on?”