Page 16 of Nightmare’s Playground

He spun me around in a circle like I was eight instead of twenty-four, then set me on my feet and held me by the shoulders so he could look at me. “I’m really back.”

I swiped at the tears on my cheeks and laughed.

Drew and Alex were twelve years older than me. By the time I was old enough to be interesting, they were off doing their own thing—Drew joined the Army, and Alex the Navy.

“How long are you here for?” I asked, peering up at him. I was already doing the math. If it was a week, I could close the bakery early a couple days.

For the last eight years, he’d lived in Southern California because of his job. And by job, I meant he was a Navy SEAL. The badass of all badasses. It wasn’t uncommon for him to disappear for a few months at a time, then show back up with no explanation.

“I’m home for good.” His eyes drifted over my shoulder to where Nightmare stood by his truck, watching us with a curious tilt to his head. “I’m done. I’m out.”

My brows shot up to my hairline. “Shut up! You’re lying!” I smacked his chest.

When he was home six months ago, he’d told me he had another year before he got his walking papers.

“Not lying.” His mouth curved, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. There was something there, something tired, and I filed it away for later when I could get him alone with a plate of lemon bars and pry it out of him. “Paperwork went through last week. Figured I’d surprise you.”

“Well, it worked. I’m surprised.” I hugged him again, then turned to glare at my other brother, who was leaning against his bike with his arms crossed. “You knew already?”

Drew shrugged. “‘Course I knew.”

I sighed. “And why didn’t you tell me?” This was the shit I was used to. The two of them were always in sync, and always left me out. I hated being left out. I wanted to be included.

Drew nodded at Alex. “He asked me not to.”

Of course he did.

Denali pushed off his bike and jerked his chin toward the truck. “Nightmare. Need to talk to you.”

Nightmare set down the box he was holding and walked over.

“Ruthless, this is Nightmare, Pee Wee’s brother-in-law. Nightmare, my brother Ruthless. He’s gonna be around for a few months.” Denali then clapped Alex on the shoulder. “Nightmare’s moving in next door to Joy.”

Alex’s gaze slid to Nightmare, then to the truck full of boxes, then to our shared balcony above the bakery. “Heard you’re moving in,” he grunted, offering Nightmare his hand.

Nightmare eyed my brother’s big paw, then took it, saying, “Seems so.”

I rolled my eyes.