“So, the truth comes out.”
Shit! Looking up, I see Aaron standing in the doorway. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Obviously.” He’s not giving anything away. He takes the seat beside me and grabs Lexi’s foot. “Morning, sweetheart.”
She grins and coos at him. “I have her bag packed. She just needs to finish eating.” I ignore the fact I’m pretty damn sure he heard me tell my daughter I’m in love with his sister.
“I’m in no hurry, although don’t be surprised if Kinley calls wondering where I am,” he laughs.
I don’t say anything. Instead, I offer Lexi her bottle and watch as she once again starts to eat.
“Fuck, man. Your fucking eyes got all soft just at hearing her name. You’re really in love with my little sister?”
And there is it.
Lifting my head, I meet his gaze. “Yes.” I don’t offer an explanation or an apology. Just the cold hard truth.
“Does she know?”
“No, and I don’t plan on telling her.”
“Why the fuck not?”
I sigh in frustration. I’ve been through this a thousand times in my head. No one else was supposed to know besides Lexi. “She deserves better, man. I’m a selfish bastard for letting her go through with this. I’m scared as hell that, when this is all over, she’s going to pack up and move back in with your parents. I know that’s what’s best for her, but I’m fucking dreading it.”
“Don’t you think she deserves the chance to make that decision?”
“She loves her, Aaron. She loves my daughter like she would if she were the one who gave birth to her. I don’t want her to stay for just Lexi, man. I want her to stay for the whole package.”
“How do you know she won’t be?”
“I guess I don’t. Maybe living together will change that. I don’t know, but as for now, I can’t tell her.”
“Stubborn ass,” he retorts. “You really love her?”
“Yeah, man. I really do.”
“So, the proposal?”
“It was real.”
“Wow.”
“I’m in deep, man. I know she’s your little sister, but she’s here.” I place my hand over my chest.
“I’m glad it’s you. I mean, it’s still weird to think about my best friend and my sister, but I know you, and you’ll be good to her. I just wish you would tell her, man. What if she feels the same way?”
I shrug. “I think I’ll choose heartbreak because when what she thinks is just an arrangement is over, heartbreak is better than her rejection. I don’t think I could live with that, Aaron. It’s going to be hard enough letting her go when this all settles. To think she never really wanted me…this is the better option.”
“I think you’re wrong, but it’s your call.”
I don’t reply as we sit in silence, both watching Lexi finish her breakfast. “She’s a cute kid, man,” Aaron finally says.
“Yeah, she’s my world.”
Lexi spits out her bottle and grins. “All right, baby girl, let’s get you cleaned up and then Uncle Aaron is going to take you to Kinley.” I try like hell to not be jealous of my daughter.
Chapter 42
McKinley
Aaron left forty-five minutes ago; he should be back by now. I’m pacing back and forth in my room. Mom and Dad shared a room as did Aaron and I. So, there is no one here to witness my crazy. I know Aaron and Evan probably got caught up shooting the shit, as they refer to it, but they could at least send me a damn text so I don’t worry.
Just as I pick up my phone to call them, the door opens and Aaron waltzes in with Lexi in tow. “Finally!” I say, dropping my phone on the bed and taking Lexi, seat and all, from him.
“Hey, the little bugger had to finish her breakfast.”
Lexi smiles when she sees me. “Hey there, sweet girl. I missed you,” I say as I unstrap her from the seat. Her arms and legs are flying when I pick her up. She grabs for my chin, my hair, anything her little hands can latch on to.
“I think it’s safe to say she missed you too,” Aaron laughs. “She’s not the only one,” he mumbles under his breath.
I pretend I don’t hear him. “You ready for today, Lex? You have the prettiest little dress,” I tell her.
“You ready for this?” My brother asks.
“Of course, I am.”
“No reservations? You know it’s not too late to back out.”
“Why would I want to do that? This was my idea, after all.”
“I don’t know. Just thought I would put it out there.”
“Well don’t. There isn’t anything that could change my mind,” I tell him.
“Really? What if you finally face the truth that you love him and this is going to end with you having a broken heart? Is that reason enough to call it off?” he asks.
I can feel my face flush from his words. “Listen, Aaron, I care about Evan, more than just as my friend, I will admit that, but those feelings are not going to stop me from going through with this. I love this little girl like she were mine. I can’t let them take her. Whatever is going on between Evan and me, we will either work it out or we won’t. My eyes are wide open, Aaron. I know I’m risking my heart with both of them. Evan is a great guy. He would never keep Lex from me. I know that. If he’s just my friend when this is all said and done, then so be it. At least they will both still be a part of my life. I don’t think I could accept a world where that isn’t the case.”
“You love him.” Aaron smiles cockily.
My big brother is so damn frustrating. “Fine, yes, I love him. My heart skips a beat when he walks in the room. I don’t sleep when his arms aren’t wrapped around me. You happy now?”
“You’re sleeping with him?” His voice is deathly calm.
“Aaron, come on. We’ve slept in the same bed a few times, all this week actually, and a few times before that.”
“That’s not what I asked you,” he fires back.
“Look, I’m sure this is not a conversation you want to hear about your little sister.”
“You’re right, it’s not, but it’s also about my best friend. I thought Evan had more respect for you than that,” he seethes.
“He does. No, we’re not having sex!” I raise my voice, causing Lexi to jump. I bounce her in my arms. “Look, Aaron, I’m going to say this once, and then we’re never talking about it again. I mean it. You can’t even bring it up to Evan. Yes, we’ve done more than just a few kisses here and there, but I have not had intercourse with him. Does that mean I won’t? No, it doesn’t. This does not involve you, Aaron. Please, just let it go. Evan treats me like I’m precious to him. Never once has he done something I was not fully on board with. Now drop it.”
“McKinley—” I raise my hand to stop him.
“Don’t! Just let it go. I’m in this, Aaron. Nothing you say can change my mind. I know I’m your sister and he’s your best friend, but what happens between Evan and me is just that, between us. You need to stay out of this.”