“Why are we saying goodbyes already? We don’t even know if we got the house.”
“Because you’re moving. If it’s not this house, it’ll be the next one. And when you leave—I’m not going to be able to take it like a man.”
She tightens her grip, cheek pressed to his chest. Then she grins at me, eyes glassy, lips trembling. “I’m gonna miss you too,” she whispers.
God,my heart splits in two. Gratitude slams into me, fierce and overwhelming. I don’t know where I’d be without these two. They pulled me out of the darkest times. Helped me get my life back.
“So proud of you, Alley. Don’t ever stop being too good for him.” Matt presses a kiss to the top of her head, and I grin.
Alley shakes her head against him. “Thank you. For everything.”
They stay that way for several seconds before her brows furrow. “Um, Matt?”
“Yeah?”
“Why is there a G-string under the coffee table?”
Matt bursts out laughing, letting her go and raking a hand through his hair.
“I mean, who shows up with underwear and leaves without it?” Alley shakes her head, laughter ringing through the penthouse.
“Apparently one of the women from last night.”
Her brow shoots up. “One of the women?”
Matt groans. “Oh, God. Here we go.” He drops onto the couch, reaching for his coffee like he needs armor.
Alley crosses to me, still smiling, and I wrap my arms around her waist as she leans in for a kiss. “Hi,” she says softly.
“Hi, babe. How was brunch?”
“It was good.”
“Yeah? What’d you two talk about?”
Her fingers trace up my chest with a teasing grin. That damn dimple deepening. “You.”
My brow ticks up.
“Scarlett was so different today, babe. She was so much more open and accepting. Like she could see how happy I am. She wants to come visit us, maybe for my birthday, if we’re moved by then.”
“That’s great.” A grin tugs at my lips as hers ghost over mine. “That’s really great.”
Matt’s voice booms from behind us. “You know the back bedroom’s fully available if you two need privacy. If not, get the fuck out of the way. You’re blocking the game.”
Alley laughs, slipping from my arms and heading toward the kitchen. “Want a beer, Matt?”
“Does the Pope pray?” he calls back, eyes glued to the screen.
She rolls her eyes, yanking the fridge open.
I drop onto the couch, leaning back as I watch them, my chest warming with something I don’t want to name. Sure, he’s a bit of a man slut, and his lifestyle’s a wild mess half the time. But he’s the best friend a guy could ask for. The kind that’ll give you the shirt off his back. The kind that’ll be there for your wife when you’re too far gone. The kind that’ll fly to Switzerland just to make sure you get the help you need.
He’s my brother. And the truth is?—
I’m gonna really fucking miss him.
Chapter Forty
