“Let it die,” I teased.
“Wish I could. But if I ignore that many texts, Tyler will drive over and bang on the door like a maniac.”
“Tyler?”
“My brother. One of four.”
“You have four brothers?”
“Yep,” he sighed.
“Oh God, your mother!”
“Why is it always ‘your mother’ and not, oh, poor you?” He laughed.
“Because you were probably out causing shit with each brother. And there’s five of you!”
“True.” He shrugged.
“Do they text you this early all the time?”
He sat up slowly, rubbing a hand down his face. “Only when it involves something important, but it’s probably about Ben.”
I tilted my head. “Which one is he?”
“He’s the youngest. He plays college hockey and has a game tonight.”
I smiled. “You’re going?”
He nodded, stretching. “Yeah, figured I’d go support him. He gets weirdly competitive when we’re there. Thinks it helps him win if the ‘whole damn Brady Bunch’ shows up to cheer him on.”
I grinned. “Are you going to yell embarrassing things from the stands?”
“Only if he misses a shot.” He smirked, then turned toward me, his voice softer now. “You wanna come?”
“To the game?” I blinked.
He looked suddenly unsure of himself, which was rare for him. “I mean… yeah. With me. If you want. No pressure.”
My heart did a little somersault. The casual offer wasn’t so casual. It was an invitation into his world. “I’d love to,” I said. “Sounds fun.”
His smile returned, a little crooked, a little proud. “Good. I’ll grab an extra seat.” He paused, then cleared his throat. “But, uh… heads–up.”
Oh no. “What kind of heads-up?” I asked slowly.
He winced a little, rubbing the back of his neck. “Everyone’s going. I mean… all of them.”
“All of them?”
“My brothers. Their girlfriends. My mom and dad.”
“So you’re telling me I’m meeting yourentirefamily tonight?” I stared at him with wide eyes.
He held both hands up like he was trying to calm an explosion. “It wasn’t supposed to be like that! I didn’t mean to just throw you into the lion’s den. I honestly forgot until I saw the texts.”
I laughed, despite the wave of nerves hitting me. “That’s kind of a huge thing to forget.”
“I know, I know.” He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly nervous. “You don’t have to come. I don’t want you to feel cornered.”
