“Before you did.” Bryce’s grin was all mischief and heat. “You were in your own world. Didn’t hear me calling your name.”
Beth flushed scarlet, her eyes bouncing between the two men—both wearing amused expressions that made her want to sink into the floor.
“So you, um… saw… me when I came in?” she asked, trying to casually scoop up the scattered clothing as she descended, bundling them tightly in her arms.
The man beside Bryce answered as she reached the bottom. “After you grabbed the milk and I realized you were about to take your shirt off, I turned around and covered my eyes.”
“I didn’t,” Bryce added dryly.
Beth glanced around in panic, searching for the missing shirt.
“You left it in the fridge,” Bryce said with a low, rumbling chuckle, nodding toward the counter where her top now sat—folded neatly on the island.
She groaned, covering her face with one hand while the other clutched the pile of laundry to her chest. “Kill me now.”
The words came out muffled and miserable.
Bryce’s chuckle deepened, low and unapologetically pleased. His gaze lingered, dark and heated—she had wrecked him without even trying.
He stepped in front of her, blocking his brother’s view. His hands found her hips with quiet confidence, grounding her. He pressed a soft kiss to her flaming cheek, then leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear.
“Next time, I’m…” he lowered his voice to a whisper and spoke a promise meant only for her.
Her lips twitched despite herself, the ghost of a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth as she shook her head.
“I think it’s time you took a walk, little brother,” Bryce said over his shoulder, still watching her.
“That’s your brother?” Beth whispered, half-shouting, and buried her face in the crook of his neck.
“Yeah,” Bryce muttered, running a hand down his face. “Got a message from him saying he was here, tried calling you several times. No answer. Since he has a key, I figured I shouldget home before you walked in on a random guy in your kitchen.” His eyes slid toward his brother. “He’s always had stellar timing.”
There was a dry edge to his voice, but the underlying affection couldn’t be missed—the kind of tone born from a lifetime of shared memories, petty arguments, and deep-rooted loyalty. A tone that said, he’s my brother and I love him—but right now, I could strangle him.
“He’s leaving. Now.”
Beth stepped back and tugged on Bryce’s hand. “Brrrryyyce, you can’t just kick him out like that. Come on—introduce us.”
She couldn’t imagine doing that to Lynn.
“Yes I can, but fine.” Bryce rolled his eyes with playful annoyance—though his tone leaned more annoyed than playful. “Lizzy, this is my younger brother, Brock. King of bad timing. Brock, meet my beautiful wife, Elizabeth. Now please leave.”
“Bryce! That’s rude!” Beth elbowed him and extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you—I had hoped to meet you, but I was told you couldn’t get away from your ministry this time of year.” She glanced at Bryce with a raised brow, as if to say, Really?
Brock grinned and bypassed her handshake, pulling her into a relaxed hug. “Nah, it’s chill. Good to finally meet you, sis. Wish I could say I had heard about you, but... Bryce never mentioned you. Just dropped a wedding announcement in my inbox like, ‘Surprise!’”
He slanted a look at his brother. “Real subtle, bro.”
As soon as the hug ended, Bryce’s arm slid around Beth’s waist, tugging her back to his side with a gesture that was more sweetly possessive than territorial.
Beth looked up at him, eyes wide. “You waited to tell him until now?”
Bryce shrugged sheepishly. He didn’t want to admit he’d waited until he was sure she wouldn’t back out. Until the moment she gave him the announcements, he hadn’t been certain their marriage would last long enough to warrant telling his family. In fact, he’d hit send at 1 AM.—half afraid she’d change her mind by morning.
“Bryce, that’s awful. Brock, I’m so sorry you found out that way.”
Brock just grinned, his surfer-calm unshaken. “Eh, I’ve known him my whole life. That announcement style? Totally on brand. Kinda-like back in high school when he fell hard for this new girl, Mallory. Hadn’t even talked to her yet, and he’s already telling everyone he’s gonna marry her. Showed up to youth group in a pink button-up and frosted tips...”
“Brock…” Bryce groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
