Evan scooted over to the counter, grabbing up one of the huge pitas and planting a huge kiss on Maeve’s cheek. He tried for Connor, but she darted away, coming closer to where I stood. She refused to meet my gaze.
“You ladies are a godsend,” he told them before shoving it in his mouth. Maeve grabbed another pita, offering it out to Calum.
“Can I have a tour first?” Connor said, her eyes sliding to mine briefly before shooting back to her brother. “Mom and I ate in the car, and I can’t wait to look upstairs.”
Calum had just taken a bite of the pita, and nodded as he chewed.
“I can show her around quick.” The offer escaped before I could call it back, my eyes fixed on her.
Connor frowned. “I can show myself around, thanks.” The fire in her response made me freeze. She reined in her temper, cooling her expression. “I just mean, you eat, Dare. I’ll have a look myself.”
I nodded, my brows tugging together at her irritation. I didn’t know what I’d done to merit her apparent anger at me. “Suit yourself.” She arched her brows and pursed her lips before taking off upstairs.
I fought the urge to follow her with everything I had. “I need a smoke,” I clipped, turning and heading for the door.
“Oh! I’m coming too,” Evan shouted after me, but I was already out the door. I was pacing in the driveway, a joint already lit and in my mouth when he joined me. “Well, what the fuck was that?”
I shook my head, cutting him a look that said I didn’t want to discuss it. Exhaling, I passed the joint to him, already done with it. It had been an excuse to escape more than anything. I rubbed at my jaw, another breath tumbling from my lungs.
“You okay?” Evan pressed, nudging his shoulder with mine.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I cast a look over my shoulder at the house. It was evident from Connor’s body language that she didn’t want to let anyone else in on our secret just yet. “Thanks for not saying anything about, well, you know.”
“You’re welcome, man.” Evan put a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it. “But you guys are pretty obvious. Especially whatever that was. I think it calls even more attention to this thing you’re doing.”
“I know,” I admitted, breathing in the crisp air. Calum’s house property had panoramic ocean views. Even from the front of the house, you could see the ocean stretching beyond.
Calum was setting down roots, and I found I wanted to do that too…with Connor. I wanted to at least admit who she was to me.
Connor
I was just headed back downstairsafter exploring the bedrooms when my brother found me. “This house is amazing, Cal!” I exclaimed, casting an excited look around. “I’m so happy for you and so glad you’re moving back home,” I added, wrapping my arms around him in a hug.
“Thanks, little sis. Now, do you wanna tell me why you’re so cranky?” I stiffened, stepping back with a forced smile in place.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night, kept stressing about my placement.”
“Still haven’t heard back?” Calum frowned.
“Yeah, I’m sure I will soon. But, anyway…I don’t want to talk about it right now. It just stresses me out.” I wasn’t lying—I was stressed. The co-op positions had filled quickly, and I’d yet to hear from any of the places I’d applied at, and that brought up my anxiety several notches.
Truthfully, I was a little angry at myself for slacking on finding a placement. I got caught up in Dare, caught up in the idea of making music with him.
“Mom thinks it’s boy trouble,” Cal remarked. I stilled for a moment before laughing uncomfortably.
“It’s not,” I deadpanned, glancing past Cal to watch Mom climb the stairs.
“Okay, later then,” Calum said as Mom joined us in the hallway. I smiled at her and she grinned back.
“Mom, you’re going to love the size of these bedrooms, even the smallest one is big! And the closets!” I exclaimed, trying to make sure the conversation stayed far away from me.
Calum took us on a guided tour, showing us the bedrooms upstairs. Our first stop was the master bedroom on the west side of the house, overlooking the water. He showed us two smaller guest bedrooms and the full bathroom across the hall.
The second largest bedroom was going to be Asher’s. Its large bay window overlooked the driveway and wooded area one acre from the road. It was in there the three of us stopped.
“Oh! I’ll be right back. I forgot something in the car,” I said, darting back down the hallway. I descended the stairs, my gaze sweeping across the room until I spotted Dare. He was painting another coat on the living room walls with Evan. I kept my head down and kept walking toward the door.
Dare looked up when I passed. I tried not to look over my shoulder as I opened the door, closing it behind me. I jogged to Mom’s car and opened the back passenger door, reaching in for the plastic bag full of goodies.
