Cain narrows his eyes, leaning back in his chair as if trying to decipher how I actually feel about signing the annulment papers to his sister. I meet his gaze head-on, a smile tugging at my lips.
“You seem awfully happy about how this is all playing out.” There’s suspicion in his tone.
“I’m usually a pretty happy guy when I’m not being sued, threatened or told what to do,” I reply smoothly, shrugging as I take a long sip of my hot chocolate. “Plus, what can I say? Your sister makes me happy.”
“But you’re notactuallymarried to her. I mean, you are, but you won’t be after Monday.”
I shrug again, fighting back a smirk. “Sure, boss.”
His eyes narrow as he exhales a long, measured sigh. “What aren’t you telling me, Boone?”
I tilt my head and smirk. “Well, you don’t work for me anymore, right?”
Cain shakes his head, his expression still sharp. “Technically, our PR team is coordinating your breakup this weekend, and our law firm will finalize the annulment on Monday. Beyond that, you’ll keep me on retainer until the Mayhem decide whether they want their sports law firm to represent you again. So yes, I still work for you.”
I shrug. “I think you already know what I’m not saying.”
Another sigh escapes him, this one heavier than the last. “She’s not your type.”
My brows lift at the accusation. “How would you know anything about my type?”
“Correction,” he says, leaning forward, his voice low and firm. “Rosie isevery guy’stype. She’s smart, kind, hardworking, driven, beautiful," he ticks the list off his fingers, and I know he could keep going. All those things do describe Rosie but she’s so much more. She’s…it. "She’s my sister, yes, but it’s not just me who sees these things. It’s obvious to anyone who knows her. And you, Boone? You’re nothertype.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Doesn’t sound like she’s dated enough for you to make that call.”
Cain chuckles dryly, sitting back in his chair.
“Fair enough. Look, I like you and my wife seems to too, so I’m going to tell you this. This is the happiest I’ve ever seen my little sister. And, honestly, the most alive she’s ever been. She’s got this glow about her now—a confidence outside the courtroom that matches the dominance she shows inside it. I think she was searching for something like this. Sure, not a marriage of convenience, but something that would help her find herself outside of work. But…” He pauses, his eyes locking on mine and becoming more serious, “…there’s a reason my dad scaredoff every other boyfriend she’s ever had. No man has ever been willing to fight for her.”
I raise a brow.What the hell does that mean?
“Are you that guy? Honestly? Because now that I've defended you on this case, I know you’ve never started a fight before. That you’ve always been along for the ride. The easy-going one in your group of friends who gets dragged, usually unwillingly, into trouble. And that makes me wonder if you know how to finish a fight because my father, he will fight you on this. He will fight you if you want to date Rosie.”
I don’t hesitate before answering. Because this isn’t my lawyer talking anymore. This is Cain. The older brother of the woman I’m in love with. The man who’s spent his entire life protecting her.
And if he doubts my ability to defend his sister, to stand up for what we have, then I intend to prove him wrong.
I may be known as a pretty face in ice skates, but there’s more to me than that. Yes, maybe I haven’t always been the one starting fights. That’s because, by nature, I choose peace. I always have. But the truth is, I’ve never had anything worth fighting for.
Until now.
Rosie is worth fighting for.
“I’m not worried about your father’s opinion of me,” I say, my voice steady. “I’ll do anything for her. I’ll love her the way she deserves to be loved. I’ll protect her wishes, her career, her dreams. Whatever she wants, it’ll be hers. Without question, I will fight for her and what we have.”
Cain studies me for a beat, then nods. He picks up his coffee and takes a slow sip before a faint smile touches his lips.
“I believe you. But that belief is going to be tested next week when you sit down at a table with my dad who is going to hand you divorce papers. Just be ready. Like I said, I’m rooting for you, I really am, if this is whatshewants too. I just hope you’re prepared to go to battle for her in a way no other man ever has before.”
I lean back in my chair and stare out at the ice-slick sidewalks below. In a city of millions, what were the chances that Rosie and I would collide in that dark club in Hoboken, after she gave me a lap dance of all things?
None. Zero. I know that and she knows it too.
And that’s exactly why I’m not afraid of what comes next. Rosie chose me. With her words. With her body. With the way she keeps showing up with tenderness, even when it’s complicated. And I’ve chosen her right back. If that means fighting for her with her dad, then I’ll do it without hesitation.
Cain’s phone buzzes on the tabletop. He checks it, then exhales. “I’ve gotta go. Good luck,” he says. “Tell my sister hello. I’m assuming you’re seeing her tonight.”
I nod and stand, extending my hand. “Thanks again. For everything. And for what it’s worth, I’m looking forward to being your brother-in-law for real someday.”
