“We have Mrs. Halle.”
“For how long? She’s going to retire next year.”
Ryder looks startled. “I hadn’t heard that.”
“That’s because you were on tour, baby brother. You’re always on tour. Or working on a new record. Or doing press. Who do you think managed this place and Grandmother’s estate, even before she died? Every potential buyer I’ve spoken to wants to level the house and build condos. Shelby wants to restore it. She loves this house and spent almost as much time as we did here, probably more, with our mothers being best friends.”
“If you needed anything from me, all you had to do was call,” Ryder says coldly. “And I’m here now. Just remember, as much as you like to think you’re in charge, Piper’s Peak is half mine. I’m not an eight-year-old kid worshiping the ground my big brother walks on anymore.”
Brendan snorts. “Were you ever that?”
“There was a time. But we know who holds your allegiance.”
Brendan stops short. “Hell. I may have been older than you when you left us for your band. But I was just a kid too.”
My eyes dart back and forth between the handsome men. I think they’ve forgotten my presence, and I feel like an interloper here. I should have excused myself earlier, but I can’t look away. I’m getting an intimate look at the dynamic between them, getting a glimpse into what makes Ryder…well, Ryder.
I shouldn’t be interested. Nothing about him is my business anymore, not after I heard what he really thinks of me. And they should have privacy. So I force myself to do the polite thing.
“Boys, boys. As much as I’d love to be here for your heartwarming reunion, I have a karaoke date with Taylor. So I’m going to adjourn to make myself more gorgeous. Enjoy brotherhood,” I say.
Ryder levels me with his stare. “You are not going to Ed’s. Jesus, Daisy. Don’t you remember what happened the last time you went to the bar?”
“Hmmm,” I say, exaggerating my gestures as I pretend-think. “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“You are not going there. It’s too dangerous.” He bites out each word in his low, gravelly voice. It gives me shivers. In a good way.
“You may be my boss, but I’m absolutely sure that trying to put me under house arrest would break many labor laws. I’m friends with the police chief. He takes his German shepherd to the dog park every weekend. He even gave me his personal number in case I wanted to get the dogs together one-on-one. Shall I call him and explain how my employer won’t let me leave the house?” I try to bite back a smile at his expression. But I can’t quite achieve the sad, worried look I’m shooting for. Too much mirth breaks through.
“Fuck. Now I know how Chase felt that summer when he was trying to keep Olivia safe.”
I lean forward. “Do you know what the difference is?”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “What?”
“Olivia is way sweeter than I am. And she listens far better. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get changed for karaoke. It’s ABBA night. I’ve been practicing ‘Dancing Queen’ all day.”
And with that, I twirl away, hair whipping, and stroll leisurely toward the pool house.
I can feel both men’s eyes on me. So I put a little more swing in my hips.
Just for fun.
“I can’t believeI’m going back to Ed’s,” Ryder mutters an hour later as he drives his car with careful, capable intent on the main road through town.
This wouldn’t be a feat, except we have amassed quite the entourage behind us. Bodyguards and paparazzi follow at varying distances.
But Ryder keeps his eyes on the road except for the occasional sharp glance at me.
“I told youIwas going for karaoke,” I say. “Not you. You could have stayed home and reminisced about your childhood with your big bro.”
“I have to go. You refuse to stay home. And I refuse to let you go without me. So…”
“I’d be perfectly safe with Duncan and his many minions.”
“They aren’t me.”
“Meaning?” I goad.
