“You’re a menace,” I growled.
He looked smug. “I know. And no, I’m not your fucking boss. Everyone knows Holden runs the show over there.”
“Still, it’s a family business. You’re part of the family.”
He shrugged. “I guess. Not like they consult me about their plans, though.” He suddenly looked concerned. “Why? Is there a problem with how they’re treating you?”
“No, nothing like that.”
“Your probationary period is coming to an end soon, isn’t it?”
Surprise flared, but then, of course, Bailey would remember. He’d trained me, encouraged me, and was more aware of my goals than the other brothers.
“Yeah. Holden hasn’t said anything about it yet.”
Bailey frowned. “You want me to bring it up?”
I winced. “No. Once he finds out we’re dating?—”
“Wait,” Aiden interrupted. “He doesn’t know you’re dating?”
“Not yet,” Bailey said. “But we’re going to tell him soon, right? I was thinking maybe the next time I come home for a visit.”
“Yeah?” I asked hopefully. “What changed your mind?”
“Aiden, actually.”
My brother and I exchanged a surprised look.
Bailey shrugged. “I love how open you are with each other. That’s how I always was with my brothers before…”
“Before me,” I said, heart sinking. Had I made Bailey feel he had to hide something?
“No, before school. Before realizing I never should have gone. I was too afraid to tell Holden no. I knew he wouldn’t take it well, and he’s done so much for me. I thought I could just do this thing for him, and then if I wanted to go home and work in the shop, maybe he would be okay with it, but I’m miserable up here, you know? Everything I want is back in Riverton.”
“Come here.” I tugged him close and hugged him to me. “Holden is going to love you, no matter what. Your family is great, and you’re their favorite. Every single one of them adores you. Why do you think I’m so worried they’ll want to kick my ass for laying a hand on you?”
Bailey shook his head. “Well, I’m a grown-ass man, as my roommate so eloquently put it, so I’ll date whoever I want.”
His phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket and checked the screen. “Speak of the devil…”
My heart lurched. “Holden?”
“All of them,” Bailey said. “After our heart-to-heart, Holden suggested a weekly chat with the fam. I’ll just go take it in the other room, okay? I’d like to tell them about us in person, rather than on a call, unless you really don’t want to wait?”
I considered that. I wanted to tell his brothers. Had wanted that all along. But telling them while we still had bed head afterspending the night together? Probably not thebestway to break the news.
“In person is good,” I said.
“Okay.”
Bailey retreated down the hall toward the bedroom. I watched him until Aiden made an amused sound. “You’re really gone over him, huh?
I turned back. “Yeah. As you might have gathered, dating him isn’t the smartest choice. If his brothers take it badly, it could be the end of my job. I’m just getting my life on track.”
“Then he must be worth the risk,” Aiden said.
I smiled. “Yeah, I guess he is.”
