Callum’s fingers are clumsy, and he curses under his breath.
“Here.” Tania covers his hand with hers, guiding. “Like this.”
He lets her, and I watch them. Her hands are on his. His body leans into hers without thinking. He’s following her directions.
The pies go into the oven. Tania sets the timer and leans back against the counter, streaked with flour, hair falling out of the tie.
She lets out a contented sigh. “That was fun.”
“Yeah.” I’m covered in flour, too.
So is Callum. We’re a mess.
“I like this.” Tania tilts her head slightly. “Being with you both like this.”
Callum brushes flour off her cheek. “Yeah, Red. Me too.”
I should say something. Crack a joke. Lighten the mood.
But I don’t, because I don’t want it lighter. I want it exactly like this.
CHAPTER 15
Silas
Ican’t stop thinking about what I saw yesterday.
I was working in the living room when they started making pies. The open floor plan meant I heard everything. Saw everything.
Tania teaching them how to crimp edges. Callum taking her direction without argument. Evan talking about our mom. Both of them revealing feelings they’ve never said out loud.
Their relationship with Tania isn’t about the money anymore. And I’m the only one still fighting it.
We have to leave for Thanksgiving dinner in a couple of hours, but since nobody else is working today, I don’t have a lot to keep my mind occupied.
I need to do something—anything to avoid thinking about the turmoil this fucking contract is putting me through.
Our home gym is empty when I get there. I load the bar for deadlifts and start my first set. Callum arrives ten minutes later, already in workout gear, headphones around his neck. Then Evan.
We work out in silence for a while. Weights clanging and breathing heavy.
I finish my set and rack the bar.
“I heard you guys yesterday.” I wipe sweat from my forehead. “In the kitchen.”
Evan stops mid-curl. “That’s a little creepy,” he jokes. “Why didn’t you join us? It was fun.”
“I was working in the living room. You didn’t notice.”
Callum sets down his kettlebell. “Is that a problem? That you heard us?”
“It will be when Ben finds out.” It’s something I keep reminding them, but they don’t listen.
Evan grabs his water bottle and takes a sip. “I don’t think Ben will be mad that we made pies.”
Now is not the time for Evan’s jokes. “Obviously, he won’t be mad about you making pies. But that other stuff you’re doing with Tania…” I trail off.
“He’ll be pissed.” Callum doesn’t flinch. “We know that.”
