“Is he good to you?”
“Yes. He’s so patient and understanding. God, Jordan, Levi is the most incredible man I’ve ever met.” My brother scowls at me, and I quickly add, “Obviously, that doesn’t include you.”
His scowl morphs into a playful expression. “Just kidding. I know what you mean.”
I drink some of my hot chocolate, then say, “There’s one more thing.”
Jordan’s right eyebrow lifts. “What?”
“I want you to know so you don’t find out and make Levi uncomfortable. RememberThe Elimination Projectthat Easton Rowe starred in?”
“Oh yeah. One of my fav ...” Jordan’s voice trails away, and his eyes go wide as saucers. “Holy shit!” he gasps. “Is he the same Levi Graye who wrote the book?”
When I nod, Jordan stands up, too excited to remain seated. “I thought he just had the same name as the author. I’ve read the book. Wow. Do you think he’ll sign a copy for me?”
“Jordan.” I pat the couch. “This is why I’m telling you now, so you don’t get excited in front of Levi. It will have him running for the hills.”
My brother reins in his excitement and sits down again. “Okay. I can act calm around him.”
Reaching out, I rub his shoulder. “Thank you. And don’t worry, I’ll ask him to sign a book for you.”
While we finish our hot chocolate, I ask, “How are Natalie and Brady?”
“They’re good. Natalie found a new job, so she’s currently working her notice period. She’ll be closer to home, and it pays more.”
“Oh my gosh! That’s such good news. I’ll send her a text to congratulate her.”
An apprehensive expression ghosts over my brother’s face, and I already know what he’s going to ask.
“Just give me a little more time,” I answer his unspoken question. “Levi’s been taking care of the garden, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“I’m not worried about the garden. It’s been over a year, and you seem to be doing so much better. We need to talk about selling the house.”
My heartbeat speeds up, and my palms grow sweaty. Even though my anxiety spikes, it doesn’t spiral out of control and into a full-blown panic attack.
Surprise ripples over Jordan’s face. “You’re actually okay to talk about it.”
I shrug while I breathe through the anxiety. “Yes, but I’m not ready to sell. Can you give me six months? I want to prepare myself emotionally before I go to the house.”
Jordan nods as he leans in to hug me. “I can wait six months.”
Pulling away, I climb to my feet. “Let’s go next door.”
He darts up and hurries to the kitchen to place his mug in the sink. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
A chuckle escapes me, and as we step out into the cold, Jordan places his arm around my shoulders. “I’m happy for you, Kelcie.”
“Thank you for being patient with me over the past fifteen months.”
“It feels like I should’ve done more for you, but I didn’t know how to help.”
“I know. Don’t forget that you were dealing with your own grief as well. We both did the best we could.”
He presses a quick kiss to the side of my head as we reach Levi’s back door. I knock once before opening it, and I gesture for Jordan to follow me inside.
Suddenly, Lick starts barking, and the sound of nails slipping on the floor sounds up. The instant she barrels into the kitchen, I hold up my hand to show her to stay.
She stops running, her eyes on Jordan.
