Page 30 of Happily Ever Never

I let out a breath. “I messed up.”

“Okay. But what happened?”

I laughed as I set the bags next to the front door. Shenarrowed her eyes at them, and I knew she would probably yell at me forspoiling the girls later. The girls had been so excited about ice cream theyhadn’t even noticed their presents. That was probably a good thing. Because honestly,I was a little too distracted to deal with that much happiness and excitement.

“Talk to me, baby brother.”

I frowned. “I think I’m accidentally falling in love withMay, and I’ve only kissed her once, and I only know parts of her, but I want toknow more. Every time I see her, it’s like we have this connection I can’texplain, and I’m so confused. But the guys told me I couldn’t be with her, andnow, here I am.” I explained the connection and spark I felt each time we met.It didn’t make any sense that I would love her. I barely even knewher. But maybe it was an instant attraction and spark that turned into love. Orlust. Lust seemed more likely. I didn’t love her. I wasn’t a guy who fell headover heels. So what the fuck was wrong with me?

As I explained everything to my sister, Caroline’s eyes gotwide before she reached out and smacked the back of my head.

“What the hell was that for?” I asked, rubbing the tenderspot.

“Fix this. Fix this.”

“What do you mean? How am I supposed to do that? I made herfeel like crap, and I’ll try to make it better, butI’m not supposed to be with her. She’s Leif and Brooke’s nanny. When this goesbelly-up, it’ll be awkward, and I’ll lose my job. I’ll lose my group offriends. And I’ll only have you—which…you’re amazing and more than enough. Andnow I’m talking in circles and making you feel worthless.”

“I do not feel worthless. I know my worth. Just like Maydoes. And you will not only have us. But you’re right. You need more than us.More than my amazing family. Because you are my amazing family, too. You needMay.”

My brain hurt trying to keep up with this conversation. Itwas easier when I went on a date, slept with someone, and walked away when wewere both done. They might have once called me a player, but I wasn’t. I didn’tplay. I just didn’t stay.

But I didn’t want to be that person for May.

“You don’t even know May.”

“But I know you. You’re different now. Yes, you’ve only hada few drinks with her in groups, and you had that moment where you saved herlife.”

“She wouldn’t have died,” I whispered, the thought of thatcurdling my stomach.

“I know. But it all just feels like it’s a moment. Each ofthese moments tied together brings you something. So, fix it. And ask yourselfwhy you’re so afraid to keep kissing. To keep moving. Is it really because yourbros told you not to? Do they even know that it’s not you only wanting to sleepwith her?”

“I feel like we’ve passed the part where I’m supposed to bediscussing this with my sister.”

“I will hit you again. And I’m a pregnant woman. Thesehormones have a mind of their own.”

“Believe me, I know all about the hormones,” I said deadpan,and she raised her fist.

I rolled my eyes, then kissed her knuckles.

“I love you, sister mine.”

“I love you, brother mine. Don’t fuckthis up again. Talk to the guys. Because I don’t think it’s the bro-code youthink it is. I think this is mostly in your head. And you really need to fixit. Get to know her. You’re right. It’s probably not love yet, but it isa connection. I’ve had that, and I married him. Go fix this, and don’t be adumb fucker.”

“I feel like that needs to be an emotional epigraph writtensomewhere. Maybe cross-stitched onto a pillow.”

“I will hit you again. I don’t normally condone violence,but I will hit my baby brother.”

I rolled my eyes and kissed the top of her head. “I need toget to work.”

“Talk to the guys. They warned you off her for a reason, butI don’t think it was the right one. Maybe if they had all the information, and youhad the damn information, you wouldn’t be screwingthis up.”

“I hear you. I’ll fix it.”

Though I had no idea how to do that.

She narrowed her gaze at me, nodded tightly, and thenpractically pushed me out of the house.

Considering she would probably have another twenty minutesof being alone, I didn’t blame her for that.