Page 17 of Romantic

“What would you prefer I do? Give you a lecture.”

“On what?!”

“On teaching my daughter to meddle.”

“Are you saying this is my fault?”

“Are you saying it’s not?”

“Just because I made her watch The Parent Trap with me?” Brandon raises his brows. “Okay, three times,” I admit.

“And . . .?” prompts Brandon.

“And . . . included her in my plan to trap Elinor and Edward in the tree house.” I sit down on the beanbag next to him. The space is narrow, and some of my skirt drapes over his knee. He deliberately brushes it off. “So yeah, maybe it’s a bit my fault. But you’re her father.”

“I’m well aware.”

“You should do something.”

“I am doing something. I’m reading.”

“You can’t just sit there. I need your help.”

“I am helping you, Annie.”

“By ignoring me?”

“Yes!” His eyes flash. “It’s the only option in this situation—we’re locked in a closet, and you have a boyfriend.” Is he saying what I think he’s saying? I doubt it. He has a serious scowl as he studiously ignores me, reading his book.

I pick up a large stuffed hippo and hug it to my chest. The wall behind Brandon is painted with a detailed seascape, complete with mermaids, a sea monster, and a ship. The dark navy ceiling is painted with shimmering silver and gold stars. This is the room of my childhood dreams. Who am I kidding? It’s still the room of my dreams. And Brandon—boring, stuffy, Brandon—thought of every detail. He painstakingly crafted this room for Pepper. I think of him painting these exquisite waves. It makes me wonder what is going on in his head. I’m pretty sure I would like what I found—if only he would ever let me in.

“Are you angry with me?” I ask in a small voice. I wince at how needy I sound.

“No, Annie. I’m mad at myself.” He glances up from his book. “I should have known better than to let you spend so much time with us. But Pepper adores you, and I . . . I like having you around, okay?” He closes the book again and rakes his hands through his hair.

“I thought I annoyed you.”

“You don’t annoy me, Annie.” He says my name with such fondness my whole body thrums. “But I should have been more careful, kept my distance. I don’t date. I can’t risk Pepper becoming too attached, only to have her heart broken. She’s already lost her mother. She doesn’t need to lose anyone else. But trust me, it’s not easy.” Brandon’s eyes hold mine. He lifts his hand and ever so gently brushes a lock of my hair. I can hardly breathe. I can hardly think.

“Red alert! Red alert!” Pepper’s head pops through the door. “Grandma’s here.”

Brandon exhales and stands up. And poof! The dream is over.

Marianne’s heart is not to be wasted for ever on such a man as Willoughby. —Sense & Sensibility

5

Brandon

“So this is Annie.”

I should have known my mom would show up. She gives me a quick questioning glance. Annie’s cheeks are apple red, Pepper radiates smugness, and I can see in the hallway mirror that my hair is a bit mussed up—by my own nervous hands, mind you, but that’s not what it looks like.

“Thank you so much for recommending me for this job,” Annie tells my mom as the two take a seat at the kitchen table. “It means so much—especially when you’d never met me.”

“Well, Brandon has said nothing but good things about you. And I just got off the phone with Susan. She said you won them all over”

“Really?” Annie beams as I set down the plate of Rice Krispie treats. “Thanks,” she says, taking one, her eyes shyly meeting mine.