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Beckett’s excitement blasts through the room when I offer to move in with Eloise. Sage and Ian exchange a look. Ian’s holding back a smirk like I’ve taken on more than I can handle. But he doesn't know shit. What none of them know is this isn't just a bid to escape Beckett's but maybe something more.

Eloise gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a small gesture that seems to illuminate her heart-shaped face.

I recall how I relentlessly teased Ian when he fell madly in love with Sage at their very first meeting.

Now, it seems the universe has decided to teach me a lesson.

The moment I saw Eloise, unfamiliar feelings hit me like a tidal wave. My heart skipped a beat, my cock turned to stone, and a flurry of emotions rushed through me, leaving my mind and body jumbled messes.

I can barely focus on the conversation as her bright smile and sparkling eyes take center stage in my thoughts, each detail of her appearance unraveling my composure and sending my mind into a whirlwind.

Ian stands between Beckett and Dawson with his arms folded, clearly evaluating if I've lost my mind. To hell with them.

"It makes sense," I begin once more, speaking faster with each word. "I'll cover Sage's portion of the rent while I'm here.” Then I list all the reasons I'd make a great roommate. “A woman shouldn’t be living alone in this area.” That's a bit of a stretch. This is one of the safest towns in the entire state. "Plus, I'm handy with tools and a whiz in the kitchen."

I try to play it cool, but I know my brothers can see right through me. My neck is heating up like I'm in a goddamn inferno. Eloise stares at me with shock in her eyes, and my heart pounds as I fear she’s going to refuse my suggestion.

Eloise isn't saying a word, just looking at me like she's trying to decide if I'm joking or maybe a little insane.

Ian tilts his head, his eyes narrowing in on me like he's getting ready to give me shit. Sage's eyes are on Eloise, wide and hopeful. It's clear she's not sure what's going to happen either. No one's really sure, except maybe Beckett, who nods again with that annoying confidence that makes me want to punch him.

I'm out on a limb here, but the longer Eloise looks at me, the more I start to worry she’s going to refuse. What started as a crazy impulse is turning into something that feels like it’s meant to be. I know I sound like a cheesy greeting card, but I don’t fucking care.

When I look at her, I can’t even picture Coach Martin's kid. All I see is a confident, beautiful woman who reached right into my chest and stole my goddamn heart. She's not the shy, quiet kid I remember. Hell, I'm not the same guy either. A million things have changed, but I get the sense we're both still wondering who the other really is.

"You would be doing me a huge favor. I'm desperate to escape Beckett's zoo," I lie. I love my brother’s animals, but I’m willing to say anything to convince Eloise to let me move in. My voice sounds strange, like it doesn't quite belong to me.

There's a moment when I think she's about to tell me to fuck off, that she'd rather be homeless than live with me. But I don't move, and neither does she. We're stuck in this stand-off, both trying to outlast the other.

Then it hits me. I need this to happen. There’s no other choice.

"Don’t worry, Eloise," Ian finally breaks the silence. "He’s mostly housetrained." His voice drips with mock surprise, and Sage nudges him, trying to keep the moment from turning into a total shit show.

"That's good to know," Eloise says with a laugh, her voice slicing through the suffocating tension that cloaks us. "It would be great for you to move in." Relief floods my body like a crashing wave, my pulse pounding furiously in my ears, drowning out everything else.

"This is great news," Sage chimes in, her voice carrying relief mixed with excitement. But that's not what I'm after, even if no one but me really knows that yet. “We can all help Atlas move in here this next week.” A round of groans rolls through the room at her declaration.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders. "Sounds great."

There's a spark of something in Eloise's eyes, like she can't believe this is actually happening. Hell, I can't either, but that doesn't stop me from wanting it even more.

"It's settled." Beckett claps his hands, and his grin says he didn't expect me to pull this off. The asshole turns to my girl. "Just remember, I don’t take returns."

"Like I want to return to your madhouse." I glare at the fucker, hoping to hide the fact that I’m completely out of my damn mind for this girl.

Before Beckett and I can really get started arguing, Sage starts handing out orders like the best drill sergeant. "Time to get back to work.”

While I help my brothers gather more boxes, I can’t help but watch Eloise.

She's engaged in conversation with Sage, and the way her laughter rings out sends a whirlwind of sensations through my body. Her light and infectious laughter seems to dance in the air, making my heart race and my skin tingle with an inexplicable thrill.

"We should celebrate," Beckett suggests, throwing his arm around Sage. "Pizza and beer after we finish this round?"

Ian automatically growls, “Keep your goddamn hands to yourself,” before stepping between Beckett and Sage.

"We can go to Rosie's," Dawson cuts in. “Ian’s buying.”

That gets Ian’s attention. "How come I'm buying?"