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“Good.” His chest puffs out. “Those guys know the deal. They don’t date my sister.”
“You two are so cute.” My mom spins on her heel and shifts the faucet handle to the hot side.
Connor walks around the island and hauls me against his chest with his arm around my head. “I love you, Pipsqueak, but I love giving you shit more.”
“I know.” I jab my elbow into his gut, causing him to wince. He tightens his hold as our mom laughs and stuffs the stopper into the sink. “Now, let go of my head. You’re messing up my hair.”
“Say it.”
“Say what?”
“Say you love your big–”
“I love you, you big ox.” My voice is muffled as he drops his arm and twists me into a bear hug.
After he bends toward my ear, he lowers his voice, “Don’t let one of those morons convince you to date them. They’re only looking for a good time, and then they’ll dump you. You deserve better than that.”
My gaze darts to Cole, who’s standing awkwardly across the room with his phone to his ear, talking in a hushed voice. Disappointment fills the empty spot in my heart. I know he’s right. He’s right about his friends. He’s right about Cole. None of them are ready to settle down. They’re still in the talking phase of relationships–not the dating phase.
If they can convince a girl to have sex without taking her out on a date or getting into a relationship, why put in the effort for more? And that’s not what I’m looking for. I want someone who’s ready for the next stage–a serious relationship that’s headed towards marriage and kids.
And since my job is in San Francisco, it can’t happen here.
Cole clicks his phone and drops his arm to his side as my brother and I work side by side, cleaning the rest of the kitchen. “I’ve got to go.” He ambles to our mom and kisses the top of her head. “Happy birthday, Momma Slater.”
“Thank you, dear.” She beams at him. “Of all the boys’ friends, you’re my favorite.”
He chuckles. “That’s what you say to all the guys.” He turns to Connor and nods goodbye. He’s wrong. My parents love him more than the others. “See you later, Pip.” His eyes skim over me so fast that it’s like it never happened.
“Later, Cole.” Connor waves and returns his attention to me.
“So, tell me all about this kickass job of yours that has you raking in all that dough. Maybe I want in on the action.”
“Please.” I roll my eyes. “You live here, and there’s no action to get into from here.” I swat him with the dishtowel, finally seeing my opening to smack his backside.
“Ple-e-ease,” he scoffs. “I can do anything I set my mind to.”
“You’re a moron.” I laugh as tears fill my eyes. “The job is fantastic. I love it. And in the last few months, I’ve gotten two raises. When I graduated with a degree in public relations, I wasn’t expecting to get a job as a personal assistant to a Silicon Valley inventor who’s the son of an oil tycoon.”
Deep down, I’d planned to return to Meadow Bay and get a job as an online marketing consultant. But that dream died when Cole skipped Layla’s and my graduation party. Connor said he was busy, which signified he didn’t care if I graduated. I didn’t see him once that week. Clearly, I wasn’t a blip on his radar.
So, I turned back around, asked for an extension on my lease, and applied for my dream job.
Chapter Four
Cole
Traveling through the Slater’s home on my way to the front door feels both familiar and disconcerting. The guys have all moved to their own places, and while they don’t have families yet, there will come a time when their family photos will line the walls of the hallway and living room rather than the outdated hairstyles and clothes in the current images.
I rotate my shoulders as tension settles behind my shoulder blades. Is it time to stop coming over? I loved this house growing up. But I have no real purpose for continuing to show up for birthdays and other celebrations, besides seeing Harbor.
My teeth clench together. Harbor has moved 2 ½ hours away with no intention of moving back. Her job is awesome. Her life is awesome. I shove my hands into my pockets. And sometime soon, she’ll bring back an awesome boyfriend that everyone will think is perfect.
Fucking great.
“Hey, son.” Mr. Slater’s booming voice causes me to stop short. I turn and force a smile that I don’t feel. Not that I dislike Nolan; he’s always been like a second father to me. But I was expecting to wallow in self-pity alone.
“Hello, Nolan.” I nod and take his outstretched hand.
