“Besides,” Zane continues, ignoring his brother’s commentary, “it keeps me busy.”
“And what about you?” I ask Porter, reaching for my wineglass.
He nods, setting down his fork. “I’m a marine biologist. I’ve been stationed not too far from Savannah for the last few years. Research and conservation work, mostly.”
“That’s actually incredibly cool,” I say, leaning forward. “Dolphins? Algae? Secret sea monsters yet to be discovered?”
Porter’s lips quirk. “And wouldn’t you like to know.”
I narrow my eyes. “Youdoknow something! I knew there were secrets down there.”
“I know a lot of things.”
“There he goes,” Zane snickers. “Being vague as hell.”
Porter sighs. “I’m not vague. I study whale migration patterns.”
“So, what?” I ask, genuinely fascinated. “You just follow whales around all day?”
He lifts his wine. “Data, migration, conservation laws…the unglamorous stuff.”
“Saving the planet one whale at a time,” Zane interjects helpfully.
Porter shoots him a look so pointed I half expect him to be the one with sparks. “It’s important work.”
I nod, impressed. “I mean,Ithink it is.”
“See?” Porter says, more animated than he’s been this entire time. “Levi gets it. I knew I liked him for a reason.” His comment, compliment adjacent, makes my stomach swoop. Winning Porter’s approval feels like a gold star in Immortal Sibling Relations 101. Who knew I’d ace this class?
“So, Levi…” Zane leans forward, shifting the conversation to me as his massive arms swallow up my tiny dining table. “Spill it. What’s it really like dating the broodiest man on the planet?”
Hayden scowls immediately, pointing to himself. “I’m literallyrighthere.”
Zane waves him away without breaking eye contact with me, clearly unbothered. “Exactly. You won’t tell me anything, so I’m going straight to the source.”
I smile, feeling the playful warmth in the air. “You say broody; I prefer delightfully grumpy with a surprisingly gooey center.”
Zane lets out a sharp, incredulous laugh. “Gooey? Hayden?”
Even Porter cracks, one brow lifting. “Sorry, Hayden, no offense, but I genuinely cannot picture that.”
“Oh, trust me.” I lean forward like I’m about to reveal a secret. “He’s basically a certified lover boy. Don’t let the scowling and shadows fool you.”
Hayden mutters something under his breath about betrayal, but notably, he doesn’t actually deny any of it. Smart man.
Porter eyes me thoughtfully, curiosity softening his expression. “Have you lived in Stonevale your whole life?”
I nod, absently picking at what’s left of my salad. “Born and raised.”
Zane tilts his head, puzzled. “And you never wanted to go somewhere else? You know, bigger city, brighter lights?”
“Oh, I tried. College. Traveling. My parents roam the country now and I could join them. But…” I trail off, my fork pausing against my plate. “My brother is here.”
Zane straightens, sensing an opening. “Well, come on…invite him over! Fair is fair. If we get interrogated, so does he.”
A knot forms instantly, sharp and familiar, twisting my gut. But before I can respond, Hayden’s voice cuts in quietly. “He’s buried here.”
Zane’s face falls in an instant, regret darkening his bright demeanor. Porter visibly tenses beside him, a muscle flickering in his jaw. They both clearly wish they could rewind the last thirty seconds.
