Page 24 of Happily Ever Never

An awkward silence settled as May’s mother looked betweenus, and then, somehow, we were saying our goodbyes, and they were leaving.Brooke gave me a look, and I shrugged.

“What?”

“Leo.”

“Don’t,” I said, a little harsher than intended. “I knowshe’s off-limits. I know she’s your damn nanny.”

Brooke’s eyes widened. “And she’s one of the best people Iknow. Just like you are.” Confusion settled in her gaze, but all I could thinkabout were Leif’s words.

I wasn’t good in relationships. I didn’t settle down.Despite what everyone else thought, I wasn’t the guy who ended up with forever.My sister had that in spades. I didn’t get that.

“And what happens when it goes sideways? When you think I’mone of the best people you know and then realize it’s because of me when itdoesn’t work out? It would be awkward. And I don’t want it to be. So, don’tworry. She’s not for me. She’s a friend. And I’ve probably told you too muchbecause it freaked me out to see her hurt. Don’t worry.”

I left then, needing air. Brooke stood back, her eyes wideand then narrowing before she pulled out her phone.

I just kept going, ignoring whatever the hell was going on.

May wasn’t for me. Everyone had told me I couldn’t get withthe nanny or whatever other damn things they’d said.So, I wouldn’t. I would be good. I wouldn’t fuckthings up.

Even though it felt like that was all I was doing thesedays.

I got in my car and headed to my sister’s place, knowing itwas late but needing to see someone. I needed to be with someone who didn’thave any expectations.

She opened the door before I even knocked, her husbandsitting on the couch behind her, my four nieces piled on top of him.

“What’s wrong? You didn’t text or anything.”

I cursed. “It’s late. I should go home.”

“Tell me. You said May was in anaccident? Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. Going to be fine. I just…she’s not mine,you know? And everyone keeps reminding me that she’s not.”

My sister’s face fell, and then she held out her hand. “Comeon. It’s Disney movie night. We’re staying up far too late because the babiesare keeping me up.” She put her hand on her massive belly. “I love you, brothermine. Let’s watch some Disney princesses kick ass and cuddle with my babies.We’ve got you, Leo. And then tomorrow we can talk about exactly why you thinkyou aren’t good enough for May.”

“Caroline,” I warned.

“No. If you don’t think you’re good enough for her, I wantto know the reasons. If people are saying that you can’t be with her, I want toknow why. If she doesn’t want to be with you, that’s one thing, but I haven’theard you say that.”

“She doesn’t want to be with me. If she did, I would know.”

“Men,” she said, rolling her eyes. She closed the doorbehind me and pulled me into the living room, shoving me onto the couch next toher husband.

He just smiled and handed over one of his daughters. Myyoungest niece settled onto my lap, and then we were all cuddling and watchingDisney movies. I figured since I wasn’t figuring out what the hell was going onin my life, at least I could be Uncle Leo.

At least I would always have that.

Chapter 7

May

“You do not need to worry about me. I’m fine. See? Thebandage is all gone.”

Lake narrowed her eyes at me before handing over my mimosa.“If you say so. But I’m glad you got a doctor’s note.”

I narrowed my eyes right back at her. “Seriously? That’swhat you’re going with? You don’t believe me, so you need a doctor’s note?”

“You’re as stubborn as we are. What do you expect? You werein a car accident. A pretty bad one.”