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“Seth. I’m twenty-four,” I said softly. “You’ve always said I had a good head on my shoulders. You’ve got to trust me on this. Graham is a straight-up good guy. Have you even bothered to talk to Simon or Roan?”

I could hear him breathing through his nose. “Why didn’t you tell me about this guy before?”

“I did. I told you about Graham. He’s the guy who buys Miss Laverne’s groceries and painted her house.”

“That’s him?”

I snickered. “Yep, that’s Graham.”

“Huh.” I could hear the wheels turning in Seth’s head. “But still.”

“But still, nothing. He’s a good guy.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m not going to have a talk with him.”

“It’s your funeral.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Seth asked sharply.

I sighed. “It means you’re a dogmatic asshole.”

“Dogmatic?”

“I already said judgmental.”

Seth snickered. “Your college education is showing.”

I laughed.

“A decent vocabulary is the least that could have come out of that associate's degree. Now, are we done?”

“We’re done. I’ll see you on Sunday.”

“Yes, you will. I love you, you dictatorial oaf.”

Seth let out a loud bellow of laughter.

“I love you too, JoJo.”

I hung up the phone, then turned my eyes up to look at Graham. I still couldn’t get a read on what he was thinking or feeling. This was not good.

“You okay?”

Graham nodded, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. “I'll get dinner going.”

As he walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that my brother's words had done more damage than I'd realized. Seth was loud enough that I was afraid Graham had heard every word about his employment and my past, and now he was pulling away.

I just didn't know why.

Chapter Fifteen

I’d been standing in the kitchen, trying to focus on prepping dinner, when Joy’s voice cut through the house like a blade. I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but when someone’s yelling about ripping off nuts, you tend to pay attention.

I walked out into the living room and stood against the wall. I wanted her to know that I had her back, but she was so intent on her conversation that she didn’t notice me at first.

Seth said something, then she fired back.

“I don’t care if he has three eyes and is homeless. He’s the man I want, so shut the hell up!”