Page 6

And I’m not above making him squirm a little. "What’s in it for me?" I ask, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.

"Pizza and my eternal gratitude. I’ll even throw in a six-pack," he pleads.

The man's really laying it on thick, and it’s like sweet music to my ears. I finally crack, knowing deep down I won’t let my brother down. "Alright, fine. But only because Pork and Beans are my favorite family members. And I want a goddamn twelve-pack.”

Beckett lets out a victory whoop, the sound echoing so loud it nearly sets off my smoke alarm. "You’re the best. I’ll bring them by after lunch."

"Yeah, yeah," I say and hang up, still smiling to myself.

Beckett walks in like he owns the place. Pork and Beans scramble in behind him, skittering into my kitchen like it's their second home, which it is.

"Here’s the pizza and beer," Beckett says, handing me my “animal sitting” payment. Pork zooms past in a blur of brown, and Beans trots after him with a grunt, already heading for the doggie door that leads to my large, fenced backyard. “Enjoy it.”

“Don’t worry. I will,” I shoot back as I stick the pizza in my oven to keep it warm before sliding the beer into my nearly empty refrigerator. Fuck. I really need to go grocery shopping.

He nods toward the open door where his ridiculous animals have already disappeared. "Don’t give them sugar this time."

"I didn’t give them Twizzlers last time. They fucking broke into my pantry and stole them.”

He flops onto the couch, stretching out like he owns the place. "I told you to baby-proof your house."

Beans pokes his snout through the door, snorts, and then heads back out with a wiggle of his curly tail. "If you would train them to listen, I wouldn’t have to lock up my sweets," I say, shaking my head. "Totally spoiled ass animals."

Beckett just grins and scratches his tattooed arm. "Whatever." He crosses his legs and pretends to get comfortable. “We both know you love your nephews. So, how did the career day go?” He has to go there. Fuck.

I pause, turning the bottle in my hand. "Uhh… yeah. That went great."

His eyes narrow as he stares at me silently. "Spill, little brother." Fucking hell. When did I start stuttering? Oh yeah. The moment I laid eyes on Sage Higgins.

I pop the cap off a beer and take a swig, stalling. "Nothing to spill."

Beckett glares at me, unconvinced, and automatically going into work mode. "What the fuck happened? Am I going to get a call from the school next week?"

I rub my jaw, thinking of Sage Higgins with her huge blue eyes and artfully messy, blonde hair. "Everything went great with career day. The kids loved me."

He cocks an eyebrow knowing I’m not spilling everything. "You're holding out on me."

There's no dodging him, so I crack. "Alright. I met a woman." That’s an understatement. I met the woman who knocked my entire world off its axis with one look.

The words are barely out of my mouth before he nearly chokes on his beer. "A woman?" he splutters, blinking furiously. "You’re fucking serious?"

"Why's that so shocking?" I shoot back, a little defensive. I’m quite a catch.

"You're like the goddamn monk of Riverbend Ridge. Sworn to the brotherhood of bachelorhood."

I try not to let his ribbing get to me. "I’ve been waiting for the right woman to come along."

Beckett leans forward, interest blazing in his eyes. "And she’s the one?" Damn it. My mouth really dug a deep whole this time. “Wait until Mom hears that her baby boy is growing up.”

In my family, nothing stays a secret for long. "You say one word to anyone and I'm denying everything. And I’ll stop babysitting your animals." We both know that’s one threat I’ll never carry out.

He stands up, pretending to dust himself off. "Okay, Romeo. I’ll keep your secret. For now."

Pork dashes past us, already reclaiming his spot in my living room as Beans waddles in and attempts to hop up on the sofa. Beckett leans down and gives them each a good ear scratch before helping the pot belly pig up. "Be good, you two."

I watch him drive off, the weight of his teasing still clinging to me. As Pork and Beans snuffle around my feet, I can't help but let my mind drift back to Sage. No one has ever thrown me this off balance.

“We need to get out of the house.” Yes. I talk to them. We head out to the park, the pig and dog leading the way. It’s turning into a beautiful day, and the park is filled with loud kids and parents half-heartedly trying to keep a lid on the chaos. The smell of fresh-cut grass and hot dogs from the street vendor hits my nose, and I realize I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I’m going to waste away if I don’t get ahold of myself.