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“I hate to admit it, but you might be right.” I never thought I would be saying those words to my little brother. “I can’t just walk away, though.”
“Don’t. Be there. Hell, be everywhere. Let her see that you’re not resorting to your old Conrad ways, going out and never settling. In the meantime, maintain some distance. Let her see. What is it that they say? Actions speak louder than words.”
“I guess you’re right, but fuck me, it’s going to be hard to sit on the sidelines.”
“Not forever. Just long enough for her to see. And you won’t be on the sidelines per se. Think of it as being the back-up quarterback. You’re there to support the team, but you don’t get called into the game until the time is right.”
“There is never a right time for a back-up quarterback.”
He laughs. “You know what I mean. Stay close, send flowers, call her, text her, keep yourself in the front of her mind, but give her time to see you.”
“Who are you, and what have you done with my little brother?”
“Hey, I’m more than just a pretty face. I’ve watched my now four older brothers fall into the trap that is love. I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.”
“Right. You know you’re not fooling anyone, right? You’re probably the most soft-hearted out of all of us.”
“I resent that statement.” He laughs.
“Resembles is more like it.”
“Regardless, you know I’m right. Give her some time to see you. The real you. Not the one people think they know. Let her see Conrad Riggins. The brother, the son, the uncle, and one of the best guys I know.”
I swallow hard, taking in his words. “Did we just have a moment? I feel like we had a moment.” I tease him to lighten the heaviness of the conversation.
“Fuck off,” he says with a laugh. “Get your ass up and spot me.”
At exactly seven thirty, I’m walking through the doors of Warm Delights. There’s already a line, which I expected. That’s fine. I don’t mind. It gives me time to watch my girl in action. She’s great with the customers, and she always has a smile on her face. Her smile lights up the room. It always has. I was just too blind to see before now.
“Can I help you?” she asks as she finishes her last transaction. I don’t say anything, waiting for her to look up. “Oh.” She pats at her hair. “Conrad. How are you?”
“Better. How’s your day going?”
“I’m tired as hell. I should have stayed on my early to rise, early to sleep regimen while we were gone.”
“You have to give yourself a break now and then.”
“What can I get you?”
You. “What’s today’s special?”
“Cinnamon rolls.”
“Great. Give me a dozen. I might as well take some back to the office.” It’s not lost on me that Grant brought a box from Warm Delights almost daily since he met Aurora. Now with me trying to win over her sister, we’re all bound to gain a few pounds. I need to make sure I keep hitting the gym.
“Sure thing.” She busies herself, packaging my dozen cinnamon rolls while I busy myself watching her. “Here you go.” She slides the box across the counter, and I hand her my card. I make sure our fingers touch, and the way she pulls her arm back, I know she feels the electricity between us. It’s there. She feels it. I feel it. I just need her to accept it.
“How about you let me take you to dinner tonight? I know you’re exhausted.”
“I’m going to be going to bed early,” she assures me.
“An early dinner then.”
“Conrad….” She sighs.
I hear Marshall’s voice telling me to let her see me but not to push her. I can’t believe I’m taking love advice from my younger, very single brother. “Another time then.”
“Have a great day. Tell everyone I said hello.”
Leaning over the counter, I make sure I have her full attention. “You too, baby.” Her breath hitches, and that little sound will be what gets me through the day.
“Morning, sis,” I greet Layla.
“Oh, what do you have for me?” she asks, standing from her chair. She reaches for the box, and I happily hand it over. “Oh, these look so good,” she says, opening the box and peering inside.
“What looks good?” Royce appears from his office.
“Conrad brought cinnamon rolls.” She manages to tell him before taking a huge bite of the one she chose.
“Thanks, Con,” Royce says, helping himself to a roll.
“I smell something good,” Marshall says, exiting the elevator. “I was certain with Grant being out of the office, this was going to be a long boring week without treats. It appears I was wrong.” He winks at me, and it’s obvious as hell.
“What’s that about?” Royce points to Marshall.
