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“How are you enjoyingthe pot roast, Row?”
I grunt and continue to chew. Melanie, sitting across the dining table beside Kevin, beams. Her light green eyes practically sparkle. “Thanks. How was your day?”
I grunt again.
She frowns. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. But come on, you’re here with us. Cheer up.”
I sigh and shove another piece of roast into my mouth. There’s no cheering up in my future unless I get rid of my guilt. The only way to do that is to call Grace or go see her, and I’m hesitant.
Kevin, whose eyeballs have been swiveling between me and Mel, drops his fork. “Okay, Mel, how the hell do you know what he’s saying? He justgrunts, for Christ’s sake.”
I glare at him.
Mel sighs and brushes back her sunflower-blonde hair. “Honey, you have to understand that I’ve lived with Rowan for most of my life. I know the different pitches of his grunts and what they mean.” She winks at me.
For the first time since I arrived at my sister’s place for dinner two hours ago, I crack a smile. “Since your very sensitive husband feels left out, I’ll use my words from now on.”
One corner of her lips kicks up. “Thank you.”
Kevin rolls his eyes, snorts, and gulps down his drink. Then he mutters, “I can’t believe you two were raised together, babe. You’re so sweet. Rowan is so...”
I chew slowly while I glower at Kevin, daring him to finish. He catches my silent threat and shuts up. At least he’s smart.
Mel watches us with worry, and because of that, I choose to behave. She hates that her husband and I haven’t become the bosom buddies she wants us to be. Mel refuses to understand that I prefer to be a loner. It’s not that I don’t like Kevin, I just don’t need another...Matt. I’m fine withoneclose friend.
“He’s rough around the edges,” Mel finishes. “But he’s the best big brother a girl can ask for.” She claps her hands and jumps to her feet. “I should start cleaning up and then get dessert ready.”
I feel bad that she feels the need to constantly quell the tension that, admittedly, I cause. My eyes drop to her swollen stomach. “Sit, Mel. Kevin and I will clean up.”
She eyes us dubiously. “You will?”
“Of course.” Kevin guides her back into her chair.
“Yeah, you’re almost ready to pop.” I grin. “You should stay off your feet.”
“Oh, shut up, Rowan. I’m not that big.” She scowls.
I can’t hold back my chuckle. She gets riled up at the slightest implication that she’s gotten bigger. I don’t get what the big deal is. She’spregnant. Of course she’s going to put on a few pounds.
Even Kevin is tickled by her reaction. But he’s smart enough to hide his amusement by clearing his throat and shoveling food into his mouth. He gives me a look that tells me he’s thinking the same thing.Women.
Speaking of women. There’s one that haunts my thoughts day, night, and in between. I can’t believe I ran out on her the morning after we slept together. I woke up with Grace in my arms and Ididn’thate it. That’s what triggered my commitment phobia, and Iran.
It isn’t the first time I took off in the wee hours of the morning after a night with a woman. The difference between my experience with others compared to Grace is that guilt is riding my ass. Hard. She doesn’t deserve to be treated that way. But how do I explain my muddled emotions to her when I don’t even understand them?
I’m such a goddamn—
“Row.”
“Hmm?” I look up at Mel.
“Are you listening?”
“Sure.”
She folds her arms over her chest. “What did I just say?”
“Er... Okay, no, I wasn’t listening.”
