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He looks as if he’s biting back a curse. Griff’s mien looks equally reluctant. I want to tell them I’ll make Harlow deliriously happy. But they’re men, so they’ll interpret my meaning as I intend to keep their sister happy in bed…which is true. Maybe it’s a good thing that I can’t talk just now.
“There you go.” Harlow gestures to me and catches my stare. When a little frown appears between her brows, I know she understands what’s up with me.
In truth, having this unpredictable disability is both frustrating and humiliating. I’ve never been incapable of anything in my life, except maybe ballet. Yes, my college coach made us try it a few times for balance training. Or that’s what he claimed. I still think he meant it as punishment. Either way, I’m not used to feeling helpless. And right now is the worst. Harlow could use the backup against her protective brothers, and I’m out of commission.
Finally, Griff sighs and rises from his seat. “All right. If you change your mind, my door is open. I teased you about possibly crashing my newlywed, baby-conceiving bliss, but I wasn’t serious. You’re always welcome. Britta would say the same, and you know Jamie loves his Auntie Harlow.”
She nods, looking both relieved and grateful. “Thanks. You good now, big brother?”
Maxon glances my way, gritting his teeth. “I don’t like it because I know your reputation, Weston. If you hurt my sister—”
“Stop!” Harlow looks horrified.
I want to jump into the conversation and defend myself. I’m not an asshole. And I’m not led around by my dick. Well, I’m not when Harlow isn’t around. I’d at least like to assure them I’m not going to hurt her.
But I can’t say a fucking word.
“What?” Maxon tosses his hands in the air. “I’m just saying—”
“Don’t,” Harlow cuts in. “There are eight bedrooms here, as you know. I can choose any of them I want and I’ll be fine.” When Maxon still looks unconvinced, she glowers at him. “Noah hired me to do a job, so I’m going to do it. I’ll be helping him, and he’s helping me by letting me stay for a bit.”
“What kind of job? Will you be taking care of more than his house?”
“It’s the kind of job we’ll do with our clothes on, so butt out, big brother. Seriously. He’s a decent guy.”
“With a sexual track record so long it’s more like a marathon.”
If Maxon wasn’t taking shots at me, I might laugh at his turn of phrase. Instead, I shake my head. I’ve had my share of women, sure. I won’t lie about that. But I’m not a man whore.
“I don’t care,” Harlow argues. “We’reworkingtogether, and you’re embarrassing me. Once the job is over, I’ll let him have the place to himself and go on with my life. I’m not looking for romance, so you don’t have to worry about whatever delicate heart you think I have. Just…go. I’ve got this.”
Maxon grits his teeth. “Why are you the most stubbornly independent female I know?”
“You mean other than your wife?”
“I’m starting to think you even have her beat, and that’s saying a lot.”
“Oh, I’m so going to tell Keeley you said that.”
He snorts. “Threats won’t work. Promise you’ll call if you need us. We’re worried. Five days ago—”
“Is not something I’m discussing. Pick up and move out, guys. Aren’t you going to be late for work?”
Griff glances at his phone with a grimace. Maxon whips his arm up to stare at the vintage-looking Cartier on his wrist, then swears.
“Fine. We’re going.” Griff crosses his arms over his chest. “Call us if you needanything.”
“I will,” she assures softly. “Um, are Mom and Dad still on the island?”
“Unfortunately, yes. Mom isn’t shy about showing off how happy she and Marco are right now. Dad’s feeling like he needs to keep up.”
Maxon nods. “It’s a shit show. And they both want to talk to you.”
Harlow looks disturbed by that. “Oh, please tell them you have no idea where to find me.”
“Only if you two promise to have dinner with us in the next few days.”
They want to check up on their sister, watch us interact together. I’m annoyed but I don’t blame them. Well, not entirely. I just hope I can form goddamn words by then.
