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“Same as usual,” he said, keeping his voice casual even though his mind immediately flashed to how close he and Bex had come to getting physical in his office. He was never going to be able to work there without thinking of her hands on him again. “I’ll be heading out soon.”
Wesley stood, and stretched. “Where are you going? Want company? I’ve just finished everything I need to do for the day.”
Michael stiffened. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m actually going to see Bex and Izzy.”
“Oh.” Wesley’s shoulders dropped. “So I’ll be stuck here twiddling my thumbs while you have dinner with my ex and my daughter?”
Put like that, it sounded shitty. Guilt flashed through him. Perhaps he ought to hold off until Wesley could meet them. His brother had more right to be at the dinner table tonight than he did.
No.His resolve strengthened. Not everything was about Wesley. He cared for Bex, and their relationship was separate from hers with his brother. They were together, and he didn’t have to feel bad about that, even if it got in the way of Wesley’s grand reunion plan.
“Yeah, more or less.” He shrugged. “Sorry, I know it’s not a great thing to do, but Bex was furious with me for telling you about Izzy and she’s offered an olive branch so I’m not going to turn it down.”
Wesley nodded. “I understand.” He studied Michael for a long minute, expression unreadable. His poker face had improved in the past years. Michael supposed that came from being the constant subject of public speculation. “You seem serious about her. I’ve never seen you like this.”
They both paused, the memory of Penelope between them. Wesley was right, though. Much as he’d cared for Penelope—at least up until she’d dumped him in favor of his brother—he hadn’t been crazy about her. Not the way he was about Bex.
“She’s a great woman. I don’t want to lose her.” Drawing in a breath, he decided to tackle one of the elephants in the room. “I won’t step aside for you, either.”
He intended to keep seeing Bex regardless of Wesley’s feelings on the matter, but he found himself anxious to hear the response. Knowing he was a bad brother was okay in the abstract, but the reality wasn’t something he wanted to face. That said, his middle name was responsibility, so he strengthened his spine and stood firm. Being with Bex was worth the temporary discomfort of ironing out the kinks from the past.
“I hope you don’t mind a little healthy competition,” Wesley said, throwing him completely off balance.
“What?”
Wesley smiled wryly. “Honestly, whatever was between us has probably come and gone, but considering we have a daughter, I need to throw my hat in the ring and see what happens.”
Michael’s head spun, and his chest tightened. Just the thought of losing her to Wesley turned his stomach, but he couldn’t hold it against his brother. He might even do the same in the circumstances.
“I…” he started, then shook his head, trying to clear it. “I get that.” He’d just have to hope the relationship blossoming between them was stronger than years of history.
“It won’t be like Penelope. I promise.”
Michael jerked, the mention of their shared ex putting him on high alert. His nerves were shot, and he had to get out of there before they frazzled completely.
“I need to go.” He started toward his bedroom, to grab a change of clothes.
Wesley called after him, “Say hi for me.”
Michael stripped off his work clothes, then placed them on hangers and yanked on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweater. Shorts went into his gym bag in case he had time for a session, along with a box of fancy chocolates for Bex.
“Oh, by the way,” Wesley said as he passed by the living area again. “Dad called and politely told me to get my shit together and get back to Wellington before I cause any problems for the campaign.”
Michael’s teeth ground together. “Damn. They’re not very patient, are they?”
“When it comes to the biggest election of their lives?” Wesley laughed dryly. “That’s an understatement. Hopefully they’ll calm down once they realize I’m not changing my mind.”
“Mmhmm.” Frankly, Michael didn’t think that was likely, but he’d let his brother hold onto his optimism for now. “I’d better hit the road. See you later.” He slung his bag over his shoulder, then returned to his bicycle, flicked on its lights, and peddled into town.
His mind was still processing what Wesley had said as he traveled the darkened streets. He needed to warn Bex about their parents. But there was so much more to consider, too. Only hours ago, he’d decided that Bex and Izzy were his priorities now, but did he have the right to make that decision when they could have a chance to be a family if he got out of the way? Wesley was the successful brother—at least as far as their parents were concerned. The wealthier one, the more famous one, with the more classically handsome face. All Michael had to offer was a heart that had never quite emptied itself of her. She was written in every corner, and he didn’t want it any other way.
Bex achedfor Michael’s kisses, and for the press of his big body against hers. Ever since they’d been interrupted earlier, she’d yearned to resume where they left off. Unfortunately, when he knocked on the apartment door, Izzy was still up, and in fine form. She raced over in her ice queen dress and tiara, opened the door, and extended her hand to be kissed. Michael had a bag over his shoulder, and his eyes heated as they landed on Bex. Izzy stepped forward, still holding her hand out expectantly, and he sank to one knee and air-kissed the space above it.
“My liege,” he said, all deep and grumbly.
Bex’s heart puddled on the floor. Was anything sexier than a man who humored her demanding little daughter? Nuh-uh, she didn’t think so. She mouthed “thank you” as he bowed with a flourish.
Izzy giggled. “What does ‘liege’ mean?”
