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“I have to admit,” I laughed, “this adult conversation might be the highlight of my day. Did you want me to warm you up some food too?”
“A beautiful woman waiting on me, I’d be an idiot to say no.”
We locked eyes.
“I see the Hawkins charm runs deep in your family.”
For the rest of the evening, we sat on the couch, drinking and eating, talking about nothing in particular.
Except, I was not expecting him to ask…
“So what’s going on with you and my brother?
Chapter Sixteen
—Evie—
My mouth dropped open.
“What makes you think there’s something going on between us?”
“I know my brother, and you’re far too beautiful for him not to fuck it up in one way or another.”
I shrugged, not wanting to talk about it.
“Let me guess, and stop me if I’m wrong.”
I nodded, slightly amused.
“From what I gathered over our conversations tonight, you’re completely in love with Ariel and Ethan, and I don’t blame you. They’re great kids. He’s done an amazing job raising them. Which doesn’t surprise me—Caleb doesn’t do anything half ass. Women have always been disposable to him, but he’s trusting you with his children, so I assume there’s a reason for that. Caleb doesn’t trust anyone.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Does he trust you?”
“Caleb and I have always had an up and down relationship. Our history isn’t the best, but at the end of the day, we’re still brothers. I’m hopeful the future will have a better outcome for us.”
“I see.”
“Now that I’ve barred my soul.” He winked. “It’s your turn, Evie.”
“That’s quite a request, Joseph, because when it comes to your brother and me, I never know where to start.”
“The beginning works for me.”
Taking a sip of wine, I shared for the first time with anyone, “Caleb is the first man I ever fell in love with. I met him when I was eighteen and he was twenty-five.”
“That was what?” he pondered, glancing around the room. “I’m two years younger than him and he’s thirty-seven now, so it would have been like what? Twelve years ago?”
“Something like that.”
“Which would make you?”
“Thirty.”
“Wow. You don’t look thirty.”
