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Wesley waited until she was out of earshot then raised a brow. “Did you want to speak to me privately?”
“Yeah.” She set the dish rack to drain and wiped down the counter. “What’s going on with Michael? I’ve hardly seen him, and I’m worried.”
“Huh.” Wesley frowned and leaned against the counter, crossing his legs at the ankles. “I’m not exactly an expert on Michael. He plays things close to the chest, but I have a feeling.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
Wesley rubbed his temple, then met her gaze. “I may have implied that I wanted a second chance with you.”
Her hands went to her hips. “You did what?” Her temper flared. “Talk fast, Wes, because choosing a movie won’t keep her busy for long.”
He looked pained. “I didn’t realize how serious it was between you, and I thought, considering the circumstances, we could give it a shot. This was before you and I talked on Saturday, I swear.”
She heaved a sigh, exasperated. “You are so egotistical, but that shouldn’t surprise me. Please explain why he would pay any attention to you.”
“It might have something to do with Penelope.”
“His ex?”
Wesley swallowed. “Yes, but I shouldn’t tell you. Ask him yourself. Suffice it to say that considering our past, I can see why maybe he’d back off.”
“Ugh, men.” She buried her face in her hands and growled. “I feel like you’re giving me a little to go on but nowhere near enough.”
“Just talk to him.”
“Fine.” She could tell she wasn’t going to get anything else out of him tonight.
“Mummy! Wes! Come on,” Izzy called from the other room.
Their moment was over, and Bex had more questions than answers.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Michael’s feetpounded on the sand as he jogged along the beach toward the pavilion. He crossed the wooden area, wiped his sweaty face on his sleeve, and started down the road. He’d taken to running on the beach over the past few days to clear his head. As he made his way back to his house, he mulled over how Wesley’s dinner with Bex and Izzy may have gone. His brother still hadn’t returned home by the time Michael’s meeting with the school board ended and he’d headed out for a run. Now, the questions wouldn’t stop flying around his mind.
Had Wesley helped her in the kitchen the same way he did?
Had he said anything to her about being a family?
Was he cuddled on the sofa with an arm around each of the girls?
Michael gritted his teeth against the onslaught. As he turned onto his street, he slowed. Wesley’s car was parked at the curb. Pausing outside, he took the time to stretch, then checked his phone. He had a message from his mother. Curious, he clicked on it. He rarely communicated with either of his parents.
Imogen:Please send Wesley home. He’s neglecting his duties.
Rolling his eyes, Michael pocketed the phone again and ignored the message. His brother was a grown man who could decide for himself when he wanted to return to the city. Deciding he couldn’t delay for any longer, he went inside and found Wesley at the dining table.
“Where have you been?” Wesley asked, scanning him.
“Out running.” A fact that should have been obvious given his outfit.
“At this time of night?”
“I needed fresh air.”
Wesley sighed. “You’re behaving like a moron. Don’t think I can’t see what you’re doing. You told me you wouldn’t step aside so I could be with Bex, but you’re doing exactly that.” He shook his head. “If you’d been willing to listen to me over the past couple of days, I could have told you I’d already played my hand and she turned me down. No harm, no foul. She’s not the type to put up with half-hearted bullshit, which is what—in hindsight—anything between us would have been, and it’s what you’re giving her now. She has too much going on in her life to accept less than a full commitment.”
Michael dropped onto a chair and tugged off his beanie. “You did? I mean, she did?” His brain couldn’t keep up with the conversation. “You didn’t say anything.”
