Page 11 of Protected By my Brothers Best Friend

Large picture windows frame the main space. They look out onto the lake and a distant mountain range. A sectional sofa sits in the center of the room with a large TV mounted above the fireplace on the wall.

A few hours have passed since we had our fun earlier and I’m not sure where we’re at. I know where I am, but Iris has been quiet since our escapade, and I’m worried she’s having second thoughts.

“So,” I say, sitting on the couch, “what can I interest you in? We could watch some TV or I think there are some games in the closet. It’s been a while since I’ve played Monopoly, but I bet I can still give you a run for your money.”

She laughs. “Yeah, the last time I played Monopoly with you was zero fun. You played to the death and owned every piece of property on the board.”

“That’s the point.” I grin as I say, “I like to win.”

“Is it? I thought the point was to have fun.” She wraps her hair to one side of her shoulder and settles onto the couch next to me, leaving distance between us. “Maybe we should talk.”

I swallow hard. Talking means serious discussions and I’m not ready for that just yet. I’m stuck on making bad decisions and asking for forgiveness later. “What about?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. Is it weird that Alaina just left? I feel kind of bad for her. Maybe we should’ve taken her to the station.”

“You hated her a few hours ago.”

“That was before. Now I feel bad.”

“She was super rude to everyone. Even Bryan and Shanna got sick of her. I don’t feel bad, and you shouldn’t either.”

Iris looks away then back again. “Do you date a lot?”

“Not at all. Haven’t in years. You?”

She shakes her head. “Not really. No one seriously since high school. I’m pretty sure that makes me a giant loser.”

“You’re not a loser.” I scruff my hand down over my beard. “I wonder if we’re doing this all backwards.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I think we’re supposed to talk like this before I finger you on the kitchen counter.”

A grin spreads onto her face. “Is that right? What else are you supposed to do beforehand?”

“Ugh, I think we’re supposed to discuss the future.”

“You know my future. I’m opening the shop and praying it works out.”

“I know you want the shop, but what do you want with life?”

“You mean like a family?”

I nod.

She sighs. “I know I want kids. At least a couple… maybe three. Oh, and a cabin. I’ve always wanted a cabin that overlooks The Evergreen Family Tree Farm.”

“Oh yeah? That place is gorgeous, but you want to overlook a tree farm?”

“Oh my God… yes! Can you imagine sitting out on a big wrap-around porch come December looking down at all the snowy trees with our kids playing in the house behind us? Kids, I mean my kids. Just kids… not ours. Whatever! You know what I mean.”

“You don’t want that with me?”

She sighs. “You know I do, but I don’t know how to make it happen.”

“We rip the Band-Aid off and we go about our lives.”

“Really, though?” She huffs. “Bryan would never forgive you and then what? I was talking to Collette, and it got me thinking of something.”

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