Page 54 of Racing Hearts

Laying the food on the table, I pour Alice coffee with the sugar she likes and put it between her hands before she sips it like a zombie. I pour Evan one as well, trying to figure out if he likes cream or sugar. I take a wild guess and set it before him before making my own and sitting down. I sip mine, watching them both nurse their coffees until more life comes back into their eyes. Once they are more awake, I dish up food, making Evan a plate and then Alice. She takes a bite woodenly as Evan shoots me a small, sleepy smile.

“Morning, princess,” he mumbles.

“Good morning, pretty boy,” I reply, kissing his cheek since I can’t help myself.

Alice suddenly gasps, making me jerk back, her eyebrow arched as she turns to Evan and points. “You! You’re here!”

“Uh-huh, he’s been here this whole time,” I point out as I relax back, confused about how comfortable I am with him around my sister. I don’t let anyone close to her, since she’s the only good thing in my life, but I know Evan would never hurt her. Hell, he would help me protect her.

“It’s too early for your sass, brother,” she snipes, turning to Evan. “I don’t function before caffeine, but you’re here.”

“Close your mouth,” I warn as I grab another slice of toast, butter it, and put it on Evan’s plate. She looks between us, grinning, before wiggling her brows at me.

“So, Evan, did you spend the night? I had my headphones on, just for future reference.”

He blushes but grins.

“Enough, Alice,” I tell her, but I can’t hide my smile.

Why does Evan Shaw fit so perfectly into our little kitchen and our tiny, broken family as if he were always meant to be here?

A boy without his parents’ love and one craving it.

“I did.” He nods, shooting me a look as if he’s unsure how much to say. “It was late, so better here than heading back and waking my roomie.”

“Uh-huh, does this mean I have a new daddy?” she jokes as Evan chokes on his toast. “Can I call you Papa?”

“Dear God, I thought you were the sane sibling.” He coughs as I hand him some juice and pat his back.

“Nah, I hide it better. Plus, he makes me look sane.” She points her thumb at me as I sigh. “So you like my brother, huh? Why? He’s an ass.”

“A pretty one.” Evan grins.

“Ew, too much.” She gets to her feet. “I better get dressed.” She walks my way, kissing my head as she passes. “I’m glad he’s here. I’ll make sure to put in my noise canceling headphones from now on.” She laughs as she hurries away.

“Get ready, you scoundrel!” I call.

“Make me!” she shouts back as I sigh. When I glance at Evan, he’s smiling.

“What?” I grumble.

“I like your house. Mine was always empty and quiet. I like the craziness. It’s nice.” He shrugs as he takes a bite, and my heart breaks for him. I can’t imagine growing up in a cold, empty house without love. Our little family might be broken and slightly insane, but it’s filled with love and laughter.

My heart breaks for Evan right there and then, so I kiss him swiftly. “Then come here every day. It can be yours too. I’m not saying you won’t get sick of the bickering but . . .” I laugh. “It’s yours.”

“I wish,” he offers softly, and I lean back, watching him, but he seems to shake it off and then smiles brightly at me.

“I better get changed. I’m stealing a shirt.” He heads upstairs and I watch him go.

What did he mean?

Does he not plan to stay?

“Alice! Fuck, why isn’t the door locked?” I hear a moment later, and all my negative thoughts morph into laughter.

He wanted crazy after all.

I drive them both to school, Evan riding in my passenger seat where he belongs. I pull into the familiar parking lot, under one of the oak trees. Students mill about on the grass in the sun, while others rush onto campus for their classes.

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