Page 69 of Mistle-Ho

I love Leo. I will protect him and back him up in almost every situation. But there are going to be times where what I have with his sister trumps that. There will also be times where I tell his secrets for everyone’s benefit. Now is one of those times.

I want Alexis to understand what her brother’s going through. I don’t want her to judge his reactions or question his motives, the same way she doesn’t question mine.

But Alexis doesn’t look shocked by the revelation that her brother loves Maddie Miller. “That doesn’t surprise me.” She rolls her eyes toward the ceiling. “He’s never been this way overa woman before, so I kinda figured as much.” She sighs. “I guess I’ll have to get used to the idea of my brother being in love.”

She’s given me an opening, but the thought of taking it is terrifying. All I can hope is that I’m really not too much for her. “Leo’s not the only one who’s never been this way.” I let my fingers trace along the soft curve of her cheek. “You should probably get used to the idea of me being in love with you too.”

Alexis purses her lips and tips her head. “I could probably find it in me to get used to that.” She lifts her brows. “Especially since I’m babysitting your crazy cat and Scary Terry this weekend.” Her expression grows serious. “You kind of have to love me after that.”

Never in my life did I expect to be in a relationship that was easy. Hell, I never expected to be in a relationship at all. But being with Alexis is so fucking simple.

Will there be tough moments? Absolutely. We’ve got to tell her brother and her parents at some point. But even that doesn’t feel as terrifying as it once did. Because I know, no matter what, she has my back. We’re in this together.

“I think that sounds like a deal I’m happy to make.” I pull her closer. “How hungry are you?”

The smile Alexis gives me is wicked. “I could wait thirty seconds if you want to mess around.”

“Ha ha.” I bend at the waist, banding an arm around her back before hefting her small body up mine. “You’re so fucking funny.”

Al’s head tips back on a laugh as her legs link around my waist. “You’re still the only person who thinks that.”

I give her bottom a swat as we turn toward my bedroom. “Good. You know I’m a jealous bastard, so let’s keep it that way.”

She continues laughing, and I chuckle along with her, filled with an odd sense of peace.

Tonight was a complete shit show. It could’ve gone wrong in so many ways. Instead, we’re where we should be. Together. Teasing each other. Laughing at ourselves and each other.

Alexis stays latched onto my front as I crawl onto the bed, hauling both of us up to the top of the mattress. As soon as I reach the pillows, she drops, grinning up at me. Her cheeks are already flushed and pink, and I love seeing the effect I have on her. Knowing it’s the same one she has on me.

She tries to drag me closer, but I hold my ground, angling a brow. “Sure you don’t want to set a timer? You seemed pretty confident this was only going to take thirty seconds.”

Alexis continues trying to get me closer, this time hooking one of her legs around me in an attempt to drag me to her. When it fails, she lets out an aggravated grunt. “If you don’t get down here, Iwillset a timer.” She fists the front of my shirt, eyes narrowing. “And I will say the filthiest shit you can imagine just to prove my estimate right.”

She thinks she’s getting one over on me, and I’m going to let her. “Deal.” I fumble around. “Where’s your phone?”

Alexis scoffs. “You’re really going to make me set a timer?”

“Yup.” I give up looking for her phone and grab mine from my back pocket, swiping across the screen. “AndI’m going to make you follow through with that dirty talk offer.”

31

Iguana Smuggling 101

Alexis

“ARE YOU SURE Gavin won’t mind me coming with you?” Maddie hesitates at the open door, chewing her lower lip as she peers into Gavin’s condo.

“Positive.” I crouch down to pick Cilantro up as she weaves around my legs. “He knows we’re hanging out this weekend while they’re out of town, so I’m sure he figures you’re coming with me.” I glance around the sparsely furnished condo. “Plus, his place is pretty boring, so it’s not like he’s got anything to hide.”

Maddie follows the path of my gaze. “Fair enough.” She steps in, letting the door close behind her. “I’m surprised you haven’t helped him out with that yet.”

“It’s been a little crazy.” I give Cilantro a few pets before setting her back on the floor. “But I definitely have plans.”

I love Gavin’s place. The view is amazing. It’s a great size and a great floorplan. I definitely wouldn’t balk if he asked me to move in.

I would, however, make it less utilitarian.

“I can’t wait to see what you do with it.” Maddie gives me a little grin. “As soon as you figure out how to tell Leo about you two.”

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