Page 27 of One Big Little Secret

I don’t realize I’m pressing myself against the balcony until he steps back.

“Right,” I say, trying not to sound breathy. “Thanks. Sounds wonderful.”

“Don’t be late, Miss Hopper.”

I wasn’t late today, was I, prick?

“No. I wouldn’t dream of it,” I agree, biting my tongue and ducking my head so he can’t see the way my expression tightens. Hopefully, he thinks it’s deference.

He nods and strides away like he can’t get rid of me fast enough.

Joy to the world.

An entire day gallivanting around the city with a man who treats me like a human mosquito? Who doesn’t have a clue he knocked me up?Alone?

Without even touching on our past?

I’m half-glad he shows no sign that he remembers that night.

The other half of me wants to confront him right now—at least about the hookup.

But even that feels impossible. It doesn’t matter if it’s a trillion times easier than telling Patton Rory he has a son who ruined his precious suit and tie.

There’s only one way this goes down, and it’s not well at all.

4

CALL YOUR BLUFF (PATTON)

If there’s one thing anyone needs to know about my mother, Delly Rory, it’s that she never takes no for an answer.

It’s a trait we’ve picked up as her sons. While it’s invaluable as hell in a business setting, it makes turning down dinner dates impossible.

No matter how much work I’ve got piled up, or how little I want to see everyone playing at happy family time, there’s no skipping the dinners.

When I pull up to the huge, wide house with its massive porch behind the gate, my brothers’ vehicles are already there.

“Sorry I’m late,” I say when I get to the sitting room.

Mom leans against the fireplace, Colt sits with Archer on the sofa, and Dexter and Juniper are talking to someone else in the corner.

“That’s all right, darlin’.” Mom kisses me on the cheek. “Come say hello to Evelyn! She just flew in today and she’ll be joining us for dinner.”

The grey-haired lady Dexter was talking to turns, and I’m confronted with a familiar face.

Evelyn Hibbing has been Mom’s best friend since they were schoolgirls, and she’s come to see us over the years for extended visits. She’s a small woman, almost owlish with her glasses, rounded shoulders, and a preference for wearing cardigans and sweaters in soft neutral colors.

“Patton,” she beams, holding out her hands as she walks toward me. She’s been part of the family for so long, it’s like seeing your favorite aunt. “So good to see you again, dear. Have you been behaving? Are you engaged yet?”

“Hell no. And behaving, yeah. Just enough.” I grin. “Hope you asked Dex the same question.”

Dexter catches my eye and smiles, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Next to him, his wife elbows him in the side. She’s decked out in a stunning green dress today.

“Don’t even start,” Junie mouths. “We’re having a good time.”

That man iswhipped.

I hold in a laugh. It’s honestly amusing to see my stick-up-the-ass brother so domesticated.

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