Page 27 of Made for You

“First of all, that was totally your idea too. And no I’m not a smut reader, I grabbed them off the shelf at the inn’s library. They looked girly.” I shrug my shoulders.

“Well thank you, I’m definitely going to take them with me today. Maybe I can read by the fire while something bakes.”

I walk over to lean on the railing next to her, “I’ll be sure to start one for you. I’ll be at the inn most of the morning checking people in, and showing them around. Emma should be there early too to help me with final walk-throughs before the check-ins.”

“That would be great, thanks.” She knocks her shoulder into mine gently. “I’ll make sure to have all the welcome boxes packaged up and delivered to the rooms.”

The golden sunrise is halfway up by now, and we finish our coffee in silence, watching the sun rise in awe. It’s something that never gets old, especially in the winter with a fresh coat of snow on the ground to reflect the glow.

The ride over to the inn erases any warmth we had from the embers of the fire. The temperatures are close to negative, and the wind stings any skin on our faces that isn’t covered.

We run to the front door and shed our coats in the mudroom. Before going to the kitchen, I stop to start a fire in the living room for guests, and her.

“It’s really interesting how you’re in the same clothes you were in last night.” I turn to see Emma leaning against the door frame of the living room. “And your bed is suspiciously neat for someone who just woke up and got down here and didn’t use all the hot water on me.” She eyes Violet only now.

“Uh, well, you know, breakfast just isn’t going to cook itself.” Violet dashes off to the kitchen leaving me with my sister.

I turn back to the fire and ignore my sister.

“So?” Emma pushes.

“It’s none of your business,” I tell her.

“We’ll see about that. Wait till you get into the kitchen.”

She has the same shit eating grin on her face that she’s always had when she was about to get us in trouble, and I don’t like it.

“What are you planning Emma?”

She turns to face me, her hand comes to her chest, “Me? I’d never plan anything.”

I stare her down.

“Boys! Guess what! Liam had a sleepover with Violet!” She runs off to the dining room and by the symphony of questions I know my brothers are in there.

I scrub my hand over my face and follow her to face the inevitable.

Sighing, I walk into the dining room and go over to grab a cup of coffee for when I start my chores.

“Way to go, man.” Wyatt slaps my shoulder.

“Why are you two here?” Hunter, Wyatt, and Emma are sitting at the table, clearly on their second helping of pastries from Violet.

“We came to help you, little bro,” Hunter answers before shoving almost an entire muffin in his mouth.

“Can I make anyone breakfast?” Violet comes out of the kitchen to ask us.

“Hell yeah,” Wyatt answers.

At the same time, I answer, “No! They’re leaving.”

“But we aren’t. We’re staying and helping you with your chores. So shut up, and take the help.” Hunter raises his eyebrow at me, daring me to argue.

I grunt in response and put the lid on my cup before leaving to start my chores. Apparently with help and without a kiss from my girl.

I need a break from my brothers.

I used to think I wanted them here with me to help me, but now I can, with one hundred percent certainty, say that I don’t want that. Ever.

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