Page 81 of His Greatest Treasure

“Are you sure? She won’t let it go if you say yes, then change your mind. She’s had a tough afternoon.”

His back grows rigid beneath my fingers. “Did something happen?”

“No. Nothing like that.”

I reluctantly release him and move back, knowing we’re not alone and that Addie is probably chomping at the bit to interrupt.

Oliver’s arms tighten around me for a beat before he drops them to his side. “I’m coming to her class as long as that’s okay with you.”

“I never took you for a ballet lover, cousin. I actually remember you refusing to go to your mom’s recitals more often than not,” Addie says, poking at him from where she leans against the wall.

He scowls at her, scratching his jaw. “I knew that was your Jeep outside. Your front right tire is low, by the way.”

“Tell Cooper about it. I’ve never put air in my own tires,” she replies, tone thick with attitude.

“That’s because you don’t know how.”

“And with a husband, why would I want to?”

“What if it popped on the highway? Do you know how to change a tire?” he asks.

“Not a fucking chance.”

“Two older brothers and you don’t know how to change a tire?”

“Leave her be,” I say, drawing both their eyes.

Addie narrows hers on me, the black liner around them making the blue pop. “You’ve betrayed me, Avery. I thought after you’d ignored his crush for this long that you’d wind up with Jamie, at least.”

I inhale sharply while Oliver tucks his finger through the back loop of my jeans. Tipping my head back, I watch the tick of his jaw, wondering—no, knowing—that he’s annoyed at Adalyn’s mention of me being with his brother.

Not prepared to let what I’ve just heard go, I step in front of him and palm his chest. “This is the second time I’ve heard about this crush. Want to explain it to me?”

“If he doesn’t, I will,” Adalyn sings.

Oliver stares her down. “Why don’t you go check on Nova? I’m pretty sure she’s eating all the cookies I brought.”

“Fine. But I’ll be back. Time to come clean, Olliepop.”

I know she’s wandered to another room when he drops those broody brown eyes of his and stares at me, his cheeks tinted pink. The prickly hair covering his jaw is more obvious up close, and I’m pretty into the addition. Oliver’s a rugged guy, and a fit of facial hair fits himreallywell.

With the back of my finger, I brush the underside of his jaw, testing the feel of the hair there. The thrum of arousal growingbetween my legs is a distraction that I don’t want right now, so I drop my hand instantly.

“If you had a crush on me, why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you reach out at all since I last visited?” I ask.

“You were dating that fucking tool that your dad set you up with, and I knew I was too damn young for you. There wasn’t a point, princess. Not then.”

“I was here only a few years afterward. We could have reconnected or something—I had no idea. If I did anything wrong, I’m sorry. I was so young then too.”

He licks his bottom lip and shakes his head. “I don’t wish anything happened differently anymore. Not now.”

“I used to stalk you online,” I admit blatantly. “If you had a crush on me back then, I had one on you after based off of only your internet profile.”

“A silent stalker,” he grunts, a smirk teasing his lips.

“Don’t get arrogant about it. I doubt you don’t know how good-looking you are.”

“Doesn’t hurt to hear it from you.”

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