Page 20 of My Ex's Brothers

“Thought you had practice today,” he says, not even bothering to look up.

“Change of plans,” I say as I head for the fridge. I grab a water, watching him for a moment as he sits there, shoulders hunched.

One of the things I like about Dane is he knows when to push an issue and when to let it go.

“So, uh…heard you checked out Amelia’s place today.”

That makes him look up. “How did you?—”

“Come on, Dane, be real here. The minute that woman stepped across the Barrington border, you knew she was here.”

He doesn’t deny it, but then again, his natural disposition is stealthy. Quiet.

“So…where’s she staying?”

His lips straighten into a thin line. “Why do you care?”

I sigh. His protectiveness is to be expected, I guess, but it still bites a bit.

“I will have you know I ran into her at the store. Offered to take her and the little cutie patootie out to the zoo. Tonight in…less than an hour?”

His expression hardens.

“Don’t get your panties in a bunch, D. She’s family.” Though even as I say the words, I can’t shake the fact that barely twenty minutes ago I was arguing that she wasn’t while I fantasized about fucking her warm, wet pussy.

I am such a fucking hypocrite. But it’s not like I’m going to admit any of that to Dane. Over my dead body.

His expression softens as he shakes his head. “Right, of course.” He lets out a sigh of relief. “Apartment thirteen. Little Creek.”

I flash him one of my trademark grins. “Thanks.”

“Don’t keep them out too late,” Dane says, going back to his phone.

“Huh?”

He doesn’t look at me, but I can see the slump of his shoulders. “She’s had a long drive. Not a lot of sleep. She should be resting, and just…”

“Got it,” I say, almost feeling bad at the frown that forms on his face.

Almost.

I cap my water and head for the door, grabbing my keys, not even bothering to say goodbye.

7

AMELIA

I’m notsure why I’m so nervous. It’s not like this is a date, considering I’m bringing my daughter with me. Last I checked, I’m pretty sure people don’t bring their children on dates.

Especially dates with college boys.

Though I know there’s only six years between Tripp and me, after seeing him today with his teammates, it feels like there’s twenty.

We’re in different places in our lives, that’s clear, but I can’t deny that seeing him today with Lyla, standing outside in the parking lot with him, under his sparkling gaze…

None of that seemed to matter.

I tuck Lyla into her carrier and fold up the stroller just as a horn beeps outside. She sucks on her teething ring, long eyelashes fluttering with that big, wet grin on her face, and my nerves settle.

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