Page 30 of My Ex's Brothers

I try to push the thought out of my head. Yes, I kissed Tripp. But it was…just a heat of the moment thing. It felt right, at the time, but I also know that’s who Tripp is. He’s spontaneous, he’s young. He probably kisses girls all the time. It doesn’t mean he’s jumping to settle down, by any means. Yes, we’ve been chatting through the week, mostly just him sending me stupid memes, but it’s not like we’ve talked about what happened, and I’m sure it won’t happen again.

Even if I wanted it to…

But Dane is so much more dangerous. Because I can’t stop thinking about that night.

The night I saw him from across the room, watching me.

And when I’d made my way over to talk to him, I felt that magnetism then.

Then Dexter slid up to the bar, turned on his perfect, charming smile, and how could I resist him?

“Don’t let one bad apple ruin the pie,” Dane says softly, leaning back.

“I don’t have a sitter,” I say, hiding behind my daughter like some shield.

Dane smirks, crossing his arms. “That wasn’t a no,” he says.

“Uh…yes, it is. I can’t exactly leave Lyla here by herself, and?—”

“I’ll take care of that,” he says sternly. “As long as you say yes.”

I look to Lyla in her crib, still sleeping so soundly, then back at Dane. There’s something about the way he stands there, the tone of his voice, his body language. How he just…asserts himself.

I’ve only ever known Dane to be quiet and reserved, so this…

This isn’t a bad look on him at all, to be honest. I kind of…like it.

Well, I kind ofmorethan like it, if the sudden moisture blooming between my thighs is any indication.

Bad idea, Amelia…

“I mean, a night with the grandparents wouldn’t be so bad, would it?” He turns to look at her, lying in her crib, and suddenly I feel an intense bout of guilt.

I haven’t given much thought to Dex’s parents, figuring they’d want nothing to do with me given the circumstances. Honestly, I’d thought the same about his brothers, but…

But Dane, Rich, and Tripp don’t seem to be pissed atme, not like I expected them to be. Instead, they’ve been oddly…welcoming.

Helpful.

And I can’t deny that they’ve all made me feel a little better too.

Maybe I should take him up on his offer. Get over my fear of the game, and give Lyla some alone time with her grandparents. Well, the ones that are here, anyway.

And Icoulduse a night out. The other night at the aquarium with Tripp was fun, even though I had Lyla. But the idea, the prospect of doing something on myown, just some adult time…sounds very tempting.

Almost as tempting as Dane and the way his forearms flex as he settles his hands in his pockets.

“Okay,” I say, and he turns to face me.

His smirk turns into a full-blown smile. “Atta girl,” he says, and my insides heat like a fire. I lean into his space without thinking, aware of just how close his mouth his to mine. His gaze drifts there, hovering as he licks his lips, and then there’s a very loud, very distinct chirping sound as his cell dings.

Saved by the obnoxious ringtone.

“Shit, I uh…”

“It’s fine,” I say, taking a step back into the room.

“Catch up later?” he asks, and I can see the hope in his eyes.

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