Page 46 of My Ex's Brothers

“Tripp and I kind of…kissed. Twice,” I say, letting out a breath.

“Tripp Adams, huh? Can’t say I had that on my bingo card.” She whistles.

“…And Ialmostkissed Dane the other day, and?—”

“I swear, Mia, if you tell me you almost kissed Richard, I will expire.”

I don’t say anything, just offer her a raised eyebrow. Lyla coos, drawing my attention as I continue to bounce her. She squirms in my arms as Sam laughs.

“Oh. My. God, Amelia Marie Corbett!!!”

I brace for her squeal of excitement, trying to hide my embarrassment.

“I’m a mess, Sam, clearly, I—” I let out a sigh. “I can’t get involved with three hockey players who happen to be related to my ex. That’s like…the stuff of midlife crises and romance novels.”

Sam scoffs at me. “What are you talking about, this is theperfecttime to get involved with three very hot, very available, very fuckable hockey players.”

I roll my eyes. “There will benoneof that.”

Sam laughs. “What, did you take a vow of abstinence after having this little dumpling over here?” she asks as she approaches us, her gaze dropping to Lyla who keeps squirming in my arms, kicking her little feet against my ribs, which hurts.

“No, but?—”

“All I’m saying is, live-in boyfriends and free childcare are one hell of a perk.”

“That’s the thing…I don’t evenknowif Dane and Tripp are on board…”

She runs her hands up and down Lyla’s back, her gaze holding mine seriously.

“I mean, they are her family, right? And they obviously care. Just because Dex fucked you over, doesn’t mean they will.”

I hate to admit she’s right. Damn it.

“Besides, you can always, you know…ask them. You’ve been texting Tripp anyway, right? And you know Dane would be here in a flash if you called…” She looks down at Lyla, twisting her lips, and I think there’s more she wants to say, but she thinks better of it. “Just…it’s okay to need help sometimes, Mia.”

Her voice is soft, caring. I hate how serious it sounds, because her words hit me harder than they should.

“It’s okay toaskfor help too,” she says, pulling me and Lyla both in for a hug.

I nod. “I’ll think about it.”

She lets me go, heading for the door. “Sounds good. Keep me posted,” she says as she leaves.

Lyla finally settles as I carry her to her room, mulling over everything that’s happened today. Richard’s help, his offer, Sam’s advice…

I lay her down and tuck her in, taking my time as I walk through my messy apartment. The papers on the table I haven’t had time to sort stand out amongst the array of toys spread out in the small living room slash dining room. The sink is piled up with dishes. I’ve barely been here for two weeks and haven’t had much time to clean or decorate or even organize my things. Every hour has been spent either taking care of Lyla in some way or looking for a job. Trying to arrange a sitter. The only time I’ve had any relief is when Dane shows up. Or when Tripp took us to the zoo…

I fall onto my couch, relishing in the quiet for a moment. With my rent due, my bank account dwindling, and my car completely out of commission, I hate to admit that Richard’s option is honestly the best option.

I don’t want it to be, though. I wish I had other options and didn’t have to move in with my ex’s brothers.

I hold my finger over his number, my heart in my throat. It’s just a phone call, I tell myself. But I know it’s notjusta phone call. It’s admitting defeat.

It’s admitting that I can’t do this on my own right now, and I hate that.

Before I met Dex, I didn’t need anyone. And then I met Dane, and Dex, and everything changed. In the course of a few months, I fell hard for Dexter Rose and his charms, and then I got pregnant, and I needed him.

I needed him in ways I never wanted to need anyone.

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