Page 95 of My Ex's Brothers

And as I watch her put her cute pajamas on, her blonde hair a mess, I realize two things.

One, I don’t want her to leave. I want her to stay here, with me. For fucking ever.

And two, knowing that I don’t want her to leave means my biggest fear has come true.

I might be falling in love with Amelia.

Fuck.

22

AMELIA

I can’t rememberthe last time I felt so well rested since having Lyla. It’s been barely four days since I moved in with Dane, Tripp, and Richie, and things have been more than eventful. I have an interview next week, at a boutique on main street, and I’m hoping it pans out. It’s only part-time, but at this rate, I’ll take anything as long as it’s close and it pays enough for me to have my own place.

Though the more time I spend with the boys, the more I have to admit that I like having them around.

The other night, Richard and I connected in a way I didn’t think was possible with anyone, let alone him. His honesty was more than just endearing. Listening to him talk about his divorce, his understanding of that loneliness, that strange transition between what you knew and the unknown…

I had never felt like someone understood me so well, especially someone who barely knows me. But I felt that. I felt his honesty and his understanding, and in return we crossed some unknown line. He opened his heart to me, and I did the same.

It felt right.

And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still thinking about the sex we had.

It’s a bit confusing, but I can’t deny I liked it. Hearing him talk like that. I didn’t think I’d be into it, but I was willing to try because he made me feel like it was okay totry.But good lord…

I don’t know much about kinks, but I wouldn’t mind doing that again…

But I also know it’s not entirely the kink that’s confusing. It’s the fact that while I feel safe knowing Richard can’t actually give me another baby…that doesn’t mean Dane can’t. Which brings up a whole litany of questions and thought trails I’m not sure I want to go down yet.

I hadn’t planned on having Lyla, and while I don’t regret having her, our situation isn’t ideal. I’m not opposed to the idea of having another baby—when my life is a little less chaotic—but do I want to have another baby with my ex’s brother?

The fact that I can’t say no is…startling. Dangerous.

For so many reasons.

Dane hasn’t brought up what happened, and I’m thankful. He also hasn’t tried to seduce me or anything, and he’s been more than respectable in front of his brothers.

Tripp doesn’t seem to care who’s in the room. He kisses me like no one’s watching, even though Richie and Dane are always around when he does.

I revel in the silence of afternoon nap time. Since practice is in the afternoon, most of my mornings and early afternoon are spent playing with and caring for Lyla. Richie goes to the gym, works on the car. Dane is more of a homebody. He’s always around doing something. Reading. Cleaning. Cooking. And he spends almost as much time with Lyla as me. Watching him with her settles something inside of me.

He’s patient. Kind. Loving.

Would it be so bad if somehow…

No. Do not think like that, Amelia! You can not handle another baby right now. You can barely handle yourself and the one you have.

I let out a sigh as the water rushes down my skin. The warmth is welcome and I take my time, knowing these little moments are precious. Soon enough, Lyla will wake up and it will be nonstop until she’s fed and put to bed.

I’m so lost in my thoughts, I barely hear the door open.

“Fresh towels,” Dane announces. “Straight from the dryer.”

I can’t help but smile, taking in the sight of him through the frosted glass of the bathroom shower. Thankfully, the boys haven’t made a fuss over my taking over the main bathroom.

I catch his gaze as he looks at me, then looks away just as fast. Something tells me he’s still ruminating over what happened. He hasn’t touched me since. He’s kissed me, a few times, but it’s like he’s afraid to do much more.

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