Page 54 of Sweet Thing

“His ginormous salary and even bigger trust fund.”

Kind of harsh and not my impression of Summer at all. Dash was heir to a huge hotel fortune, though. We were talking billions. “You know this how?”

“He treats her like shit, and she puts up with it. Why else would she do that if she wasn’t holding out for the payday?”

“Maybe she thinks she can change him.” Though they’d been together for close to five years, and her sunny influence had yet to produce observable results. “Or maybe we don’t know what happens behind closed doors. He could be a total sweetheart to her in private.”

“You’re not going to be her bridesmaid, are you?”

“If she asks, sure. Rosie’s already in.”

Hatch blew out an annoyed breath. “Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. But never mind that. How about you tell me what’s going on with you?”

“Just watching this little one.” I checked in on Mabel who was happily munching on a strawberry-apple-spinach rice wafer. “And thinking about next steps.”

“More college?”

“God, no. I liked the business classes but I’m not sure how to apply it.”

“You were a big help to Mom when Tilly was born. Is that something you’d be interested in as a career?”

“I don’t think so. I’m just helping until Lars finds a nanny he clicks with.”

“So Nyquist is being respectful, right?”

Sure. Says my name when he comes. Real respectful.

“Do you think Mom and Dad would be okay with me there if they didn’t trust him?”

“Right, but …” He tapped the table with his index finger. Waited. Squinted.

Awareness dawned. “Rosie said something!”

“She might have mentioned a certain crush. This information had to be shared, Addy!”

I covered my heating cheeks with my hands. “It was harmless and is now ancient history. Absolutely forgotten. We talked it out and we’re fine.”

Hatch looked skeptical. “You discussed this crushwithyour crush and he’s fine with it?”

“There are more important things than ridiculous crushes, H. The man’s world has just blown up with a baby, not that long after the father with whom he had a notoriously strained relationship passed away in painful circumstances. Believe me, he’s not thinking about how I liked him once in the distant past.”

“Good. ’Cause his life is a mess. He’s probably feeling vulnerable right now.”

And I wasn’t? Still, I preferred Hatch’s take on it, that poor Lars needed protection from my wiles.

“Plus, look at how it all came about. Banging a married chick in a bathroom, a one-night stand. Not so different from his dad.”

“Since when are you so judgmental? Have you forgotten thatyouwere the result of a one-night stand?”

“But Mom and Pop got together soon after because they were fated. The Great Love Story, Trademark. I’m the reason you’re even here!” This argument was as old as the hills. “Besides, you shouldn’t be dating any hockey players. They’re all assholes.”

“Don’t I know it,” I said with feeling.

Satisfied he’d done his big brother duty, he stood. “I’m heading to the john. Don’t eat my bacon.”

“Yes, sir.” I helped myself to a strip right under his nose, then texted Rosie.

Can’t believe you blabbed about L to my brother!