Page 62 of The Summer Arrangement
“She’s not the only one who had adventures,” my sister mutters so that only I can hear as she steps beside me.
I don’t dare look at Megan, as I’d hate to draw attention to her comment and embarrass Lizzy.
“My Iz take me, Daddy?” Milli asks, drawing my attention back to her.
“I can take you after swimming one day this week,” Lizzy promises.
Stepping around me, my sister approaches Lizzy. “Hi. I’m Megan. You must be Iz.” My sister looks pointedly from Lizzy to me and back to her. “Milli’s told me so much about your adventures together this summer.”
Shit. I didn’t introduce them—and she’s obviously wishing I’d told her more.
“I’m sorry, Megan. This is Elizabeth Lancaster… or Lizzy as she prefers to be called. Mills claims her as My Iz, as you can see.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Lizzy.” Megan reaches out and shakes her hand.
“Nice to meet you, too.” Lizzy smiles, setting my squirming daughter on the floor. “Are you staying in Seaside long?”
“Just until tomorrow. I’m flying out of PDX on the red eye to JFK.”
“Cameron said you were a pilot. Do you live in Portland, too?” Lizzy asks with interest.
“No. I live in Denver. But I like to see these two as often as I can. Though, it’s much easier when they lived closer to a major airport.”
“Not all of us have the luxury of being a jet-setter,” I mumble. “I might be out in the sticks, but Seaside’s not as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, it’s growing on me.”
“Oh, I’m sure it is.” Megan smirks and glances to Lizzy again.
Yeah, I don’t miss her double meaning.
She wouldn’t be my older sister if she didn’t pitch me shit. Even now, I’m relentless when I meet any guy she dates. I may be her younger brother, but I’ve always kept an eye on her and inserted myself when needed.
I will neither confirm nor deny an incident that involved hopping over the back of a couch to separate my sister and herhigh school boyfriend while they were watching a movie. Megan was pissed for weeks and never lets me hear the end of it.
What can I say? She’s my sister, and I’m the protective asshole brother when the role needs to be filled.
I’m brought out of my trip down memory lane when Milli shrieks, “I go potty!” then starts for the hall.
“Need help?” Lizzy offers out of habit, I’m sure.
“I got it,” I volunteer, but Milli stops me.
Stomping her foot stubbornly, she demands, “I want My Iz, Daddy. I miss her.”
“What am I? Chopped liver?” I grumble before thinking better of it.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Emilia’s connection with Lizzy, but it doesn’t mean she should be on butt duty—especially on her day off. Turning to Lizzy, I assure her, “I can take care of this.”
Lizzy waves me off. “No. It’s not a problem. I’ve got this. Enjoy this time with your sister.”
My heart squeezes tight in my chest as I watch Lizzy disappear down the hall, effortlessly chasing after my daughter. From the moment we met, I’ve felt a strong connection to her, and witnessing their bond only hits me in the feels harder.
“Bro, you’ve got it bad.” My sister sighs once Lizzy’s out of earshot.
“What are you talking about?” I ask dismissively.
“First, I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you’re looking at her. Not even Olivia, that girl in high school you were crushing on for years. I know for a fact Milli loves her with all her heart. She couldn’t stop talking about her the entire weekend. Not to mention that Mom raved about her when you first hired her.”
“But…” I draw out, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
