Page 15 of When Alec Met Evie
“Come on,” I say easily, like it’s no big deal. “We’re basically family. I’ve only done what any good brother would do.”
I don’t know why I say it.
Panic, probably.
After all, I told my sister she didn’t have anything to worry about when it comes to Evie and me. That means I shouldn’t be feeling this much attraction. Maybe my subconscious was trying to reestablish boundaries and remind me to behave?
Evie blinks once, twice, then she smiles. “Right. Right, of course. And I really appreciate it.”
I could be wrong. But as Evie turns and reaches for Juno, pulling her daughter back into her arms, I think I see a flicker of disappointment flash through her eyes.
CHAPTER 5
EVIE
I really didn’t seethis coming. I knew Alec lived in North Carolina. That he would help me move, that if I ever wanted tickets to a hockey game, I could probably text him and he’d hook me up.
I didnotexpect to follow him through Harvest Hollow to his house, where I will be staying for the next few days, possibly even longer depending on how long it takes to dry out my rental.
Not that I’m surprised Alec offered. He’s always been a good guy.
It was, admittedly, a tiny gut punch to hear him refer to me as a sister, especially right after the hug to rival all hugs. Wrapping my arms around Alec’s waist, feeling him tug me even tighter against his chest…it basically lit my skin on fire.
Which is an enormous deal because I haven’t felt any kind offirein months. I wasn’t even sure I was still capable.
But his words were the douse of cold water I needed, especially now that we’ll be living together.
We’ve only been driving a few minutes when Megan calls.
“Hey,” I say, once she’s connected through my car’s Bluetooth.
“Hey! I just got off the phone with Alec. Are you okay?”
“Thanks to him,” I say. I’m relieved to hear that Megan’s voice sounds mostly normal. I don’t know why it wouldn’t, but it does feel slightly weird to be talking to her when I’m minutes away from moving into her brother’s house. I’ve only ever known Alec through the context of him being Megan’s brother. And we’ve never been around each other without Megan there. If I were in Megan’s shoes, this would probably feel weird to me.
“Yeah, Alec told me what happened. I’m so sorry about your house.”
“It’s okay. I’m sure it’ll be fine eventually. Just a weird inconvenience.” In front of me, Alec slows and turns into a gated community, pulling up to a gatehouse where a security guard steps out to greet him. “Um, have you ever seen Alec’s neighborhood?”
“It’s so freaking nice,” Megan says.
“We just pulled up to the security gate. It feels very fancy.”
“Wait until you see the house,” she says. “He sent me a picture when he moved in. Totally ridiculous.”
Alec pulls his truck forward, and the security guard waves me through, smiling as I drive by. Enormous houses line both sides of the wide, paved road, all with expansive yards and perfectly manicured landscaping.
“I knew the Appies were successful,” I say, peering at the houses as I follow Alec deeper into the neighborhood. “I maybe didn’t realize they werethissuccessful.”
“I definitely don’t think his bank account is hurting. How did Juno handle the drive?”
I glance at my rearview mirror and catch Juno’s reflection in the car seat mirror mounted in front of her. She’s sound asleep,her head leaning to the side. “She was a total champ. I’m lucky she’s such an easy baby.”
“If anyone deserves a little luck, it’s you,” Megan says. “And I’m so glad Alec is there for you. If you were in some random city alone, I’d be on an airplane right now coming to help, and that would not help me pass my pharmacology exam.”
I don’t know what Megan is worried about. I don’t think she’s ever gotten anything but an A onanyexam, even in her hardest nursing classes.
“You know you’ll do great,” I say.
