Page 103 of Midnight Confessions

A grin I can’t possibly hide, digs deep into my cheeks. “You think?”

Her head tilts, a knowing smile teasing her lips. “Honey, Iknow. I’m not stupid, I know he and Hayden are…popularwith the ladies.”

I snort a laugh. Don’t I know it. A littletoopopular.

“But he’s never brought anyone home before. Well, not since he was a teenager.” She reaches into a nearby drawer and grabs a couple of measuring cups. “He’s protective of you. Andproudof you.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks from her words. It’s nice to confide in his mother this way. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that certain warmth only a mother can add to a conversation. Which is probably why I feel comfortable telling the truth.

“We’ve promised each other this would only be temporary. We haven’t decided to see each other after the wedding.” Head lowered, I keep my eyes on the plate I’m scrubbing.

“Oh, honey…” She laughs. “He’s decided, I can tell. What doyouwant?”

I pick up another plate, running it under the hot water, a smile ghosting across my face. “Everything,” I whisper.

Midge reaches forward and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. I turn to face her with a knot forming in my throat.

My mom used to do that…

“He’ll come through.” She smiles. “Trust me. I know he can be…tough. He was always a closed off boy. And as a man, well, he’s like a steel vault.” Her shoulders shake with a silent laugh. “But the truth is always in his actions. He may act as though he doesn’t believe in love, but, he’s filled with more of it than anyone I’ve ever met. He’ll come through… Trust me.”

“Thank you, Midge,” I say, ignoring the sting of unshed tears.

He’ll come through.

“Of course, honey. I would love to have you around. Too much testosterone in my house.”

I laugh, loading another plate into the dishwasher.

“Excuse me. I have to use the ladies’ room.”

I nod, continuing with the rest of the dishes. When I’ve loaded the last dish into the dishwasher, I rinse the soapy bubbles from my hands, then dry them and use the towel to wipe off the counter around the sink.

I feelhimbefore I hear histskof disapproval. Ignoring his hovering presence, I hang the hand towel over the oven handle.

“You missed a spot…” Hayden’s mocking tone makes me wince.

Turning around, I lean against the counter,hopinghe doesn’t step any closer.

“You’re free to do it yourself,” I say, confidently.

He takes a few steps in my direction, a placating smile curling his lips. My body tenses as he nears. Thankfully, he stops within a couple of feet from me.

“She’s gorgeousandshe has a smart-mouth. How exciting.” He lifts an eyebrow suggestively.

“Am I supposed to swoon over you now?”

“Is that your natural response to me? Toswoon?” His smirk could charm the panties off a nun. He’s one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen, and his devilish demeanor is alluring…Ifyou like the serial killer type.

“I’m well aware of the games you play with Aleck,” I say, leaving no need to decode my disdain. “You get me alone, then convince me to switch brothers… Aren’t you supposed to offer me lavish things and vacations?”

“Do youlikelavish things? Something tells me you’re theNetflix and chillkind of girl.”

“Something would tell you correctly. More importantly, I’m theloyalkind of girl.”

“Oh, Winter, I’m not looking for your loyalty. I like my women a bit more…agreeable. Girls like you aren’t really tolerable in the long run—too muchsass. But you sure are fun for a weekend.” He rubs the pad of his thumb over his full bottom lip, gazing over the length of my body like he’s mapping out which part of me he’d like to devour first. “Just ask Aleck, he knows what I’m talking about.”

I grin, showing teeth, because even though I find Hayden more than sufficiently intimidating, I know he gets off on fear. So, I’ll show him none.

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