Page 3 of A Date with Fate

Logan’s deep laugh surrounded me, making the jealousy in my chest twist into guilt. I loved Logan. It was good to see him so happy. I shouldn’t feel like this, but at the same time, I couldn’t hide it.

A warm hand patted my back. “Anyone waiting for you back in Jackson Falls?”

“Absolutely not. It’s just me and the house.”

“And your brothers.”

I grimaced, making Logan smile. “Yes, all of us back in town. How lovely.”

“How many are living with you?”

“Right now they both are. I told them when I get back, they’ve got to get out.”

“They’re both single?”

I rolled my eyes. “Painfully. And both are completely convinced they’re going to find wives in town.”

Logan choked on his drink. “Excuse me?”

“I know.” I raised my glass in a mock salute. “Please, women of Jackson Falls, come get your men. So that they don't have to stay with me.”

“Good luck with that.”

“They are on a deadline, trust me.”

Logan finished his drink, setting the heavy glass on the granite. I could see his eyes moving helplessly towards the hallway. Where his baby waited, his family. Something deep in my chest squeezed, and I shoved the ugly surge of jealousy down once more.

“Go, man. I can manage the couch just fine on my own.”

Logan grinned. “Thanks, Scott. It’s good to have you, even if it's just for the night.”

I dropped a hand to his shoulder before wandering back into the living room. I heard his footsteps retreating back to his master suite as Logan hurried to find his family.

Leaving me on the enormous couch in the living room, a borrowed pillow and blanket. Not that I minded. I was more than happy to crash here, especially since I realized that Taylor had arrived just a day before me. If I was honest with myself, just being in the same household as her soothed my nerves.

But that was a whole different puzzle to sort out. First I had to get home. Then I would sort out my unresolved feelings for the forbidden woman a few walls away. And kick my brothers the hell out of my new house.

After all, I hadn’t built it for them.

“Looks like it’s just you and me,” I said quietly to the remote, picking it up and turning on the TV. I hit the mute button, and staring blankly at the sports update, I settled in for my night in Chicago.

***

I wasn't sure what woke me up, but around two a.m., I flipped my phone over so that I could check to see if I had missed any calls or messages. Nothing. But still, I heard the whisper-quiet footsteps of another person moving around the apartment.

“Carlie?” I guessed, sitting up slowly. I was in sweatpants but shirtless, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t scare the new mom.

“Gosh, Scott, I’m so sorry.” Carlie stepped into view, wearing a fluffy robe and carrying a swaddled bundle. Her son. I’d met him for only a few minutes when I arrived, right before I got distracted by Taylor. “Did we wake you?”

Yes, I said internally, but I would never let her see it. “No, actually, my phone buzzed on the counter.”

“Oh.” Carlie eyed me tiredly. “Good, I think.”

She was quite obviously exhausted. “Are you okay? Can I get you something? Or him?”

“Logan just crashed after taking him the first part of the night. This child, he’s still nocturnal, I swear.”

I grinned. “Do you want me to…?” I stood from couch, stepping towards the pair. “Why don’t I take him for a few minutes and let you take a breath?”

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