Page 14 of Tempt Me Forever

Chapter Five

Drake

Iwent to my sister'safter finishing my first full workday. Suze lived in a huge house in Lakeshore East, and the reason for my visit was to talk some sense into her. Keeping this house wasn't in her best financial interests.

Switch off the business brain, Drake. She needs you as her brother, not a manager.

She opened the door seconds after the doorbell rang.

"Oh, you’re here. Thank God. I've missed you, brother."

“I missed you, too, Suze."

She was holding baby Michael in her arms. I leaned in and kissed her cheek, noting that she looked completely exhausted. Her hair was bunched on one shoulder and kind of messy, and her black sweater had damp stains on it.

"Come in. Don't mind the state of everything. I'm trying to survive."

"I know," I replied.

A few months ago, I realized my sister couldn't manage on her own, which was why I came to Chicago. I knew she needed me close, at least for moral support so she wouldn't feel completely alone. Her bastard of a husband took off when she was four months pregnant, and now her life was in shambles. And she also had a baby to look after.

"Want me to hold Michael for a while?"

She snorted as she led me to the living room. "Brother dearest, are you any better with babies than the last time we met?"

"No, but I'm a fast learner."

"Michael is fussy after he eats, so I'm going to keep him for now. Otherwise, he might spit up and stain your precious suit."

I looked around, taking in the place. She wasn't kidding. It was a mess.

"Suze, want me to order dinner?"

"Sure, sure. There are plenty of deliveries in the area."

I took out my phone. "Soba noodles still your favorite?" I checked.

---