Page 25 of Timelessly Ours

She crosses her arms. “I’ll explain everything but first—”

He holds up his hands. “I know. I know I messed up arranging this whole spying thing but sis, you’ve got to understand, it’s not easy for me seeing you behind the bar.”

She swallows and the onset of tears touch her big green eyes.

And I can’t do a damn thing about it.

Fuck.

She looks like she doesn’t have a leg to stand on. She didn’t get her chance. We’d all taken it away from her. Because of what we did—the trust we broke—she ended up in the last place she ever wanted to be again.

“It’s okay,” she says softly. “I understand. You were…right to not trust me.”

My insides twist. Because there isn’t an ounce in me that believes it.

“What do you mean? What happened?” He looks up at me but addresses his sister. “And why are you here?”

“Coach—found me. He…helped me.”

Shaking his head, he levels my gaze. “Where did you find her?”

“Don’t look at him like that,” she finally snaps. “He—and all my friends sacrificed many nights because you wanted eyes on me. Don’t you dare take that tone you so leisurely take with me, on people who were loyal to you. And don’t act like I’m not in the room, either. You want to know where he found me? Just ask.”

Nick swallows hard. His expression softens and a hint of guilt crosses his face before he’s hard as stone again. “I swear to God, Nicky, if you say Sylvie’s—”

“Sylvie’s?” I cut in, moving toward them until I’m right beside her. “Nicole barely made it up the block from Bridges before she turned back to finish her shift.”

Both sets of green eyes turn to me.

I ignore Nicole’s. Between her wincing at the name of her old boss and the threat behind her brother’s tone, I’d heard enough.

“But she was clearly—and rightfully—upset so we stayed outside until she cooled off. And since I was equally concerned about her being alone, I offered her my guestroom to spend the night.”

Nick blinks but doesn’t look away. “I appreciate it. Get your things, Nicole, I’m taking you home.”

I step forward until I’m between them. “That’s not necessary. I’m already arranging for Nicole’s things to be picked up this weekend.”

“Excuse me?” my team member snaps.

Nicole steps around and looks up at me. Her green eyes narrowing, but only slightly, as if waiting to see what I’ve got up my sleeve. Trusting me just enough to not contradict me.

“She’s moving in. As Rory’s new full-time nanny.”

7

“Can I speak to you outside for a moment?”

It takes me a moment to blink into awareness. My eyes have been glued to Royce’s. The sizzling look that’s daring me to trust him.

The nanny?

When I finally look at my twin brother, I realize he’s talking to me.

“Nicole,” Nick calls again. “Outside?”

“Yeah,” I mutter before stepping out the front door and onto the patio. Nick stays behind muttering something to his coach before following me out.

It’s chilly outside, but I welcome the cool breeze to put out the fire burning my skin.

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