Page 17 of This Feeling

Declan’s brows shot up.

I knew I couldn’t let Declan know about his brother’s stupid plan, but man, did Iwantto for some reason. I hated the idea of Declan thinking I was dating his brother again. I’d have to sort through that thought with a bottle of wine later tonight.

“Sorry, we got into a fight before coming in. I’m being rude.”

He nodded…and then let his eyes move lazily over my body. I felt my cheeks heat, so I coughed and started to walk toward the kitchen.

“Welcome home, by the way,” I added, once we’d entered the kitchen. “Is it for good?”

Declan smiled, and I was momentarily dizzy. I actually reached out for the counter to steady myself. Wow. Could a man be even more handsome when he smiled? Based on the smile directed toward me, yes. Yes, he could.

“Yep. Home for good.”

Maddie handed me a plate and one to Declan. “It’s a system. Start here and make your way around. Harper, you’ll sit at your normal spot.”

“Thank you,” I said, taking the plate and falling in line behind Sean, who was still ignoring me. I poked my finger into his back, causing him to turn and look. He almost seemed taken aback when he saw me.

I gave him a sugary smile. “Did you forget I was here,darling?”

His cheeks turned red.

“Jackass,” I hissed.

Declan chuckled, and Sean glanced at him, then back to me with a warning look that honestly did nothing for me. The man couldn’t even stand up to his own mother.

“Everything looks so good, Maddie,” I said, my voice full of phony cheer and happiness. “It smells good too. Is that homemade bread?”

Maddie nodded. “It sure is.”

Declan leaned in, and I shivered when his hot breath swept over my skin as he whispered, “You’re laying it on too thick. Pull it back some.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“If you say so.”

Once everyone had their food, we sat at the dining room table, and conversation revolving around Declan soon broke out. I could see Sean growing tired of hearing about his brother’s accomplishments while in the Marines and how proud Maddie was of herboy. The old me would have tried to steer the conversation to Sean somehow, but the new me…she didn’t give a rat’s ass if Sean was jealous of his brother or not.

So, I sat back, my wine glass in hand, and asked yet another question.

“Declan, what will you be doing now that you’re out of the military?”

He finished off his beer and set it on the table. “Probably go work for the Moose Village Police Department.”

It was clear the moment he said it, he hadn’t meant to divulge that information just yet.

“You’re going to be acop?” Sean shouted.

“Why are you yelling?” Matt and Maddie said at the same time.

Sean looked around the table. “Putting yourself in danger again? At this point, I think you’re just doing it for the attention it’ll bring you, and nothing else.”

My mouth dropped open as Maddie shot daggers at her younger son.

Declan laughed. “Wow, tell everyone how youreallyfeel, Sean.”

He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just saying, don’t you think Mom has worried enough over you? Now you want to be a cop and make her worry even more?”

Leaning back in his chair, Declan folded his arms across his chest, and I nearly let out a whimper at the muscles on display. Instead, I looked down at my plate and contemplated whether I wanted to finish the lasagna or leave a bit.

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