Page 15 of Comeback
“Does this happen to him a lot?” I ask Archer.
“Yeah. He’s got that certain something. Reels them right in.”
“Do you get stopped?”
“Me?” he asks like that’s a ridiculous question. “No. Not really. Not like Brogan.”
“Maybe you’re just more intimidating.”
“I’m not offended,” he says. “I wouldn’t deal with it as well as he does.”
Somehow, I don’t believe him. He hasn’t been friendly with me, but I have seen how he is with his teammates and friends and basically anyone that isn’t me.
Our gazes go back to Brogan. My brother remains polite as the women fawn over him, but when one of them steps closer and puts a hand on his leg, he removes it and then holds up a palm to stop her from invading his space again. “I’m in a relationship, but it’s really nice to meet you both. Have a good night.”
They hesitate a beat before taking his words as intended, a dismissal.
“Sorry about that,” Brogan says, flashing me a smile. “Where were we?”
“I think you were going to tell me why you’re here. What did you want to talk about?”
“Right. That.” His easy expression is replaced by one that makes him look nervous for the first time. Which in turn makes me nervous.
“How is the apartment hunting going?” Brogan asks.
I’m a little thrown by the topic change, but I answer without a lot of thought. “Not great, but I’m confident I’ll find something.”
Brogan stares at me, not speaking. I look from him to Archer for some explanation of the awkwardness stretching out around us.
“He wants you to move in,” Archer says finally.
“Dude.” Brogan punches him lightly in the arm.
“What? You were freaking her out,” Archer says, glancing at him, then back at me, but he doesn’t say more.
My pulse picks up speed. “That’s so nice. Truly. I appreciate it, but I’ll find something.”
“I’m not asking to be nice. Iwantyou to live with us.”
I consider that for a moment. “Why?”
“I like hanging out with you and getting to know you. I don’t know what your favorite breakfast food is or if you’re a morning person or a night owl or a bunch of different things that I feel like I should know.” His brows pinch together, much like I can feel mine doing. “You’re my sister and there’s still so much I don’t know.”
His words strike a chord. I didn’t know he felt that way, but I get it because I find myself getting caught up in those thoughts too.
“We can still hang out even if I don’t live there.”
“Yeah.” His voice is nearly a whine. “But you’re busy, I’m busy…”
I nod at the unspoken truth. Before I left, we hung out several times, getting to know one other. It was hard to find days and times he was free. I know he did his best, but he’s a busy guy. When we did manage to grab brunch or coffee it was almost like starting over, finding that comfort with each other again.
But moving in with him? Not just him. London lives there too, and Archer. My throat tightens as I sneak a glance at him. His stare is downcast on the beer bottle resting on one thigh. He won’t even look at me. He can’t be okay with this.
“I would like to get to know you better too,” I tell Brogan honestly.
“Then move in with us.” His eyes dance with excitement.
I open my mouth to speak but then look at Archer again. This time he glances up at me. His hazel eyes swirl with unspoken emotions.
