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“Wanna play Connect Four?”

Fifteen

Dash

Sunday dinner is always a crap shoot as far as what’s going to happen.

Usually, it centers around what Briar cooks and what Frankie wants to do. Sometimes it’s games, other times she wants to show us what she’s learned to play on the guitar or something she’s made at school.

Once in a while, someone else gets to hold the reins, and we talk about Jade’s upcoming tour or something to do with Banks and Aspen’s baby. Hockey. Atlas’s latest business deal.

Today, it’s a mish mash. Frankie is inducting Willow into our family’s Connect Four Hall of Fame—by annihilating her. It’s particularly amusing because Willow has never played before. She never even heard of it, which breaks my heart a little. Frankie let her win the first game and then the gloves came off.

Luckily, Willow is a good sport.

Now that dinner’s over and Frankie’s immersed in her millionth viewing of “Frozen,” the ladies are in the kitchen doing whatever it is women do when they want an excuse to talk without us guys, and we’re outside having a drink.

“Am I going to be the one who addresses the elephant in the room?” Royal says after a moment. “I mean absolutely no disrespect to the lady—but come on. Are you sleeping with Willow fucking St. Claire?”

I give him a dirty look. “Fuck all the way off.”

“Dude, come on.” Atlas cocks his head. “This is us. What’s going on?”

“There’s nothing going on!” I snap. “I’m helping her. That’s it.”

“Oh, now it makes sense.” Banks’ eyes twinkle. “You’re upset because nothing is happening. You’re into her.”

“I’m not—” I cut myself off because what I was about to say feels idiotic.

Of course, I’m into her.

What living, breathing, red-blooded male who isn’t already emotionally attached wouldn’t be into Willow St. Claire?

“You’re not…?” Royal makes a hurry up motion with his hand.

I scowl. “She’s a client. She asked me for help. How inappropriate would it be if I made a move? Jesus, think with your big heads and not your little ones.”

“But she likes you,” Banks says, confusion on his face.

“You don’t know that,” I mutter.

“Are you worried about being rejected?” Atlas stares at me like he’s never seen me before.

“Keep your voice down!” I snap. “Jesus, you guys are like teenagers sometimes.”

Royal snorts with laughter. “More like horny teenagers, but sure. Whatever you say.”

Willow’s laughter filters out from inside and an unfamiliar feeling of longing washes over me. I love the sound of her laugh and how relaxed she is with my family. Like she belongs.

Except she’s not mine.

No matter how much I’m starting to want her.

I have to be cognizant of the fact that this is a stepping stone for her. Once we get her away from Dylan and she’s able to access her money, she’s going back to her world.

And I’ll be left here in mine.

“It’s a business arrangement,” I say. “Yes, there were extenuating circumstances since I met her in the hospital, but she’s scared and vulnerable. I would never take advantage of that.”