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“No, she’s got a choreography job in Manchester. Working on a pop video for some rockstar,” I say, almost spitting out the final words. Lucas is April’s age and gorgeous, with a string of women following him around.

I watch my sister’s try to smother their grins, but they fail miserably.

“Don’t laugh at me,” I say. “I came here for advice. If you’re just going to take the piss, then I’ll leave.”

They both squirm before sitting more upright in their chairs, shooting each other a look.

How did I think this was going to be a good idea?

I need a woman’s perspective otherwise I’d be talking to Gabe.

“What kind of advice?” Kat asks.

“April told me she loves me,” I say, quickly.

Harper squeals and claps her hands, while Kat sits and stares at me.

“What’s the problem?” Kat asks.

I run a hand through my hair before placing both hands on the table. “She was falling asleep when she said it and she hasn’t said a word since.”

My heart rate had picked up at her words, but then there had been silence followed by her gentle snore. When we woke up the next morning, I made love to her, but nothing. It was like I imagined those three little words.

Both women's faces take on an identical expression, furrows appearing between their brows. Only Kat has dark hair, while Harper is still in her purple phase.

“Have you asked her?” Harper says, clearly confused.

“No. I want her to tell me of her own free will. What if I misheard her? I could scare her off. She’s got a lot going on. She’s about to head off to choreograph forbloodyLucas Sommerfield’s music video - the rockstar stud! I don’t need her to think I’m some possessive and jealous jerk.”

I run a hand over my face before sighing and my sister’s chuckle.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about where Lucas is concerned,” Kat says, laughing into her drink. “I’m not sure he’s April’s type.”

“Not helping,” I huff, unsure who this new Kat is. “Look, I’m trying to be patient. She’s moved into her own apartment. I stay over, take her to dinner. With everything going on with her birth mother. Now her grandmother wants to meet her. The grand opening of the studio, her choreography.”I pinch the bridge of my nose and tail off, knowing I’m being selfish.

“You don’t want to add to the pressure you feel she’s already under?” Kat asks.

I nod.

“But Caleb, what about your needs?” she asks softly.

I look at my sister, shocked.

This isn’t about me.

“Relationships are two ways. They’re not all give. You have to receive something, too. If not?—”

Kat doesn’t finish her sentence. She’s got the wrong end of the stick.

“I do,” I say, not wanting to put any negative thoughts towards April.

“Does April make you happy?” Harper asks.

“More than anyone I’ve ever dated before,” I tell them honestly. “I can’t imagine life without her.”

“Then you need to tell her that,” Harper says.

I sigh. “I’ve told her I love her,” I tell them both, causing their eyebrows to raise and a smile to appear on both their lips.