Page 71 of An Unexpected Everything

“Not like that. Plus, Joshua would kill me if I ever dated a Cage. They’re off limits.”

“You know, if he says that, it only makes it worse.”

“I know right? One day I’m going to go on a fake date with one of them and just annoy the hell out of my brother. Because it’s fun.”

“I used to annoy Kyler just for fun, and now I have more brothers to do so.”

“I thought you were the responsible one.”

“That’s just what she says, but she has a mischievous streak.”

I jumped once again at Weston’s words and scowled at him. “Really? You couldn’t have stomped or something to let me know you were behind me?” I asked, even as my heart raced.

He leaned forward and brushed his lips against mine, and my shoulders eased. “I’m sorry, Bella. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You guys are so sweet. I hate it,” Harper said, even as she sighed happily. “Okay, I have to get back to work, alone. Without a man of my own. But it’s okay, you go off and be happy and ride into the sunset.”

“You know, I do have single brothers,” I teased.

“Ooh, like the rock star?” Harper asked, and Weston scowled.

“Joshua would kill them,” he said, sounding serious.

“Why am I killing people?”

This time I didn’t jump, because I’d seen Joshua walk forward, and Harper just blushed.

“No reason.” She dashed off toward the bakery, and Joshua raised a brow.

“Do I want to know?”

“No,” I said.

“Not even in the slightest,” Weston put in.

Joshua shook his head and followed his sister to the bakery.

I slid my hand into Weston’s and smiled up at him. “So. Are you ready to watch the girls graduate?”

Weston cringed. “How are they adults now? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“It’s okay. They’re brilliant girls who know what they’re doing. They’re going to be fine.”

“You say that, and yet all I think about is the fact that they’re going to be off in college. Living in dorms. Dealing with boys.”

“They both have boyfriends.”

“Yes,” he growled. “I like Mason though. Even though he and Sam are going off to college together.”

“And staying in separate dorms. And they’re both eighteen. Breathe.”

“I do not have to breathe.” He paused. “You know what I mean.”

My lips twitched. “Whatever you say. You’ve done a great job with them.” My heart stopped, thinking about how scared he must’ve been all those years ago. Even when he had made a decision that had changed both of our lives forever.

“Sometimes I feel like I’ve done such a shitty job that nothing makes sense.”

“You didn’t do a shitty job. Lance is in business school, and he already has offers for positions at amazing companies, including Cage Enterprises.”