Page 9 of My Three Hometown Hard Hats

He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stares at me like he’s searching my brain. I mean, the twin connection stuff is real—at least, between us—but what the hell is he doing?

His eyes light up. “You were super happy when you got back from your trip, like you’d actually gotten laid for once.”

I try to keep my face impassive.

“Okay, silence is a confirmation from Conrad Thompson.” He scratches his chin like he’s some evil genius. “So, you met someone and hooked up with them, but now you’re all stuck in your head.”

He tilts his head back, searching the ceiling for answers. Then his head jerks down again, and he makes eye contact with me.

“You realized you really like her, but either she won’t respond or you’re an idiot and didn’t get her number to begin with.”

His eyebrows raise, waiting for my response.

What the hell? How?

My mask crumples. “How do you always do this? I swear, we should have convinced Austin to start a mind-reading voodoo business instead of the lovely contracting company we have now.”

A shit-eating grin spreads across his face, which I would love to punch right about now.

“So, what is it? She’s ghosting you, or you have no game?”

“I have game,” I snap, glaring at him.

He busts out laughing, slapping his leg. “You didn’t get her number. Do you at least know her name?”

My fists clench as I try to keep myself from launching over the desk and pummeling him.

“Mystery New York Girl, it is, then.”

“It wasn’t in New York.”

His hands slap down on the wooden desk. “Are you telling me you joined the mile-high club, brother?”

I just shrug, trying not to laugh at his stricken face. I’m always the sensible twin, the one who actually thinks things through.

I’m not that serious, though. I do have fun sometimes.

Maybe I should do it more. With Airplane Girl.

“Alright, Airplane Girl, it is,” he says as Austin walks in, sitting down beside him.

“Who’s Airplane Girl?”

Brooks spends the next few minutes telling Austin all the details he somehow gleaned from my brain.

When Brooks finally stops talking, Austin nods, turning to look at me.Man of many words.

“Did you get the contracts settled in New York?”

“It’s all in order.”

Brooks’ head swivels between the two of us. He points to me.

“I know why he’s all in his feels and quiet today.” His finger swivels to Austin. “But why are you even more broody than normal? Did Evelyn put salt in your Cheerios?”

Austin grimaces. “No, but I feel like I need to check my cereal from now on. And maybe not leave my daughter alone with you anymore. And rethink our living arrangements.”

Brooks waves him off. “You know I love that girl like she was my own.”