Page 23 of The Nicest Thing

I was pretty sure Rose's family tried to kill me last night.

Well, her cousins anyway.

Shaking my head, I cracked a grin. Their family dinner was like none other. But damn if those guys didn't remind me of my brothers. Speaking of…

"Hello?" Baylor's voice sounded from my laptop, and I took a break from packing and looked over. "What happened after they challenged you?"

I gave a shrug. "What do you think? I accepted."

"I hope you beat their asses."

"Naturally."

Archer frowned from his square on the screen. "How many chili peppers did you eat?"

My stomach revolted, and I put a hand there, stopping myself before I heaved. "Too many," I said. "Let's not mention that particular vegetable for a few years. Or better yet, ever."

His lips twitched, and for my oldest brother, that was nearly as good as a full-on smile.

"I saw that," I teased. "Honor's bringing out your softer side."

"Whatever," he said, his frown returning, but I knew it was forced. And he knew I didn't mean that as an insult.

"Honor only made it more obvious. Archer's always been soft," Baylor said with a grin. "Isn't that right, Mama Bear?"

Okay, now the scowl was real.

Chase laughed. "If he could reach through the screen, you would've caught an elbow to the ribs, Bay."

"Or the face," Archer grumbled.

Baylor sat back with a grin. "Luckily, he can't reach me. We're miles apart. He's in Atlanta, and I'm safe in New York. So—ow!"

He jerked forward as a hand appeared and slapped the back of his head.

Dex, the owner of that hand, sat next to him, grinning a second later. "Hey, what'd I miss?" he asked.

"Bay being Bay," Chase replied, "Archer being Archer, and Finn nearly dying by chili pepper in the name of love."

I scoffed a laugh.

"Is that true?" Dex asked.

I thought about it a second then nodded. "Pretty accurate."

His grin grew, pulling the scar taught on his face, making him look like a badass—which he was. But Dex had what I liked to call layers. He was tough. He was a smartass. But he was also one of the strongest, best people I knew.

Three of the others were on this screen call.

"What'd Bay say to deserve the smack?" Dex asked.

Baylor threw him a harsh look. "You didn't even hear what I said and yet you hit me?"

"Only caught the tale end. Sounded like you deserved it—and let's be real. You usually do."

"That's…true. I guess." He held up his hands. "But I just called Archer 'Mama Bear.' We all do it."

"Oh," Dex said, "then I retract the smack."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Hey Dex," I said, "weren't you the one who came up with that name?"

Archer narrowed his gaze. "Did you?"

Dex shrugged and said, "Yeah, you've got to admit it fits."

"Baylor? Could you?"

Bay lifted a brow; Archer nodded to him, and the next thing I knew, Dex was scoffing as Baylor smacked the back of his head.

"Thanks," Archer said.

"No problem." When Dex shot him a look, Bay said, "It's only fair."

"Yeah," Dex muttered.

"Anyway," Chase cut in, "Finn called us here for a reason. One he hasn't revealed even though we've been talking for a while which makes me think he's stalling."

Chase was always observant.

"What's up, brother?"

Everyone got quiet at that, and I sat down, setting my computer on my lap. I took a deep breath then told them the truth.

"I'm in love with Rose," I said.

When they just nodded, I went on. Of course, they knew. My brothers knew me better than anyone besides Emmy, my mom, and…Rose.

"I love her so much it hurts. I can't imagine life without her. Don't even want to. I just…"

"Love her," Chase repeated.

I nodded then swallowed. "Yeah, I do. I'm going to tell her, and I just wanted to see if you guys have any advice. Since well, you're my brothers, and you've all found your person. Any tips?"

"I can tell you what not to do," Baylor said. "If she confesses first, don't tell her you're better off friends."

"What if Rose says that?"

"Then you accept it."

"Wow, that's really mature, Bay," Chase said, sounding surprised. I was too. Baylor wasn't ever levelheaded. He was the impulsive, act-first-apologize-later twin.

Bay shook his head. "Thanks, but I meant, Finn should accept the challenge. Show her why you're right, and she's wrong. Let her know what she's missing."

"I agree," Chase said, and I blinked. Baylor and Chase agreeing on something, especially a matter like this, was rare. "Listen to her, really listen. But if she's your soulmate, Finn, you might have to play dirty."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He shrugged. "You do what it takes. Show her your heart and how good you can be together. Don't be an ass, but be persistent."

"Okay."

"Oh, and give her the best orgasm of her life."

My jaw gaped. "You just said that."

"I did."

"Damn," Dex said, "Chase just brought up sex. Never thought I'd see the day."

"My main takeaways were don't be an ass and 'give her the best orgasm of her life,'" Baylor said. "Good advice."

Chase smiled. "Thanks, I know from experience—also, don't let miscommunication get in the way."

"Don't stand in the way of your own happiness," Archer put in. "That's harder than it sounds."

Dex gave a nod. "I've got one. If you're going to stalk her, don't get caught."

My brows furrowed.

My other brothers grew silent, and beside him, Baylor was staring at the side of Dex's head.

"Did you stalk Maisie?" Baylor asked finally.

"Only a little," Dex said.

I bit back a laugh. The way he said it casually, like it was nothing, was so him.

"Did she catch you at it?" Archer said.

"Yeah—but honestly, it was only a matter of time. I should've varied my route."

While the silence stretched on and on, Dex rolled his eyes.

"She was living in a shitty neighborhood. I was worried. What else was I supposed to do?"

"Uh, maybe not stalk her?" Archer suggested.

"Get her a security system," I said.

"Or a guard dog," Chase added. "A big, scary-looking one who only loves her."

"Find her a better place," Baylor said with a grin, "and make her think it's free, but secretly pay the bills."

"Impressive," I said.

"Thanks, baby brother. I try."

"I've got a better idea." A familiar face appeared in the spot beside Baylor and Dex.

Seaver was Dex's best friend, had been for a long time, before pulling a disappearing act on everyone a few years ago.

Since then, things had been strained—and it wasn't because he left.

The sneer on Dex's lips was a hundred percent because his long-lost best friend came back, stayed with us last Christmas, and ended up kissing the hell out of my sister.

In front of my family. Then disappeared again.

Dex had never been able to hide it when he was pissed. Probably because he didn't try.

Dex arched a brow. "What's he doing here?"

"Finn invited me," Seaver said.

As my brothers all glared, I shrugged and said, "Figured it couldn't hurt to get another opinion."

Dex scoffed, then after a moment, he shook his head. "So, John—oh, I mean, Seaver—you gonna tell us this bright idea or what?" he said finally.

"Sure. You should've moved her in with you," Seaver said.

"Huh?"

Seaver's lips tugged up on one side. "Move her in, keep her close, protect her. You'd wake up to see Maisie every day. There's no downside."

That did sound good…I wouldn't mind living with Rose. I was pretty sure I'd love it.

"Anyway," Dex cut in, "I didn't do that. I looked out for her the only way I knew how. Besides, it was a joke. Would we really call jogging past her house every day and night without her knowledge stalking?"

"Yeah," we said in unison.

"How did Maisie react when she found out?" I asked, needing to know.

Dex's smile was slow.

"Dex?"

"She thought it was sweet."

Archer scoffed. "She could've called the cops on your ass."

Dex tilted his head from side to side. "Fifty-fifty chance. I went with the one that kept her safer."

"I get that," Arch said, and with his strong protective instincts, I knew it was true. "I would've stalked Honor if she weren't already living with Emmy."

Baylor shook his head. "Maybe I should've stalked June," he murmured.

"What?" I asked.

"I wish I would have stalked June," he repeated then sighed. "But it's too late now. I'm sure she'd think it was romantic."

"Would she though?" Chase asked.

"She might," I said, knowing how much of a hopeless romantic June was, especially where Baylor was concerned. He was lucky. She had loved him forever, so it didn't matter what he did. She would forgive him anything.

Chase pinned me with a look. "Please tell me you haven't stalked Rose."

"I haven't."

"Good."

Dex scoffed. "Come off it, Chase. Like you wouldn't do the same if you knew Charlie lived on the creepy block."

"She lived there?"

He nodded.

"Okay, I get it," Chase said.

Seaver shook his head. "I still say you should've moved her in with you."

"No one cares what you think," Dex said. "This is a family-only call. You can go whenever."

I frowned, but Seaver chuckled softly.

"Pretty sure it was you who dubbed me the other O'Brien brother," he said.

"Pretty sure that was before you put your tongue in my sister's mouth," Dex snapped.

Groans sounded at that.

"Dex, why?" Baylor said. "I don't want to picture that."

"Me neither," Archer grumbled.

"Same," Chase said.

"Let's leave Emmy's love life out of this," I said.

More groans sounded at that.

"Focus, guys. I need your help."

They pulled it back together after a moment and gave me their full attention.

"Okay, so now I know what not to do. But tomorrow, we leave for the book conference. What should I say?"

Dex shrugged. "Only you know that."

I waited for more then realized he was done. "That's it?" I asked.

"He's right, Finn." Archer looked slightly amused by my dilemma, and I did not appreciate it. "Relax. You'll know what to say when the moment comes."

"Maybe I should write something down?"

Chase tilted his head. "You can, but you don't need to. Trust me, brother. Speak from the heart."

"Yeah," Baylor said, "and if you screw it up, Rose seems like a nice person. She'd give you another chance."

"If you're really unsure," Seaver put in, "wait until Rose says it first. That way there's no risk. You'll be secure in her feelings and can take it from there."

"But I don't want to wait for her to say it," I said.

"Then you go first."

"But…"

Dex's brow furrowed as he asked, "What are you afraid of?"

"Everything," I said. Running my hands through my hair, I inhaled a deep breath then let it out. "I'm afraid I'll say something wrong. I'm afraid if I do Rose will never speak to me again. I'm afraid I'll lose her as a friend. I'm afraid of ruining the best thing in my life. I'm afraid period."

"Then be afraid."

I stared at him.

"Be afraid, and do it anyway," Dex said as he and my brothers all started to smile.

The words hit me, my chest clenching, knowing they were my father's. They'd had more time with him, but they never let me forget. Not that I could. My dad had been a good man, an amazing husband, and the best father. I could practically hear his voice on the wind, echoing Dex's words.

"Be afraid, and do it anyway," I repeated.

I nodded.

"I think I'll do that."

"Good," Baylor said and clapped his hands. "Now that that's settled, let's move on. Finn, do you have protection?"

My face went hot. "What?"

"You heard me. I only ask because if not, I have a wide selection of condoms you can use.

I buy all kinds and sizes." My eyes closed, praying he would stop, but Baylor just kept going.

"I got used to that at the frat house, didn't want to let my brothers down if they were in need, you know?

So? Are we thinking ribbed? Studded? Smooth?

Maybe cherry flavored? Glow in the dark? Which one would Rose like best?"

Everyone else snickered, but the sound I made was pure frustration.

"How about—"

"No," I said.

Baylor frowned. "No what?"

"Just no. I don't need your condoms. Candy flavored or not."

"I said cherry, but—"

"I'm sure there'll be stores where the conference is being held. If I need them, I can get my own," I bit out.

"Okay, but better to be prepared, right?"

I nodded as if I agreed.

But honestly, I couldn't picture myself bringing condoms on this trip.

Rose might think I only wanted sex from her.

And though yeah, I did.

I wanted more. So much more. I wanted everything.

But the condom talk with Bay was killing me slowly. Chase jumped in then, and I knew it was to save me from more embarrassment.

"So, Romance or Die sounds fun," he said, sounding like he meant it. Along with Emmy and me, he was a big reader. "How long is the conference?"

"Three days," I said. "And the drive should take about six hours."

"That's a long time," Dex commented.

"A lot of alone time," Seaver added.

I couldn't help but smile. Yeah, that was the thing I was looking forward to most. Me and Rose.

No one else—except a bunch of fellow book lovers once we got where we were going.

Attending the conference was one of Rose's dreams. I was determined to do everything I could to make sure it was amazing for her.

"It's going to be perfect," I said.

Seaver shook his head. "Careful, Finn. Don't jinx it."

"Not possible. This trip is all about Rose, and I won't let it be anything but perfect."

"You want my lucky socks just in case?"

I nearly laughed, but his face told me he was serious. "That's okay, Seaver. Keep your sweaty hockey socks."

"Your loss."

"Did Mom guilt you about missing family dinner?" Archer said to me.

"Already talked to her," I replied. "She's Team Rose."

"Frose," Chase put in.

"FiRo," Dex shot back

"I like that," I said.

"Knew you would. Not as good as Daisie, but what can you do?"

I scoffed. He not-so-secretly loved his and Maisie's couple name. But I loved Rose's and mine.

Anything that got me closer to her was good in my book.

Looking at the time, I jumped up. "Gotta go. I told Rose I'd be there to pick her and the books up. Don't want to be late."

"Whipped," Dex said.

"Totally," Baylor said back.

Chase thew me a smile. "Good luck, Finn."

"What he said," Archer added.

"Ditto," Seaver said.

I signed off then sent Rose a quick text to let her know I was on my way. I hoped my brothers were right. My only other goal besides helping Rose was to confess my love for her. Finally. Regardless how things turned out, I would do exactly what my dad would've told me to.

Dex's voice echoed in my mind, lingering with my dad's.

Be afraid, and do it anyway.

Rose, I hope you're ready. Because I'm definitely ready for you.

Romance or Die, here we come.