Page 25 of Unbearable

“It’s no problem. There’s a snack on the table if you want it,” she answered. Ethan ran into the kitchen without even saying goodbye.

“It’s just, I have to go in tomorrow, and I don’t know what Brooke is doing. I feel better if he’s here.”

“We’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.” Her hand landed on his arm, and the feeling of fire shot up it. “Would you like to come in for some cheesy bread? I made extra.”

He should say no. He should walk away, but there was something about her that kept pulling him closer. There was no doubt that whatever was between them wouldn’t end well. How could it when you fell for your girlfriend’s sister?

“Sounds great,” he said, stepping inside. He followed her to the kitchen where Ethan was just finishing his snack.

“Can I go outside, Aunt Bailey?” he asked.

“Of course, sweetie.” She opened the back door, and he shot into the yard. They watched through the windows as he jumped on one of the swings on the playscape. “It’s too hot to leave the door open, but we can see him from in here. He should be fine.”She flitted around the kitchen preparing plates of bread and pouring two glasses of lemonade.

“I was supposed to be off, but I have to meet the boss tomorrow at some townhouse in Beacon Hill. I guess some rich guy is remodeling his place. I’ll come get him when I’m done.”

“Don’t worry about it, you know I love when Ethan is here. Brooke is good with this?” She took a sip of her lemonade.

“I didn’t ask her.”

“Fox.”

“I know. But you know she would have pitched a fit. It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission when it comes to Brooke.” He could feel her gaze on him as he watched Ethan run around the backyard kicking a ball.

“Still.” He frowned, and she let the subject drop. “Is your other brother still in town?”

“Yeah. Would you believe he’s crashing at Dover’s place?”

“I bet that’s like throwing fuel on a fire. They haven’t killed each other yet?”

“Not as far as I know.” He chuckled. “We should be able to see the explosion from here when it happens, though.”

“It’s so crazy to think you had more siblings out there all this time.”

“Yeah.” They ate the cheese bread in silence. “I like your kitchen,” Fox finally said. “Yellow is always a good choice. Makes the room feel bigger.”

“It’s my favorite color. I can’t imagine not having a yellow kitchen. I painted it as soon as I moved in.” They lapsed back into silence again.

“Well, I should be going,” he said, standing. “I’ll just say goodbye to Ethan.” He slipped into the backyard. “I’ve got to go, little man. You be good for Aunt Bailey, and I’ll be back to get you tomorrow.” Ethan ran over to hug him. “Have fun.” Ethanran back to the swings, so Fox returned inside. The food and glasses had been cleared from the table.

“Be careful getting home,” Bailey said, leading him back through the house. She stopped next to the front door but didn’t open it.

“I will,” he answered quietly, standing in front of her. His hand was on the door, but he didn’t want to open it either. Just one more moment with her. It was all he would ever get, but he would take anything. Leaning forward slightly, he took in the scent of her shampoo. Citrus, always citrus. It was seared into his memory like it was a part of him.

She looked up at him, her eyes smoldering. He took a quick glance at her lips, free of the heavy lipstick her sister wore. It would take nothing to lean a little farther until their lips brushed. But before he gave in, he stood straight again and turned the doorknob.

“Thanks again,” he said and walked outside. He didn’t even glance back at the house as he drove away.

By the time he made it back across town, he had pushed his feelings for Bailey away. Brooke would be home by now. He needed to be ready to head that cyclone off. He found parking near the building and climbed up the stairs.

“Where have you been?” Brooke demanded the second he walked into his apartment.

“I thought we could use a night out, so I took Ethan to your sister’s house.”

“Without asking me?”

“I wanted to surprise you. I thought we could dress up and try the new fish place downtown.” He didn’t wait for her to rage out of control. His gaze met hers, and he focused on calming her down.

“That sounds good. Just give me a little bit to get ready,” she said, swaying on her feet slightly. She hurried into the bedroom,and Fox slumped onto the couch. He had put the plan together earlier when he found out he had to work the next day. He didn’t trust Brooke not to go out and leave Ethan in the apartment on his own.