Page 24 of When We Were More

“What’s going on?” Hayden asks.

“Nothing. There’s nothing going on.” I take a swig of my whiskey.

“I call bullshit,” Holden says.

I huff. “There’s nothing going on. Harrison’s giving me shit for spending too much time at a renovation site I’m doing the refinishing for.”

“You’re doing the refinishing yourself? Why?” It’s Hayden this time.

“Yes. It’s an old century farmhouse. The kitchen’s the first part under renovation. Original trim and cabinets. I didn’t want someone else to screw them up.”

I risk a glance over where Hayden and Holden sit, and Holden’s eyes narrow. Then a huge smile breaks out across his face.

“The one on Magnolia? With the gorgeous brunette… What was her name again?” Holden’s eyes light up now.

“Yes, that’s the one. And never mind what her name is.” There’s an edge to my voice that I don’t mean to let them hear.

“Ooh, you think she’spretty, too. Don’t you?” Holden teases.

“Grow up, Holden. It’s a job.”

“Are you saying you don’t think she’s pretty? Then tell me her name, brother.” Holden’s like a dog with a bone when he wants something.

“Yes, of course she’s pretty. You don’t need her name. She’s a client, Holden, you can’t screw around with her.”

You did.

Holden pulls his phone from his pocket. “Fine. I’ll check my phone for her name since I have her number. She liked me, if I remember correctly.”

He’s my brother, and I love him, but I want to kick his ass right now. He’s swiping through his phone, and I can tell the moment he gets to her number by the grin on his face. That’s when I dive for his phone, and once it’s in my hands, I glance down and see a text from my brother to Tillie.

Hey, beautiful, this is Holden, the owner of Aron Family Builders & Restoration. Use this number anytime… for anything.

Hot woman on Magnolia (Tillie):

“Seriously? You called a clientbeautiful? Could you be any more inappropriate?” I delete the exchange and then swipe to his contacts and delete her there as well. “There, problem solved. Now you don’t have her number.”

Holden grins and shrugs. “I know where she lives. I can pop in to check on the progress.”

“Stay away from her, Holden. She’s not a conquest.” Why the hell am I worked up about this?

Holden starts chuckling. “I’ll stay away. Was just trying to push your buttons. And it worked.”

“Kiss my?—”

“Uncle Harry!” Layla’s voice is sleepy but excited. Before anyone can respond, Harrison’s arms are wide open, and Layla’s crawling into his lap.

“Hey, sweetie. Why are you up?” Layla brings out a tenderness in Harrison like no one else can.

“Uncle Holden was being loud and woke me up.” Layla’s head rests on Harrison’s chest, and he places a tender kiss on the top of it while he gently brushes his hand down her hair.

He shoots his eyes over to Holden. “Bad Uncle Holden,” Harrison jests.

“He’s not bad, he’s loud, Uncle Harry.”

“Ladybug, it’s time for you to go back to bed.” My daughter releases a soft whine, and Harrison chuckles.

“I’ll put you back to bed, sweetheart.” Harrison rises from his seat and walks over to me, dipping down so I can kiss my baby goodnight.