“Good.” He winks at me.
“This place is amazing.” Everything is modern and up to date. None of those dark woods and black furniture that most men have in their homes when they live alone.
“Change whatever you want. I think we might need to make a few changes in the closet. There is another spare room up against our bedroom. I think we can convert it and expand the closet.”
“Kent.” I put my coffee down on the counter. “I already agreed to marry you,” I tease him.
“I don’t recall asking.” I snag a grape out of the bowl on the counter and throw it at him. He catches it easily and pops it into his mouth. “Thanks, babe.”
Being here in his space with him feels good. Yet I know we can only ignore the elephant in the room for so long. And that elephant just so happens to be Max. I know Kent said he would take care of everything when it came to my brother, but I still can’t help but worry about the outcome.
My eyes widen when a loud banging comes from the front of the house. I think I conjured my brother up. Kent turns off the stove.
“Kent.” He walks over toward me. My brother is still beating on the door. Dread fills me, knowing there is no way out of this conversation with Max. I can already tell by the sounds echoing through the house that he’s not a happy camper.
“No matter what happens I always pick you. From now till forever.” He brushes his mouth against mine with a kiss. “Stay here, sweetheart.”
I sit there for a second, but I’m too anxious to know what’s going on to stay put. As I get closer, I hear my brother shouting at Kent. Kent isn’t saying a word, he’s only standing there listening to him, letting Max get it all out. Max stops yelling when he sees me.
“We’re leaving,” Max orders.
“She’s not going anywhere,” Kent growls. Before I can say anything, Max takes a swing at him. Kent doesn't even try to block it or step out of his way. He takes the hit, making me cringe. I run toward the door. “That’s the only one you’re going to get.”
“I’m in love with him,” I shout. Kent tries to push me back behind him like he thinks Max is going to try and snatch me away. I suppose it is a possibility.
“You don’t know what love is.”
“I didn’t before I met him.”
“This is bullshit. You fucked my sister.” I let out a small scream as I watch Kent cock his arm back and punch my brother in his face. Max stumbles back a step. I jump in front of Kent, trying to get between them before one of them actually gets hurt.
“You don’t talk about her like that,” Kent grits out between clenched teeth.
“Whatever. When you’re done with…” He trails off when his eyes make contact with the ring on my finger. “You’re getting married?” He stands up a bit straighter. I’m not sure if this has made it worse or hopefully better.
“You think I’d do this if I wasn’t all in?” Kent wraps his arm around me, pulling me back into his chest. I lean into him.
Max shakes his head and lets out a few curses.
“You know he’s a good man, Max. Do you think there is a better man out there for me? Name one.”
“Kimmy.” Kent rumbles my name. I love that he calls me that.
“I’m only making a point!” I try to elbow him.
“This is a lot to take in.” Max runs a hand down his face.
“I love her. You know more than anyone I don’t take chances on the things I do. I’m either in or I’m out.”
Max nods, agreeing with Kent.
“Kent is making breakfast. You want to come in and join us?” I offer.
“Fine.” He huffs before stomping past us into the house. “Can you put a fucking shirt on?” Max shouts from inside the house. We ignore him, but I have to fight a laugh. I have no doubt one day a woman is going to knock my brother on his ass. I know I’ll be front and center for that.
Kent spins me around in his arms. “That went better than I thought.”
I stare up at the man of my dreams. My brother can be good at reading me. I think he knew I wasn’t letting Kent go. I can’t stay his little sister forever.
“There was only one way this was going to go. You’re mine. He’ll get used to it over time.” I kiss his chest. I know he’s right. Kent and I were inevitable. We’re two magnets. When we’re around one another, we snap together. There is no stopping it.
“I love you.” I smile up at him.
“I love you, too. Loved you from the moment I saw you. I knew you’d be mine one way or another.”