Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Leighton
I dump all the decorations for Lake’s birthday on the island.
I meant to do most of it last night with Hayes, but after the kids went to bed, I wanted a little more alone time with him.
He spent the night but got up and left before the kids were out of their rooms. Eventually, we’ll have to talk about sleepovers, but that’s a discussion for after I’m awarded custody of the kids.
The doorbell rings, and I drop the balloon I was about to blow up to answer it.
Usually, I’d be running to the door to see Callie. After months of her being away, I’d haul her into my arms, but my footsteps slow the closer I get. Because I told Hayes that today would be the day I confess everything to his sister.
I don’t think she’ll be too upset. She’s made hints about me liking him, so she’s not clueless. But I don’t want her to ever feel left out or think I’m picking her brother over her.
The doorbell rings. Then rings again. And again.
I open the door, shaking my head. “You’re so—”
Her bags drop with a thunk, and she drags me into a hug. I’m not sure if there’s a Carlisle class on hugging, but everyone should take one.
I wrap my arms around her, and the scent of her perfume and her shampoo brings me comfort. My best friend is home.
“I’m never going away that long again.” She pulls back and gives me the once-over. “You look different.”
I run my hand down my hair and look down at myself. “How?”
She scans me over me one more time. “I don’t know. It’s not bad, just different.”
I pick up one of her bags. “You’re such a dork, get in here.”
She takes off her shoes, and I put her bag on the bench before we walk farther into the house.
“Where are the kiddos?” she asks.
“Lincoln and Monroe are with my mom. It’s Blueberry Muffin Day, so they’re picking up a bunch to see which is better.”
She slides up on the counter and takes a balloon from the packaging. “I didn’t think Lil had it in her.”
I chuckle and get up on the other side, suddenly feeling as if we’re twelve again and sharing a bowl of raw cookie dough, gossiping about boys and teen drama.
Even back in those days, I was usually tracking Hayes if he was home when I was there.
A rush of heat flows through my veins just thinking about how he’s mine now.
“What are you thinking about?” Callie interrupts the memory of his lips venturing down my body last night as he kept his dark gaze on my face the entire time.
“Just the stress of the party,” I say quickly.
“You have this weird smile.” Her head cocks to the side.
I need to tell her sooner than later. If I wait too long, she might be madder. “I have to tell you something.”
There you go, girl, rip it wide open.
She drops the balloon from her mouth and rests her hands on her lap. “Is it something with the guardianship?”
“No. They have one more visit with Art and Julianna, then as far as I know, the social worker said she’ll be sending her report to the judge in a couple of weeks.”
Callie rolls her eyes. “Nice of them to take their sweet time with it.”
I shrug. I can’t really fault them for wanting to make sure the best decision is made for the kids. Although I’m biased, I know I’m the best one for them.
She pats my knee. “You’ll get them. I’m sure of it. How’s Mark doing?” She waggles her eyebrows.
“He’s not my lawyer anymore, remember?”
Callie frowns. “I had some hot dreams about him.” She sighs and looks at the ceiling, pink coloring her cheeks before she snaps out of it. “Okay, so if it’s not the kids, what is it?” Her eyes widen. “Did you meet someone?”
You can do this, Leighton. Just spit it out.
“I did.”
“Why didn’t you start with that? It should’ve been the first thing you told me when I walked through the door.
And I’m a little upset that you didn’t bring up this mystery guy during our bestie bitch time.
” She brings the balloon to her lips, then she sets it back down, seeming contemplative. “Does he check all your boxes?”
“Um… no.”
Her head falls back, and I can’t read whether it’s relief or upset she’s feeling. Then she straightens and goes to blow the balloon up again. “Good. I’m pretty sure whatever guy you find off that list isn’t going to be very good in bed.”
Yeah, definitely not a problem.
When I don’t respond right away, she asks, “You’ve slept with him, right?”
A part of me wants her to blow up the balloon so I can have some time to form my words.
Even practicing with Hayes last night, he just laughed and said he really doesn’t give a shit if Callie is okay with us or not, it wouldn’t change anything for him.
Which was nice to hear, but it does matter to me, and I think he’s fooling himself if he thinks it won’t bother him if she has a problem with our relationship.
“I have, yeah.”
“And?” She quickly puts up her hand. “Never mind. I know how you don’t like to kiss and tell.”
I always tell her what happens… within reason.
But sitting here, it’s the first time I realize that I’ll never be able to talk to her about my sex life as long as Hayes and I are together.
Not that I get super specific, but I won’t be telling her over coffee, your brother’s tongue action is top-notch or your brother’s dick almost broke me in two last night.
“Okay, what the hell is going on? This is the first time you’ve seen me in months, and your mind keeps wandering. This guy must be something.”
“He is.” Hopefully she hears in my voice how important he is to me.
“How the hell did you find time to fall head over heels for a guy while navigating the kids and the custody—” Her eyes widen and her jaw drops. “Leighton…”
I’m not surprised she figured it out. Callie’s always been very perceptive. I nod and bite my lip.
“Hayes?” she shouts. The balloon drops from her hands, and she jumps off the counter. “My brother?”
This isn’t the reaction I was hoping for. She seems so surprised, and I really didn’t see that coming. “Yeah, it’s Hayes.”
She whips around and puts her hands on her hips. “You’re sleeping with my brother?”
I nod and mess with the decorations to distract myself.
No. I need to own this. Let her know how much he means to me.
“I’m sorry.” I slide off the counter. “It just happened. I mean, that’s not true. I never told you—” Fuck, she doesn’t even know about the kiss back in college.
“You bitch.”
I’m taken aback by her anger, and I recoil.
“I sent him over here to help you, and you mount him like some horny alley cat.”
My chest feels tight, and I have to work to push out the words. “What? No, that’s not how it happened.”
“I thought you were my best friend.”
“I am.”
“Best friends don’t fuck each other’s brothers. I trusted you. Both of you.” She pulls her phone out of her back pocket. “I’m going to message him and tell him he can fuck right off.”
I cross the room and place my hand on her phone. “No. He has a game, and this is between me and you.”
She lifts her gaze to mine, a conniving smile lifting her lips. Then she laughs, placing her phone on the counter.
My shoulders drop. “Seriously?”
She laughs harder and pulls me in for a hug, her laughter ringing in my ear. “Come on, it was funny.”
“Do you know how worried I was? I even rehearsed it with Hayes last night.”
She smacks a kiss on my cheek. “Of course you did.” She hops back up on the counter and picks up another balloon. “Now tell me all about it without any kinky sex stuff.” She puts her hand on her heart. “I’m gonna mourn that part of our relationship. I guess it will only be me sharing now.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” I get up on the counter beside her.
“I just have one question. Do you love him?”
That was the last question I thought she’d ask, but I’m glad she did because I want her to know how much he means to me and how much I care for him. “I do.”
Her smile takes over her entire face. “Okay. Now tell me everything.”
As we decorate, I tell her all about how I fell in love with her brother and promise her that nothing will come between our friendship.
Now we just need the guardianship finalized in my favor, then Hayes, the kids, and I can have our happily ever after.