dating. The last thing we need is another awkward sex conversation spearheaded by my mother. Maybe now that she knows I’m with him, she’ll back off.
“It looks really good, Ry. Thanks.” I pat Ryder on his back, and he grins at me, enjoying the praise. Over the past two months, we’ve grown closer. I can see why Roman spent years trying to get this kid back. He deserves it. You’d think after the life Ryder has had, he’d end up being a bad kid, but he’s the opposite. Always open to learning new things. He’s a little quiet, but when he comes out of his shell, it’s the most beautiful thing. Because when he laughs, he’s the spitting image of his brother. And when he doesn’t think anyone is looking, the way he looks at Rome brings tears to my eyes. I’m certain Ryder loves Roman like he’s his father.
Those two aren’t just half-brothers; they’re so much more.
I’ve grown attached to these two, more so than I ever thought I would. I can’t imagine being away from them now. Hell, the thought makes me sick. I know I’m in way too deep when the mere idea of losing, not just one, but both of them becomes impossible to stomach. I’ve grown close with Ryder; so close, in fact, he’s even given me a nickname. That has to be a good sign, right?
“No problem, Olive. I’m gonna head home and shower, before your parents get in.”
“All right, bud,” I call after his retreating back. Ryder has taken to calling me Olive instead of Olivia, as a nickname of sorts, and I find that I love it.
He helped me put together the guest room for my parents. It’s not great, but it’ll do. And my parents won’t complain. They’ll just be glad I’m alive. Now my brother? That’s a different story. My brother will find something to complain about, no matter how perfect everything is. Tales of being the baby of the family, I’m sure. With only four years between them, I hope my brother will get along with Ryder. I don’t want Ry feeling weird around him.
Flicking off the light in the guest room, I shut the door and am just walking down the hall, when I hear a car rolling into the driveway. I cross my living room to look out the window and smile. Sure enough, it’s my parents pulling into the space next to my car.
I pad down the front porch steps, tugging the sweater around my shoulders, to ward off the November chill. Also hearing my parents pull in, Roman comes out of his own house, crossing our lawns, heading straight toward my parents. My mom’s squeal of pleasure can be heard down the street. I roll my eyes, slightly annoyed, but I’m unable to keep the smile off my face. My dad and Roman shake hands, while Brandon unfolds his abnormally long body from the car. It’s been about six months since I’ve seen my little brother, and I swear, the asshole has grown a wondrous eight inches.
“Looking a little hub there, Brandon. Might want to think about cooling it on the supplements.”
My brother shakes his head dismissively, but I can see the smile tugging across his face. He pulls me into a hug. “You look like shit, Liv.”
My hands fly to my chest. “Aww. You have such a way with words.”
“Son, come check this out!” my dad calls after Brandon, as he crosses our lawns, heading into Roman’s garage. I’m sure they’ll be in there for a while, fawning over guy stuff.
“There’s my favorite daughter.” My mom holds her arms out for me.
I snort. “I’m your only daughter.”
She quirks a single brow. “That you know of.”
I roll my eyes but oblige, no less. My mom squeezes me. When she pulls back, she rests her hands on my arms, looking me up and down, then her gaze stills on my face.
“You look happy.”
I grin. “That’s because I am happy.”
“And flushed. How many orgasms have you had today?”
“Oh, Jesus Christ, Mother.” Turning on my heels, I walk into the house, away from her and her shenanigans.
“It’s a valid question!”
While we wait on the guys, I give my mom another tour of the house, letting her absorb in all the new additions. I’ve finally finished painting the interior of the house, and Roman and Ry helped me do some moving around to change the overall layout inside. She takes it all in, oohing and aahing obnoxiously, like proud