have to listen to her yell at me.”
I tapped my phone. “That’s what I’m afraid is going to happen when I talk to Luke. I already talked to his wife today and filled her in. I thought he’d wait until I was home to pounce on the opportunity to talk to me.”
Everly frowned, her fingers finding mine before she laced them together. “Is your brother overbearing?”
“Not at all, but he doesn’t want me making stupid mistakes either. Not that I’m saying we’re a mistake, but…” Fuck, had I stuck a foot in my mouth?
“It’s okay, I get it. It’s not the most opportune way to start a relationship. While I really like you, Leo, I’m going to have the same problem with my mom. Do you have other family who will be calling?”
“My parents, a sister, and two brothers. I’m the baby of the family, so they’re a little protective of me,” I answered as we stepped out of the elevator and started the short trek to my room.
“That’s sweet. I always wanted a brother or a sister. It was sometimes lonely growing up with it only being me and my mom and her working much of the time.”
“Well, my family, once they get to know you, will welcome you with open arms. They love my brother’s wife, Alex, and their son, Mason.”
“Their son—” Her forehead wrinkled, but before she could finish her thought, my phone started ringing again. “I guess you took too long.”
“I guess.” I let out a nervous chuckle. Using the keycard to open my hotel room door, I held it open to let Everly in first. “I have to be honest with you, with how many times he’s called, I’m a little nervous about what he’s going to say.”
“You won’t know until you answer. Do you want me to leave while you talk to him?”
She was probably thinking I’d lied about my family with how many times Luke had called in the last few minutes.
“Please, stay. You order our lunch while I talk to him.” Leaning down, I brushed my lips to hers before I hit accept on my phone. Striding over to the window that looked out over the strip, I greeted my brother. “I said to give me a few minutes. I was in a crowd and couldn’t answer.”
“Fuck, Leo, you let Alex tell me you got drunk and married in Vegas and you thought I’d wait to talk to you?”
Leaning my head on the cool glass, I answered, “I thought you could wait until I got to my new place tomorrow.”
“You thought wrong. Fuck, Leo, what if she only married you because of your last name? What if she thinks you have money?”
“She has no idea who you are.”
“Are you sure about that?” he asked, skeptically.
“I mean, she might know who you are, but not that we’re related. Everly was the maid of honor for Jordan’s wedding. Plus, I’ve barely even talked about you for her to know who you are.” I was surprised Luke’s thoughts had gone there first. Not that he didn’t have the right to because he was a big movie star, but damn it made me feel like shit.
“Are you saying a girl can’t like me for me?”
He sighed my name out. “That’s not it at all, but I don’t want someone trying to take advantage of you or for you to get hurt.” He bit out a curse. “I can’t believe you got married last night.”
“Do you remember when you called me the other day, and you had to yell into the phone to get my attention?”
“Yes, of course, I do. It was only two days ago.”
“It was because I saw her. The moment I spotted Everly, I was a goner. If you don’t believe me, wait until you meet her and then you’ll see.”
“The same girl, huh?” he chuckled.
“The same girl. Before I met her, I didn’t believe in fate, but I think I just might now. You’ll never believe where she lives?”
“Fairlane?” he asked, hopeful. Luke and Alex had begged me to look for a job close to them, but my heart was set on California. Maybe someday I’d move to Fairlane to be closer to my brother.
“Not even close,” I laughed. “She lives in Oasis. I know we did this backward, but we’re going to try to make this work.”
“I only want you to be happy. You know that.”
“I do, and I love you for always looking out for me. I hate to cut this