Page 26 of Aiden & Lily

“Christine. She said you were a better kisser and better looking. She said no one could compare to you, and I’d better watch out because you could have anyone you wanted.”

His brother’s jaw slackened. “No, she didn’t. Even if she did, there’s no way she believed it. She was probably just getting back at you. Didn’t you move on like… really fast? You know have a track record of not sticking around with girls.”

Aiden shrugged. “I guess it’s possible she was trying to get a rise out of me.” He offered Parker a small smile. “But I can’t say it didn’t work.”

Parker scratched at his jawline, then smirked. “You’ve been holding onto that this whole time? Is that the reason you’ve hated me so much?”

Aiden laughed. “I guess, but I think it’s time we put that stuff behind us. What do you think little brother.” He peeked at his Parker.

“I think that’s a great idea, I’m ready to have my brother back. It’s been a bummer not getting along with you.”

“Well, I’m sorry I haven’t been the best host. I’ve got a lot on my mind lately.”

He tapped his temple.

“Want to talk about it?” Parker took another sip of his coffee. “I don’t have to leave for another hour.”

Aiden’s knee-jerk reaction had him wanting to tell Parker where to shove it.

But his gut told him this might be the only chance he had to get some clarity.

“There’s a girl.”

Parker didn’t react. His expression remained smooth and nonjudgmental. Just… waiting.

Aiden blew out a breath. “The problem is that she’s Reese’s ex.” He winced as he said it. “And Mathew’s cousin. Both of them would have my head if they knew I was sneaking around with someone who means something to them.”

Parker scoffed. “Why?”

Aiden’s head snapped up. “Well, isn’t it obvious? Because I don’t settle down. I go through women like?—”

“Don’t finish that sentence.”

Aiden’s mouth snapped shut.

Parker set his mug down, his expression going serious. “Look, clearly this woman means something different to you.”

“How can you tell?” Aiden demanded. “Because I don’t think they’ll see it that way.”

“I don’t know. Based on the way you’ve been wound tight since I got here. You’re carrying stress around like a load of bricks on your shoulders.” Parker studied him. “What are you so worried about?”

Aiden was speechless.

Parker wasn’t tearing him down or telling him to back off for the sake of his friendships. He was acting like this was perfectly normal.

“Well, that Mathew and Reese will never speak to me again.”

Parker shook his head. “It’s not that. Dig deeper.” When Aiden didn’t immediately have an answer, Parker sighed and continued. “Look, I’m not interested in dating or even falling in love. But I do want to have a family. I want kids. I want to make a difference with the next generation. And up until this point, I figured we had something in common. Settling down didn’t interest us.” He gestured in Aiden’s direction. “But based on this? I’d say you’ve changed your tune. This girl means something to you, even if you’re not prepared to admit it.”

“Yeah,” Aiden whispered. “I can’t for the life of me figure out why, but I don’t want to mess this up.”

His brother snickered before placing his mug in the sink. “Well, if you feel this connected with her already, then don’t worry so much about what others will say. You do you.”

Aiden stared at him.

Parker must have seen something in his expression, because he held up a hand. “That does not mean hide behind technicalities or let everyone else find out after it’s already serious. I mean, don’t let fear make the decision for you.” His voice softened. “And do right by the girl.”

Aiden looked away.