Page 130 of For One Night

“Alright, the plane is ready,” Lachlan calls from the living room.

I roll my suitcase through the house, tossing the keys at him. “Here you go. Thanks for keeping an eye on it, and do not be coming over here so you and Maisyn can do a strange hookup.”

“What in the hell is a strange hookup?” His face twists.

I roll my eyes. “You know, when you go to different places, pretend to not know each other, and have lots of sex. It’s strange.”

“Hmmm, okay.” He cocks his brow.

“You’re so old and married.”

“We’re the same age, dickless.” He flips me off. “Are you sure you want to do this? She’s going to be mad when she finds out.”

“Maybe she shouldn’t have kissed that fucker Carter.” I throw a glass across the room.

“Well, there’s that, but what about everything else?”

“Nothing I can do about it.” I shrug. “I need a break, maybe regroup, in case we don’t get this worked out.”

“I’m not sure going home is the best idea.”

I look around, everything here reminds me of her. “This place is Lola. I’d go insane staying here without her.”

“Scotland awaits!” He smiles, and I know he’s only trying to support me.

“Lan”—I run my hand over my mouth, fighting back tears—“about the beach and the fucked-up shit I’ve done to you and to Maisyn.” I pat my chest. “God, man, I’m so sorry. I love you and would never want another brother.”

He doesn’t say a word. He wraps his hand around my neck and hauls me in for a bear hug. I clutch him to me, hugging him for all the years we were too stupid to do it.

“I love you.” He pats my back. “I don’t tell you enough, but you’re a helluva man, and I’m proud to not only be your brother but your other half.” He releases me.

“Can I ask one more thing,”

“You know we’ll watch over her and make sure she has anything she needs.” He punches my arm. “We’re assholes, man, all of us here—family and friends—but we love the hell out of you.”

I rub my arm. “I can tell.”

“Let’s get moving.” Lachlan grabs my bag as I look around the house.

“All I wanted to do was make her my wife and make you proud, but I fuck everything up.”

He hits my arm. “Come on, new scenery will give you a different prospective.”

“Lennox, are you alright/” My mother sweeps my hair from my forehead, waking me.

I stretch. “I am, long flight.”

“Care to tell me about Lola?” Her eyes dance with her smile.

I rub the pain in my chest that comes with every thought of her. “A little more time.”

“Of course, child.” She pats my cheek, like only a mother can.

I look for my phone, finally to remember I trashed it. “What time is it?”

“It’s noon, you’ve been sleeping since you came home.” She smiles.

I stand, picking up the shirt I dropped when I came in. “Is Father awake?”