“If you don’t want a fling, what about a relationship?” Lucas asks. “Surely, you can’t be against that too.”
I scratch the side of my neck. Knocking back my drink, I signal to the waiter for another one. “I’m not against a relationship. It’s just not the right time.”
“I don’t think the time is ever right. When it happens, it happens. There’s nothing you can do about it,” Finn says.
“It’s not what I want right now. I have Lily to raise. I’m happy with how my life is.” Am I? There was never a time I thought I needed anyone. Until Alyssa burst into my life with her black clothes and feisty attitude, turning everything I believe in upside down.
Lucas shrugs. “So, you’re not ready for a relationship, but you’d fuck her if you weren’t so terrified of getting her pregnant.”
The waiter arrives, putting a glass of scotch in front of me on the table. I pick it up and take a long sip. “I think we’re done with this conversation.”
Finn gives me a scrutinizing stare. “I think you want a relationship. You’re too set in your ways or too scared to admit it.”
Rubbing my fingers over my forehead, I sigh. “No, I don’t.”
“I think you do,” Finn says.
Gritting my teeth, I repeat, “No, I don’t.”
“Well, if you’re not interested, maybe I’ll ask her out. Maybe I’m ready for a relationship.” Lucas grins.
I want to slap that smile off his face. “The fuck you will.”
Lucas’ grin grows wide. “I’m messing with you. Now I know there’s something more than you just wanting to take her to bed. You have feelings for her, don’t you?”
That was a shit move to make. I clamp my mouth shut. I can’t answer that because I don’t know what I’m feeling. All I know is it’s more than wanting to sleep with her. The attraction is powerful. She’s always on my mind.
Lucas slaps his hand on the table and chuckles. “Finally! There’s life inside you. I was wondering if you’d turned into stone. You like her, and by the look on your face, I’d say a lot. You need to do something about it.”
Sometimes I think my brothers know me better than I do. “I don’t need to do anything about it because—”
“You have work and Lily to concentrate on. Yeah, yeah. We’ve heard it all before.” Lucas rolls his eyes. “How about thinking aboutyoufor a change?”
“I don’t need to complicate my life with a relationship.”
“You might like it if you tried,” Finn adds.
I shake my head. “Is this some kind of intervention? If I wanted to be in a relationship, I’d be in one. I don’t need you twotalking to me like I’m a freak because I haven’t had a girlfriend in years.”
“Or a fuck,” Lucas mumbles under his breath.
Ignoring him, I continue, “This is my life. I’m happy. Move on.”
“Geez, so much pent-up tension.” Lucas smirks into his glass.
“One last thing and I’ll drop the subject,” Finn says with caution, like he thinks I’m going to bite his head off.
I sigh. “What is it?”
Finn twirls the ice in his glass. “If you’re considering anything with Alyssa, she’s a great girl. You’d be lucky to have her. Even though you’re a grumpy asshole, I reckon she’d be lucky to have you too.” Finn holds up his hands. “That’s it. I have nothing more to add. I need to get home to Harper and Avery. Being away from them too long is hell.”
We say our goodbyes and leave the bar. On the drive home, Finn’s comment plays in my mind.If you’re considering anything with Alyssa, she’s a great girl. You’d be lucky to have her.
My life has revolved around Lily for so long, I’m not sure if I know how to fit in a relationship. Have I hidden behind the excuse of work and family long enough? Gotten too comfortable with my life? If I take that step, it’s Alyssa I see in my future. She’s the only woman who makes me feel this way. She makes me consider something more.
Chapter Sixteen
ALYSSA