Page 126 of Over the Line
“I’m going to spend the rest of my life sexing you up as much as you want.”
“Well, Sir…” She blinked seductively. “What are you waiting for?”
Epilogue
“I needed to meet the woman who stole my brother’s heart.”
Sydney glanced over at Melanie, Michael’s sister.
She’d arrived about twenty minutes ago, along with her adorable girls, who were, in Melanie’s words, “Holy terrors and a total handful.”
After checking that Sydney would be okay if he took his nieces out to play with Chewie and down to the river, the three had headed out the door, leaving Sydney alone with Melanie, who promptly took a seat on a barstool and looked at Sydney.
“He told you I stole his heart?” Sydney asked.
“Absolutely not.” With a laugh, Melanie shook her head. “Michael doesn’t tell me anything, so I have to read between the lines. When I can’t do that, I just make shit up.”
As far as she was concerned, Melanie could visit anytime she wanted. The more often, the better.
She’d arrived in an enormous SUV packed with food, homemade yeasty rolls and, several salads—macaroni, potato, and fruit.
Sydney had lost track of how many items Melanie had placed in the fridge.
But she hadn’t stopped there. She’d brought an angel food cake and strawberries, along with a decadent looking flourless chocolate torte. “Made with the most expensive chocolate in the world,” she’d said when she slid the platter onto the counter.
Michael was planning to grill hamburgers and hot dogs in an hour or so. Even though he’d ordered plenty of sides and snacks from a catering company and told his sister she didn’t need to bring anything, Melanie had shown up with enough provisions for a week.
“Can I offer you a lemonade? Michael made it this morning. Evidently from your grandmother’s recipe.”
“Hell no. That’s for the kids.” Wrinkling her nose, she left her perch to open the fridge. “I brought my favorite champs. Want some?”
“Absolutely.”
With the familiarity that came with being raised in the house, Melanie pulled out the bottle while Sydney grabbed a couple of flutes from a cabinet.
As far as she was concerned, Melanie could visit anytime she wanted. The more often, the better.
And now she uncovered a charcuterie board.
“I can’t believe you provided a whole feast.”
“Cooking is a stress reliever for me.” She blew out a breath. “Just wish exercise was.”
Today was the first time Sydney and Michael had entertained since she’d all but moved in a month ago.
She still had her condo, and she’d stayed there once after the weather had delayed her flight home to Denver. It had been well after midnight when she’d touched down at the airport, and she’d been exhausted.
After talking to Michael, she’d opted to spend the rest of the night in Evergreen, then finished the drive in the morning, after a few hours of sleep and a coffee stop at Misty Mountain.
Except for being able to indulge in a triple chocolate muffin and a large Americano with an extra shot of espresso, she’d made a bad choice.
Her sleep had been restless, and she’d missed being in his arms.
By the time she’d arrived home, she was every bit as tired as she’d been at midnight.
Home.
A concept she now truly embraced.