Swallowing, I peel my eyes off Adley and look at my sister. “You and me both. What you said yesterday got to me. I don’t know how or when it happened, but she’s important to me. I realized I should act accordingly.”
“So, you two are what, a couple?”
“I think so. I just know we’re not temporary, and we’re taking things one day at a time.”
“I’m really happy for you, Linc.” Chloe wraps her arms around my neck. “And I’m glad I’m finally getting to meet the girl who stole your heart.”
“Whoa. Easy there.” I step back, but keep my hands on her arms. “No one said anything about my heart.”
“That’s such a typical man thing to say,” she says, rolling her eyes. “So, when are you going to tell Rhett? Because you know he’s going to kill you, right?”
“I’m one of his best friends. He’s not going to kill me.”
“Yeah, well, when he finds out you’re sleeping with his baby sister, you’ll be transferred from the friend list to enemy number one.”
“Shit. I hope not.” I run my fingers through my hair and grip the back of my neck as I look back at Adley. Lucas is putting their equipment away, and she’s standing across the room glancing between me and Chloe.
“Uh-oh.”
I look back at Chloe. “What?”
“You didn’t tell her I was coming today, did you?”
“I told her I wanted her to meet someone, but no, I didn’t tell her who.”
“Looks like your girl has a jealous streak.”
“No way,” I say emphatically.
Chloe nods at me like I’m some dumb schmuck who has a lot to learn. “Trust me on this one.”
“Why would she be jealous?” And why does that turn me on? “She’s all I see.”
“Have you told her that?”
“Yes.” I think about it a second and then shake my head. “Not in those exact words, but after last night, she should know.”
“Sorry, big brother, but that’s not how women work. Come on, let’s go get this introduction over with so your woman can breathe again.”
Chloe tucks her hand in my elbow as we make our way across the room. We get stopped twice by two different groups of kids, and when we finally make it to Adley, Chloe pulls her hand off my arm and holds it out.
“You must be Adley. I’m Chloe, Linc’s sister. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Relief washes over Adley’s face, and she goes right past Chloe’s hand and pulls my sister in for a hug.
“It’s so great to finally meet you. Lincoln talks about you all the time.”
Chloe’s eyes widen.
Our family doesn’t show affection the way the Allens do, and it can be a little overwhelming at first. But Chloe warms up quickly and wraps a delicate arm around Adley’s shoulders.
“All good things, I hope.”
“Oh, yes.” Adley releases Chloe and moves to my side. “He’s told me so much, I feel like we’ve already met.”
“Oh yeah?” Chloe lifts a brow at me, and I know what she’s thinking. How much exactly have you told her? But Chloe should know better. Four people are privy to the details of our childhood—five if you count the social worker—and Adley isn’t one of them.
I shake my head just enough for Chloe to notice.