Nick sighs. “You’re dating my sister, and I’m actually okay with it. What else could you possibly want?”
“I want you to let me surprise her with breakfast in bed. Me and the kids. We’ll make her favorite breakfast—”
“Do you even know what her favorite breakfast is?”
“No, but you could tell me.”
“Homemade biscuits and gravy and bacon,” Jessa says in a rush, earning a glare from Nick. “What? It’s sweet that he wants to do this for her.”
“I was really looking forward to celebrating with her. This is the first time I’ve actually seen her on her birthday since she turned sixteen.”
“You guys can come here. I’ll make enough for everyone. What do you say, Nick?”
He ponders it for a second and then claps a hand to my shoulder. “You’re a good man, Grayson. My sister is damn lucky to have you in her life.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
After everyone leaves, the mess is cleaned up, and the kids are bathed, I put them to bed. I tuck Henry into his crib, and by the time I go to give Jack and Emma a kiss, they’re already fast asleep. Today wore them out.
When I walk into the living room, Nora gives me a smile that heats me from the inside out.
I order my body to ignore the physical response to her, but it’s no use.
Nora Hayes owns me.
She ruined me for every other woman in the world.
“Why didn’t you tell me it’s your birthday.”
She looks at her watch. “Technically it’s not.”
“You know what I mean.”
I take her hand, pulling her off the couch and into my arms.
“Because it’s not something I’ve ever really celebrated. From the time I was eleven, my birthday was just another day. I think I’ve spent most of them working.”
“I can’t believe Nick wouldn’t make a big deal about it.”
“Oh, he did. I usually got a bouquet of flowers or a cake delivered t
o whatever hotel room I was staying in, but it’s hard when we’re always apart.”
“And your parents?”
“Busy. Not long after I moved to California to start shooting for Dear Diary, It’s Me, Nora!, Dad got promoted within his company. His salary doubled and required a lot of travel. Life after that just sorta changed.”
“I hate that for you.”
“Don’t.” She shakes her head. “I’m happy. Jack gave me cake tonight, and Nick and Jessa are taking me out for breakfast tomorrow morning; it’ll be a great birthday.”
“You’re right. It will be. Come on,” I say, leading her down the hall.
Nora digs her heels into the carpet. “Where are we going?”
“My bedroom.”
“Grayson, the kids—”