"Don't." I glare at him, but it's too late.
"Holy shit." Banks's eyes widen. "Something happened, didn't it?"
Clover's head whips around, her gaze pinning me in place. "Kasen Jessie James, you better start talking."
"Nothing happened," I snap, but the lie feels like gravel in my throat.
Well, if by "nothing" you mean waking up married to the woman I've been feuding with for years after fucking her, then sure.Nothing happened.
And fuck her for middle naming me.
"You're such a bad liar," Clover says, with a big-ass shit-eating grin on her face. "You totally banged Wren Callan." Then the smile drops and she gags the way only little sisters can when they’re confronted with their brother’s sex life.
"I didn't sleep with her," I say, which is technically… well, not true either. Although there wasn't much sleeping involved.
"Vegas?" Banks asks, a hint of admiration creeping into his voice.
"Drop it," I warn, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Both of you. Now."
The office goes quiet, except for Noble's soft gurgles. Finally, Clover stands, taking the baby from Banks.
"Fine. Consider it dropped." She studies my face. "But Kasen... whatever's going on, you know you can talk to us, right?"
I nod stiffly, unable to meet her eyes. How the hell am I supposed to tell my sister that I drunkenly married the woman I've been complaining about for months? That I've filled out divorce papers but can't seem to file them? That I wake up in the middle of the night, reaching for someone who isn't there?
Who I’m not even sure Iwantthere?
"We should get going," Banks says, breaking the tension. "Reed's stopping by the house later to check in on Clover and the baby, and I’ve gotta get back to the station."
"Everything okay?"
"Just a follow-up," Clover assures me. "Noble had a little jaundice after birth, remember? Reed just wants to make sure everything's good."
I nod, relieved. "Tell him I said hey and that he should stop by after for a beer."
"Will do." Banks starts gathering Noble's things. "We still on for the Blazers game next week? Reed's coming too."
"Yeah, I’ll be there." I help them pack up, grateful for the distraction, for something normal to focus on.
As they're leaving, Clover hugs me tight. "Love you, big brother," she murmurs. "Even when you're being a stubborn ass."
I squeeze her back. "Love you too, brat."
Banks gives me a look over her shoulder that says this conversation isn't finished, but he doesn't push it. They leave with a final wave and I blow out a breath now that they’re gone.
I stand there for a second, reveling in the quiet. Then I hear Lake call from the brewing area, "Ten bucks says you slept with her!"
"Fuck off, Lake!" I shout back, but there's no heat in it.
I return to the brewery floor, where Lake is checking readings on the fermentation tanks, a knowing smirk on his face.
"Not a word," I warn.
He holds up his hands in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it." He pauses. "Though it would explain a lot."
I grab a clipboard, focusing on the numbers, on the safety of data and measurements. On things I can control, unlike the mess I've made of my personal life.
"Don't you have something better to do?"
