I shrug, careful not to disturb my nephew. "He's easy. Barely even cries with me."
"That's because you radiate this weird calm energy when you hold him." Clover sips her coffee. "It's the only time you don't look like you're about to punch a wall or brood yourself to death."
"I don't brood."
"You're the king of brooding. I'm surprised you don't wear a crown instead of your beanie."
I roll my eyes but can't help the small smile tugging at my lips. Noble makes a soft, contented sound against my chest, and I find myself rocking from side to side, a natural movement I didn't even realize I was doing.
"So," Clover says, clearly not letting me off the hook, "are you going to tell me what's got you all up in your head, or am I going to have to pry it out of Lake?"
"Lake doesn’t know," I say, and then I want to kick my own ass. Why the hell would I admit there’s anything to know? Fuck.
Clover's eyes light up like it's Christmas morning. "Ah-ha! So thereissomething to know."
I backpedal. "That's not what I meant?—"
"Oh please," she cuts me off, leaning forward. "Navy told me you and Wren were about to kill each other or fu?—”
“Don’t.” I focus on Noble, avoiding my sister's penetrating stare drilling into the side of my face. I won’t be thinking about Wren naked while holding my nephew and talking to my sister. Not happening. "Cascade's been poaching accounts we were negotiating with, that's it."
It's not exactly a lie. Cascade has been more aggressive than usual lately, swooping in on bars and restaurants we've been courting. A couple of weeks ago, they landed MacIntyre Brewing, and I’d been working on them for months. I was trying to convince them to follow our direct-to-bar model, but Wren must have made them an offer they couldn't refuse.
It’s like she’s trying to piss me off. Or get my attention.
"Is it?" Clover narrows her eyes. "Because the way Navy described it, there was definitely something going on between you two."
"Navy needs to get her eyes checked."
The brewery door chimes again, and a minute later, my best friend appears in the office doorway, dressed in his station uniform - navy department t-shirt and utility pants. He must have stepped out during his twenty-four-hour shift, like Clover mentioned. His face lights up when he sees Clover, and something in my chest twists—half envy, half happiness for my sister and best friend.
Banks’s grin widens as he crosses the room. "Hey, Freckles,” he says, pulling Clover in for a solid kiss before turning to me and Noble. I try not to gag. "How's my boy doing, Uncle Kase?"
"Just keeping him warm for you," I say with a half-smile, handing Noble over to Banks.
"And he’s perfect," I add, just as Clover says, "He’s a tiny terror."
Banks chuckles, settling Noble against his chest. "That's my boy." He looks between us with a knowing smile. "So, what were you guys talking about? When I walked in, it looked intense."
"Nothing worth repeating."
"Kasen's thing with Wren Callan," Clover says at the same time.
Banks's eyebrows shoot up as he bounces slightly to keep Noble content. "Your arch nemesis? Still holding that grudge over the airport deal?"
"It's not a grudge," I mutter, feeling defensive.
"Come on." Banks shifts Noble to his shoulder, giving me that knowing look he's perfected over fifteen years of friendship. "You've been obsessed withthat woman since she first showed up on the scene. Maybe you should just sleep with her and get it over with already."
My whole body goes rigid, and I can feel heat crawling up my neck. Noble makes a small squawk, like he can sense the sudden tension.
"That's not—we're not—" I can't even form a coherent sentence.
Banks exchanges a look with Clover. "Did I hit a nerve?"
"You don't know what the hell you're talking about," I manage, my voice tight.
Banks's eyebrows shoot up. "I was just giving you shit, dude." He studies my face, his expression shifting from teasing to something else. "Wait a second..."
