Her grin widens. “Good complicated sounds serious to me.”
I shrug, trying to play it cool, though the thought of Karley makes my chest tighten in a way I can’t breathe. “Let’s just say, she’s important.”
Nova studies me for a moment, then tilts her head with a knowing smile. “You look different. Happier. Whoever she is, she’s clearly good for you.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Let’s hope the guys don’t figure that out. They’ll never let me hear the end of it.”
“Don’t worry,” Nova says with a wink. “Your secret’s safe with me… for now.”
Before I can respond, the door to the den bursts open, and Jeremy sticks his head out, grinning like the devil.
“Oi, Oliver. Are you spilling secrets out here? Nova’s probably grilling you isn’t she?”
Nova waves him off with mock irritation. “Go back to your cards, Remy. Let us talk in peace.”
He smirks, but retreats, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Nova leans closer, her expression softening. “You know, you deserve this. Happiness, I mean. I don’t know much about her, but if she’s making you smile like that, then hold on to her.”
Her words catch me off guard, and I nod. “Thanks, Nova. That means a lot.”
“Now go,” she says, standing and shooing me toward the den. “Before they come out here and start interrogating both of us.”
Before I can do exactly that, my phone buzzes again. It’s Ray from the school shop, calling about a painting of the anonymous artist’s being ready for pick-up. The excitement is contagious, and I promise him I’ll have Cora pick it up ASAP.
When I return to the den, I’m practically buzzing.
“He’s got the look, boys,” Harvey says with a grin.
“Shut the fuck up,” I reply, packing up. “I just got off the phone with the school shop. Another painting came in.”
Harvey smirks. “Stop avoiding the topic. Unless she works at the school?”
“No. I talked to my girlfriend first,” I say.
That stops them. Richard whistles.
“I couldn’t let you boys have all the fun,” I say nonchalantly.
“Who is she?” Evan asks, eyeing me over his drink.
I hesitate, anticipating their shock and disbelief when they realize it’s Declan’s sister. “Karley.”
A glass clinks hard against the table. “You’re kidding, right?” Evan says.
“Nope. Dead serious.”
“What about Declan?” Lukas chimes in. “He’ll have your balls.”
I shrug. “He doesn’t know.”
Jeremy leans back, smirking. “This is going to be fun to watch.”
I shake my head as my thoughts drift back to Karley. They can tease all they want, but I’ve got exactly what I want.
Soon, I need to have a conversation with Declan before he moves to Florida. We’re friends, and I want to make it known Karley and I aren't faking our relationship anymore. I’m not sure how he’ll react. I didn’t want to tell him last night with everyone around. This conversation needs to happen one-on-one.
I drain my glass before saying goodbye, thinking how not long ago I wanted what all my brothers had, yet I did it better. I got married first…
