We stand side by side quietly for a few moments, overlooking the backyard full of guests. Laughter, soft yacht-rock music, and the smell of burgers cooking mingle in the air.
“Great party, by the way. It was nice of you to invite everyone into your home. I know it can’t be easy.”
“No, it isn’t.” For many reasons. “But I’d like to get to know the people in Charley’s life.”
He half turns to me with a raised brow. “So, you’re planning on sticking around?”
I meet his eyes, knowing what he’s getting at. “I’ll be around for Charley and the baby.”
Aidan sets the soda on the railing with a sigh. He turns around, leaning his back against the railing, and folds his arms over his chest.
He has the intimidating cop stare thing down pat.
But I didn’t become the home run king of the National League by being intimidated by a look.
He glances down. “You and I have a lot in common.”
“What makes you think that?”
“We’re part of the same club.”
“And what club is that?”
He raises his head and looks me in the eye. “We’re brothers who will do anything to ensure the happiness of our sisters. So now it’s my turn to give you the talk.”
He says the last word with air quotes.
I flip a burger, the juices causing a flame to flare up. “Fair enough. But before you start, grab me a beer.”
He pulls a bottle out of the cooler and hands it to me. I crack it open and take a long sip. But instead of refreshing me, it only tastes sour on my tongue. “Okay, I’m ready.”
Aidan holds my gaze. “You’re a great guy, Nate. I like you a lot. You’re about to be my brother-in-law. But fair warning. And I say this with love, I really do. Don’t fuck this up. I don’t know what kind of arrangement you and Charley have, and that’s your business.”
He pauses. “Take care of my sister. She’s having your baby, who will also be my niece or nephew. And they deserve your best.”
I swallow hard and look down at the beer in my hand, its cold condensation doing nothing to cool off my overheated skin. “Charley deserves the best of everything. But what if my best isn’t good enough?”
He moves closer to me so I’m the only one that hears him. “You know as well as I do, no one is good enough for our sisters. If I had to choose anyone, I’d choose you. But if you think you can’t handle this, if you think your career is more important, walk away now.”
My whole body tenses, and I clench my fist around the beer bottle to keep from throwing it.
“I’m not going to neglect my child,” I say through gritted teeth.
“But the child isn’t the only thing in play here. Is it?” He stares me down, one brow raised.
Damn, he’s good at that. And he’s got me dead to rights.
I open my mouth and snap it shut. Try again. “No.”
“Anyone with eyes can see how you look at her. The only time I’ve ever seen your face relax is when you’re around Charley. She and that baby are a package deal now, man.Yourpackage deal. If you can’t handle one, you don’t get the option of opting out of the other. All I’m saying is, make smart choices. Donothurt either of them.”
He claps his hand on my shoulder. “We clear?”
I nod. “We’re clear.” I turn my head and pin him with my own intimidating stare. “Since we’re having brotherly talks, let’s not forget the one we had a few months ago.”
He raises his hands up with a smile. “We’re golden on my end.”
“Keep it that way, Reynolds.”
