When Michael came into the room, fresh from the shower, Adam stepped out to give them some privacy. He wasn’t keen on leaving his brother alone with her—especially in a bedroom—but he was fairly certain Michael would behave professionally and keep his hands to himself. At least he’d better, if he knew what was good for him.

While waiting, Adam took a shower and then added his and Michael’s dirty clothes to the washing machine before measuring out some detergent and turning it on. Then he sat in the living room, drumming his fingers on his knee as he waited patiently for his bedroom door to open. They were taking much longer than he’d expected.

It wasn’t until the washing machine had run through an entire cycle that Adam began to worry. He busied himself by swapping their clothes from the washer into the dryer, but he couldn’t help but let his imagination run wild as he planted himself back onto the couch. Had Michael found something wrong? Or, even worse, was he in there making a move on her?

The irritating thought sent lava flowing through his veins. Brother or not, he’d kill him. But when the bedroom door finally opened, all of his jealousy-induced urges to murder his sibling went dormant.

Adam shot to his feet as Michael stepped into the living room. “Is she okay?”

“Shhh. She was so exhausted that she wasn’t able to keep her eyes open. I examined her, and she fell asleep while we were talking.”

“But she’s all right?”

“Yes. Technically.” Michael stood there with a contemplative look on his face, as if he was mulling something over.

Adam frowned. “What do you mean ‘technically’? What’s wrong with her?” Damn it. He knew something was going on.

His brother hesitated. “I think it would be better coming from her.”

Adam squinted at him. “What would be better coming from her? Did she ask you not to tell me some—”

“No. Actually, she said I could tell you. But I think it’s something she needs to tell you herself. And she agreed. But then she fell asleep, and I didn’t have the heart to wake her. She was so tired. But it’s definitely something you need to know.”

Adam had no idea what the something was, but he felt like his head was about to explode. “Well, apparently she can’t tell me because she’s asleep. And I’m not going to wake her either. So spill.” His brother stood there, not saying a word. “Michael, damn it. Tell me.”

“Fine. But you’re going to stay calm.”

Adam clenched his fists at his sides, making a conscious effort not to punch his brother in the face. “Would you just tell me already?”

“Okay. While we were talking, Preslee admitted that, for the past week, she’s been on a new crash diet. One that promised she would lose twenty pounds in a week if she followed a strict diet regimen that included appetite suppressants and intermittent fasting.”