“I convinced myself for six whole months that surprising her with coffee and orgasms was enough. That I could play the role of the mysterious landlord who —” Is it breaking and entering if I had a key? Because trying to find the words to explain the first six months of what we had and saying all of this out loud makes me feel a little creepy. I sigh, changing direction. “— The day I found you passed out in your apartment, a switch flicked within me. Knowing that your own mind and body betrayed you lit a fire inside me. I needed to protect you, not only physically but emotionally. I swore to myself I would protect you, even from yourself. I’m ready, Kins.”

Kinsley lets out a little snore and I almost laugh. I can’t wait to watch her cheeks flush when I tell her that in the morning.

“I was ready for you to freak out because I name dropped you as my girlfriend in front of Em, but you didn’t. I promise you, a little bit of a messy mind will never scare me away. I love you, Kinsley Mae Fallon and I will spend forever proving that to you.”

I lay there with her wrapped in my arms until she mumbles something and rolls away. Instead of pulling her back into my arms like I normally do, I let her go.

Climbing out of bed, I throw on some sweats and make my way down into my office when I spot Emma at the kitchen counter typing away on her phone.

“Can’t sleep?” I ask, raising my left brow.

“Trying to find a booty call,” she says effortlessly. Before I can comment, she raises her eyes to mine and winks at me.

“I really don’t have the energy to kick someone’s ass tonight, little sister. Don’t play with me.”

“You do realise I’m not twelve years old anymore? Someday, I am going to find someone who won’t be intimidated by you.”

I lean back against the bench, pausing as I lift a glass of water to my lips. She’s right, she isn’t twelve anymore but it doesn’t change anything. Whoever she chooses to be with, will need to win me over first. Ignoring the daggers she’s giving me, I stay quiet, drink my water and set my glass down in the sink.

“Promise me one thing before you go tomorrow?”

“Anything,” she says.

“Please don’t be a stranger and come home again soon?”

Emma stands, a devilish twinkle in her eyes. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

“Ha … Ha … Very funny. I mean it, at least think about it?”

She strolls over to me, the alcohol from earlier clearly not affecting her as much as it did Kinsley.