Love Lessons (Brotherly Love Book 3) Read online

  Love Lessons

  Brotherly Love: Book 3

  Aiden Bates

  Ali Lyda

  Contents

  1. Grady

  2. Rome

  3. Grady

  4. Rome

  5. Grady

  6. Rome

  7. Grady

  8. Rome

  9. Grady

  10. Rome

  11. Grady

  12. Rome

  13. Grady

  14. Rome

  15. Grady

  16. Rome

  17. Grady

  18. Rome

  19. Grady

  20. Rome

  21. Grady

  22. Rome

  23. Grady

  24. Rome

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  Love Lessons

  1

  Grady

  October

  Hot Toddy’s was living up to its name—things were heating up. The disco lights swung around the space, bouncing off the jewel-colored spirit bottles lined up behind the bar and making rainbows in the smoke from the machine the owners still ran in the corner. Sweaty bodies ground together on the dance floor behind me, and I watched my friends and family yell comments to each other as we celebrated my birthday.

  Shit. Thirty-two suddenly seemed like a crazy big number. Like, last year, I was only just over thirty, and it didn’t matter that I was still alone, but now—looking at my loved-up brothers pairing off—it felt kind of old. I felt old. And, I mean, I was totally having a good time, living a great life. Absolutely I was having a good time, especially tonight, being celebrated by everyone, but I was also kind of watching the door. Waiting for Eli to come through it.

  Eli.

  I allowed myself a mental swoon. Eli turned my insides to jelly. Always had. Ever since I met him at Elsdon House Preparatory School. He had a certain something I couldn’t quite define. Charisma, maybe. Whatever it was, it seemed to radiate from him. He was gorgeous, and lovely, and I could just squish him.

  Except I hadn’t told him how I felt about him, so I was going to tell him tonight. All of it.

  Well, maybe except the squish part.

  I was feeling brave, and I was past playing games. Plus, I didn’t want to reach the grand old age of thirty-three with another year wasted. I knew which man I wanted, and I wanted him now.

  I glanced at Jamie, snuggled up against Nico, and a small sliver of envy twisted in my gut, but I swept it away. I was pleased my brother had found his guy, except as if the two of them weren’t bad enough, Saint and Braxton had also become a couple—all four of them finding each other at Saint’s law firm.

  I laughed as I lifted my beer, toasting Jamie as I met his eyes. They’d have to rename that place to a dating agency soon.

  Maybe I needed a change of career. Saint’s firm could be lucky for me, and law paid better than teaching if nothing else, right? And if nothing else, perhaps Eli would like to be seen on the arm of a shit-hot lawyer.

  My gaze wandered back to the door. I kept waiting for it to open and Eli to walk through. He never arrived anywhere on time, always made sure his fans were waiting—that was what he said, anyway—and I fell for it every time, always hanging off my seat to see him. But I was his biggest fan so maybe it made sense.

  The door opened and I sat up straighter. But it was only Rome. Every other head swung toward him as he crossed the space toward me, but I just gave him a quick wave. He was fairly well known in town as CEO of Hayes Financial. He had the business and the car, and the Lakeshore Daily loved running stories about his exploits. Some were more imagined than real, of course, and we’d spent too much time laughing over the more outlandish reports of how Rome enjoyed spending his free time.

  He always attracted attention, though, whether people recognized him or not, and I could see why. He looked a little like an old-fashioned Italian gangster, with his dark hair slicked back and a sharp suit, and I always thought he looked equally like he could start handing out dollar bills or decide to remove them from the safe at gunpoint.

  If Eli had charisma, Rome had an aura of power and confidence. Something untouchable, and I grinned as he came closer.

  “How’s it going?” I greeted him.

  “Pretty good.” He nodded. “How does it feel to be nudging away from thirty?”

  I grimaced. “Don’t remind me.”

  “You’ll be catching up with me soon.”

  I laughed. While we were at the boarding school together, the small age gap between us was always a competition. Some days, I beat Rome over the head with the fact he was ancient. Other times, I got reminded I was the baby. And today I was catching up.

  “Can I get you a drink?” I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate. I hadn’t had a clue how to behave, what to do, or where I needed to be when I arrived on a partial scholarship for my first day. Rome had shown me everything I needed to avoid being the most downtrodden kid in school, which was ridiculous, given how wealthy my parents actually were, but it just showed the extreme financial might of the students Elsdon attracted and accepted—Rome among them. I’d been untouchable next to him. Shielded by his family’s money and reach, and by the power that exuded from him, even then.

  “It’s your birthday, Gray. I’ll buy your drink. What can I get you?” He reached into his inside pocket and pulled out his billfold.

  I lifted my almost full beer and smiled apologetically. “I think my brothers have formed a line to keep my glass topped off. I won’t be able to walk or see straight by the time they close the bar.”

  Rome grinned. “Sounds like the best kind of birthday. Just blot the whole thing out.” He reached out and patted my shoulder. “Happy birthday, Gray.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad you made it.”

  A pat on the shoulder was a big deal from Rome, and I relaxed that my friend was happy as he headed off to the bar to get his drink. I watched him as he strode forward, and I grinned as people instinctively reshuffled and moved out of his way as he walked. He never had to plow through. It was as if they just responded to some innate projection of importance he exuded.

  If babies’ futures were decided the moment they were born, someone had definitely stamped CEO on his naked ass. His father had been high profile and high powered, too, but displays of affection were rare in Rome’s house. Instead, his dad showed how much he loved Rome by not letting him want for anything. He had the best education money could buy, followed by opportunities the rest of us could only have lusted after, such as being mentored by some of the best people in the finance and trade industry.

  And the result was the powerhouse Hayes Financial was becoming. I shook my head. And me just a lowly grade-school teacher. How the mighty had fallen. I smirked as I took another sip of beer. Then I trained my gaze on the door again, still hoping for Eli, before I swept it over my brothers. It was a rinse and repeat cycle. Check for Eli, have a nosy look at everyone else. I almost wanted to punch myself in the mouth. I was so hung up on Eli, I wasn’t even mingling at my own party.

  That would all change, though—as soon as Eli arrived, I could stop waiting for him, and I’d relax. I just needed to get this bit over with. My nerves almost jangled my anxiety so everyone could hear it.

  Brax appeared at my side. “Happy birthday, dude.” He knocked his beer against mine.

  I grinned at him. It was good to see him. He and Saint had been through a bit of a rough patch before, and I couldn’t figure out which one of them was the bigger idiot—maybe I’d never know—but my bets were on Saint. My brother could be a huge idiot, sometimes. I absolutely knew that firsthand.

 
“And congratulations to you, bro.” I knocked my drink back against his and he smiled, his mouth widening in satisfaction as he nodded.

  We were having a double celebration. My birthday and Brax’s appointment as partner at Caldwell & Holton. Caldwell, Holton & Grant, now. Because I had a brother who’d finally seen sense and hired the guy who had the qualifications to work with him and Nico.

  I checked the door before I skimmed my eyes over the others at my party and returned my attention to Brax. He glanced at Saint, who was deep in conversation with Nico and Jamie, and as if he sensed Brax’s gaze on him, Saint looked up. Their eyes locked, and Brax smiled. My heart seized. I thought I might actually have a cardiac arrest right there. There was so much love in that smile. And promise. In fact, it felt pretty private. I’d just witnessed a smile between lovers, and I felt like I shouldn’t have been watching.

  “I’m so happy for you.” I yelled at Brax over the music, trying to cover my awkward moment.

  “I can barely believe it’s real,” Brax admitted, but his eyes were alight with enthusiasm, and he couldn’t keep the joy out of his voice.

  Mischief ran through me, and I pinched the skin of his upper arm between my thumb and forefinger, giving it a gentle twist.

  “Ow… What was that for?” Brax rubbed his arm.

  “Feels real enough to me.” I shrugged and laughed, as the realization I was thirty-two hit me all over again.

  I swallowed. Trying to keep up the front that everything was okay was exhausting when it was taking everything I had to just remain in my chair and not look like I was watching the door as closely as I was. I didn’t need to give my brothers another reason to tease me.

  I risked another look at the door before turning back to Brax. I liked him a lot and he was good for Saint.

  He was looking down the length of the bar like he was cataloging the fact my entire family had shown up to celebrate with us. All of my brothers were there, including the two Brax had probably assumed wouldn’t exactly be comfortable at Hot Toddy’s, mingling at the bar with their wives. I smiled. I loved my family. I followed Brax’s watchful gaze, trying to keep my mind off the still-closed door for as long as possible.

  I turned back from an ill-timed glance at the door to find Brax watching me, his eyes thoughtful.

  “Did you invite Eli?”

  “Yeah.” I nodded and answered his question but didn’t say anything else.

  “He not here yet?” Brax probed further, and I winced, but I’m pretty sure I held that reaction in

  Nothing to see here.

  I looked at him square in the eye. “No. Not yet.”

  “Waiting on him?” He enjoyed teasing me, and for that reason if for no other, he fit perfectly into our family—a group of guys who spent way too much time laughing at each other.

  Hell, we all enjoyed teasing each other, but I felt too raw to be teased today. I was trying to screw up all of my courage to lay myself bare with Eli, and it was killing me that he wasn’t here yet. I wasn’t sure how much longer my courage would hold out. But I couldn’t tell Brax any of that. I couldn’t use the last remnants of my bravery making a confession to Saint’s guy rather than actually talking to Eli.

  “Not really.” I shrugged my shoulders trying to pretend like I didn’t care my best friend and secret love of my life hadn’t arrived yet. “Maybe he’s not going to make it.” I sighed as I spoke the words I didn’t even want to think. Then I looked down into my beer and swirled it around as if it could work like crystal ball, the mists suddenly clearing to bring my answer.

  “You’re looking a little lovesick there, Gray.” Brax nudged me, and I winced.

  That hit too close to home and I couldn’t reply in case I gave myself away.

  “Yep. Definitely a little green around the gills,” he continued.

  I moved away from him, creating the space I needed to tell him a lie. “You’re imagining shit. I don’t love Eli.” My words came out gruff, and I didn’t sound like myself. I had to force myself to look Brax in the eye, but I was pretty sure not-blinking wasn’t all that natural a look.

  He raised an eyebrow but said nothing. It looked like I was in the clear. He believed me and had no further questions. Good. I didn’t like having to lie to anyone.

  I blew out a sigh by mistake as I checked my watch again. “I might head home, to be honest. I have some grading to do tomorrow, and I should probably be clear-headed for that.”

  “I’m sorry, Gray.”

  I knew he wasn’t just talking about all the student papers waiting for me, and his kindness made everything harder when I was trying so hard to hold it together.

  The smile I gave him hurt me, but I had to try. I had to make it look effortless. “It’s no big deal. I would have just liked my friend here for my birthday.”

  “No, dude. No. It’s your birthday. Don’t leave now.”

  I pulled one corner of my mouth down, undecided. I didn’t want to be a downer on Brax’s celebratory night. Going home still felt like the best option. I could mope in private there and obsess over Eli on my own time.

  “Come on…” Brax wheedled. “It’s not every night your family gets to see you turn thirty-two. Stay and have another drink.”

  I hesitated.

  “Say yes?”

  “Okay.” I nodded, my finger pointed at him. “But just one.”

  I was mid-conversation with Brax when the door to the bar opened, almost without me noticing, but something must have changed in the air or attracted my attention because I stopped what I was saying, leaving Brax staring at me, his expression perplexed, as I swung my attention to the door. I lifted myself a little off my stool so I could see better.

  “Thank fuck,” I breathed. There he was. My friend Eli. My Eli.

  My chest lightened. He was finally here, and I could tell him everything. Happy birthday to me. It had only taken his appearance, and my whole mood was restored. I had it bad. I shifted again, moving away from my seat, then I stopped.

  Eli wasn’t alone. He had his hand attached to someone else. Another guy.

  I shook my head, denying what my eyes could see. I didn’t know he was seeing anyone, and we told each other everything. Didn’t we?

  I wanted to leave. I shot a glare at Brax. I knew I should have left before, when I’d wanted to. But Brax wasn’t looking at me to receive my special brand of teacher stare. He was saving his own best stink-eye for Eli as he strolled toward us, hand in hand with this guy I’d never heard of.

  “Grady!” Eli didn’t let go of the other guy and he offered me a lukewarm one-armed hug—the kind you didn’t give your best friend and the guy who loved you.

  I smiled, the movement almost painful as my lips did little more than tighten in a sharp line across my face.

  “Eli, thanks for coming.” I fell straight back into my usual Eli-loving tone and cursed myself for it. He didn’t deserve my warmth and my love, but he had it anyway. I couldn’t help myself.

  “I wouldn’t have missed it! It’s your birthday!” He grinned at me like he couldn’t contain his own personal happiness, and my heart lifted that my birthday meant so much to him.

  Then something in his eyes changed, and I suddenly didn’t want to hear whatever was coming next. But I didn’t interrupt him quick enough. I couldn’t think of something to say. And Eli opened his mouth and suddenly there were words coming out.

  “And I wanted to introduce you to my fiancé, Benji.”

  2

  Rome

  I caught sight of Eli the moment he stepped in the door, and I set my drink on the bar, ready for whatever bombshell he was about to drop. One thing I’d learned about Eli over the years was that he never traveled anywhere without some kind of drama in tow and this time his drama looked all too human.

  From the way they had their fingers interlocked, and the other guy was wearing a loved-up, shit-eating grin, I had a pretty clear idea where this was headed.

  And on Grady’s birthday for that extra
moment of chef’s kiss perfection. Mwah! Eli was a bastard all right.

  As Eli and the new guy moved closer to Grady, so did I, mirroring each of their steps toward him, so when Eli stopped in front of him and gave him that strange one-armed hug, when I knew Grady wanted so much more, I was almost directly behind them, waiting, watching… Ready to step in.

  And I didn’t need to wait long.

  I’d known for a long time exactly how Grady felt about Eli. I could have counted on one finger how many people didn’t know, to be honest. It seemed the more secretive Grady tried to be, the more he broadcasted his feelings to the world. The guy really wore his heart for all to see and subtlety had never been his thing.

  Including Eli.

  And that was what made all this—I glanced between Eli and new guy. Dumb guy, I corrected myself—so unforgiveable. Eli knew Grady had a thing for him, and he was still about to break his heart in two in public. Worse, in front of Grady’s whole family and drag it through the mud for good measure.

  I couldn’t let that happen, so I was pretty sure I was actually planning to do the dumbest thing I’d ever done in my whole life. I shifted my position so I could see Grady’s face, ready to take my cue.

  I didn’t get nervous. I mean, literally never. I had balls of steel, and that wasn’t an exaggeration or a brag. It was truth, and it was how I got things done. But whatever was wriggling away in my stomach right now sure as hell made me feel like I might be experiencing my first ever bout of nervousness.

  But, for Grady. Anything.

  “And I wanted to introduce you to my fiancé, Benji.” Eli threw in a smug smile at the end of his sentence, and I had two initial thoughts.