“Gee, I’m so glad to hear that.” He rolls his eyes and walks ahead of me into the kitchen.

“Where are Nat and Liv?” I pull myself up onto a barstool and lean on the breakfast bar. I’m in an oversized sweatshirt and leggings, opting for comfort today.

I have no one to impress.

“They’re out with Jules.”

“They didn’t invite me.” I frown.

“They knew you were going to be here with me,” he grins and shakes his head as he pours me a glass of iced tea. “Don’t get all offended, sis.”

“Well, okay then.” He passes me the tea, pours his own glass and then leans against the counter and sips his drink, contemplating me over the rim.

“What?”

“You and Leo work things out?”

“Just cut to the chase, Luke.” I roll my eyes at him but he just lifts his eyebrow. “That doesn’t work with me either. I’m your sister, not your wife.”

“Boy, that’s the truth. You are definitely not my wife.”

“I’m never going to be anyone’s wife.” I shrug and take a sip of tea.

“Why?” He asks with a frown. “I thought things were going well with Leo.”

“They are. That doesn’t mean I need a ring on my finger. We’re not even moving in together for a while. I know you don’t understand that concept given that you and Nat went from a mugging to a baby in about twelve minutes.”

“Fuck off.” He smirks.

“You don’t need a contract to be in a committed relationship.”

“Okay.” He frowns again and then shrugs. “To each her own.”

“Yep.” I agree.

“Why didn’t you tell me your job was giving you grief because of me?” He asks, his eyes sad.

“Because I didn’t want to see that look on your face.” I sigh and rub my hands down my face.

“C’mon, Sam, this is always going to be an issue, and I’m sorry for it, but you need to stop being so stubborn and let me help.”

“How are you going to help, Luke?” I jump off the stool and pace over to his floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the Sound. “There’s nothing to do.”

“You can at least talk to me about it.”

“And then you’ll feel guilty and I’ll have to kick your ass because it’s not your fault.” I shrug and turn around to face him. “Luke, it’s not your fault. I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. You’ve earned it.”

“I know you are, but I also know that being related to me isn’t easy. And now you’re romantically connected to someone even more famous than I am, and that makes me worry about you.”

“I’ve already discovered that it’s different with thirty-something rock stars than it is with heartthrobs.” I grin as he scowls.

“I’m no fucking heartthrob.”

“Anymore.” I shrug. “We don’t have young girls following us around. The groupies are interesting.” I concede and then laugh.

“There will be more photos printed,” he reminds me. “That didn’t seem to thrill you.”

“It surprised me that Melissa, the publicist.” I clarify at his raised eyebrow. “Let it leak after Leo specifically told her not to. It pissed me off more that he told you guys about my job.”

“You should have told us.”

“I know, but I didn’t want you to worry. Leo reminded me that that’s what family does; they worry.”

“Leo’s smart.” Luke offers me a half-smile.

“But not good enough for me.” I remind him and sigh.

“Sam, I said that in anger. You’re my sister. No one is good enough for you because I love you.” He pushes his hands through his blonde hair and scratches his scalp.

“Just like Natalie wasn’t good enough for you either.” I smirk. “At least you didn’t accuse Leo of being a gold-digging whore.”

“There is that.” He agrees with a laugh.

“And now I love her. She’s perfect for you.” I tilt my head to the side and watch as his face softens as he thinks of her; his eyes smile. “You’re good for each other.”

“You know.” He begins and hops up on the counter, his bare feet dangling. “Livie’s picture has never appeared in a magazine. And we were offered millions for photos of her after she was born.”

“I remember.” I nod, wondering what his point is.

“There are ways to make sure that you lead a relatively private life while being with a celebrity.” He shrugs.

“I know. I’ve already spoken with the wives of the other band members. Honestly, I’m not too worried about it.”

“You’re not?” His eyebrows climb and he’s completely surprised.

“No, I’m not. I’m tired of letting my fear of fame dictate whom I love and how I act and who I am. We’ll figure it out.”

“Wow, you got really smart.”

“Don’t be a sarcastic ass.”

“I paid off your apartment.” He casually mentions as he jumps off the counter.

“What the hell? Why would you do that?”

“Because now you don’t have to worry about the mortgage and because I can.”

“I’m not a charity case.”

“If you ever fucking say that again I will kick your ass” His face is red and his eyes are on fire. “You are not a goddamn charity case. You’re my sister. I have more money than my children’s children can ever spend, Sam. I can afford to buy your apartment.”

“Bragger,” I mutter and pout.

He laughs and hugs me and then refills my tea.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He scowls and sighs. “I’m sorry that I said that, about Leo not being good enough. I like him. He’s a good guy, and if he makes you happy, then I’m glad. After all he’s done for you, I he’s probably the closest you’re gonna get to finding someone good enough for you.”

“Wow. Did little brother just give me permission to keep dating my boyfriend?”

“God, you’re a bitch.” He laughs.

“So I’ve been told,” I agree and chuckle with him.

***

~Leo~

My shoulder is on fire, but damn if it doesn’t look fucking awesome. Kat is the best there is.