I avoid my apartment over the next few days. It’s easy enough to do. My twelve-hour shifts demand that I live at the hospital anyway. I sleep, eat and shower there, often ducking out to extend my shifts.

Wilson calls me a few times, but he doesn’t demand I come home. He doesn’t have the right to. We both know that.

Still, I can tell he’s concerned about my work schedule, and—to be honest—I’m exhausted. But I can’t go back to that apartment. Not while he’s staying in the room across the hall.

Last week, I overheard Kent and Wilson talking in the kitchen. They didn’t know I was there, which worked out because I overheard something important.

Wilson and Violet broke up.

It shouldn’t have surprised me. The way that man lives for Violet, it makes sense that he’d only move thousands of miles away from her if she didn’t want to see him again.

What really hurt—more than I care to admit—was Wilson calling me a ‘distraction’. Suddenly, his enthusiasm about the birth and his sweetness toward me made sense.

His attentiveness wasn’t because he was interested in my welfare. He was just enjoying a convenient diversion.

It was the kick to the butt that I needed.

Now, I’m even more determined to steel myself against Wilson’s gallant, but empty gestures. I can’t let him get to me. Can’t let him… oh, who am I kidding?

I already find him attractive. And I’m moved whenever he does something thoughtful. My options are limited. Since I have no control over Wilson, the only thing I can change is myself.

So I’m working on it, but for now avoiding him is a temporary solution.

“Zora?” Gretchen raps on the break room door, breaking into my thoughts. “You busy?”

“Huh? What’s up?”

“Your brother’s here. Says he wants to talk to you.”

“Thanks, Gretchen.”

“Sure thing.” She pokes her head out of the room and then jumps back in. “Hey, how’s your sexy boyfriend doing?”

“Boyfriend?”

“The white guy is your boyfriend, right? Last week, he said you two were involved.”

I almost smile. “I guess we are, but it’s not what you think.”

“I see.” Her eyes glimmer with intrigue. “Whenever you want to talk, I’m here.”

“Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

My smile droops when she leaves. It’d have to be a cold day in you-know-where before I tell Gretchen my personal business. Anything I share with her will be common knowledge by evening.

I straighten, slip my feet into my tennis shoes and brush my scrubs down. Thomas and I haven’t spoken in a while. I gave him his distance after our last conversation. My brother needed to calm down and so did I.

But I miss him.

“Thomas!” I wave when I see him standing in the hospital cafeteria.

His hands are stuck in his jeans and he grins softly, transforming his already handsome face. “Hey, Zo.”

Unmindful of everyone staring, I throw my arms around him and squeeze tight. He smells familiar, like home. Tears spring to my eyes.

I am not a crier and, as I step back, I chuckle in embarrassment. “Sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“You’re pregnant.”

I give him a look.

He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m not trying to imply that there’s something wrong with being—I meant, you’re pregnant so your hormones might act up now and again. At least that’s what I read.”

“You read up about pregnancy?”

“I might be the only father figure this kid ever has. I thought I should be there for you in anyway I can.”

“Oh, Thomas.” I shake my head. “That’s the sweetest, most unnecessary thing you could say. Trust me, Wilson’s not leaving this baby behind.” He’d leave me in a heartbeat though.

Which is his right to do. It’s not like we’re together.

“Shall we sit?” Thomas points to the booths.

“Okay.” We settle in and I clasp my hands together. “You look great.”

“Yeah, work hasn’t been stressing me out as much lately.”

“Well, it shows.”

Thomas bobs his head and seems to search for the right words. I let him be and focus on his face. His eyes are free of their usual bags and he looks, I don’t know, happier somehow.

“I wanted to apologize for what happened last time. You’re right. I had good intentions, but I should have talked to you before bringing marriage into the conversation.”

“It’s okay. You were only doing what you thought was best.”

“I was being controlling and selfish. You forgive me?”

“Of course.” I squeeze his hand. “You’re the only one on my side.”

He arches an eyebrow. “By that comment, I’m guessing you and Wilson aren’t getting along.”

I glance away. “We’re getting along great. Better than ever.”

“But…?”

I make a face. It sucks that Thomas knows me so well. “It’s not real.”

“Is he being fake? Disingenuous?”

“No, I mean I think he cares about me and he definitely loves the baby, but it feels like I’m a stand-in. Like he’s only putting up with me because I happened to be the one he conceived with.”

“I hate to point this out but… isn’t he?”

“Yeah, but I have a right to think it sucks.”

“You like him,” Thomas says it definitively, like it’s a known fact.

“No, I don’t.”

“It’s okay. You’re not the first girl to catch feelings for the man you randomly slept with.”

“I didn’t catch feelings and, anyway, Wilson’s taken.”

Thomas stiffens. “Did you know that when my niece or nephew was conceived?”

“He wasn’t dating Violet then. I mean, I don’t think so…”

“Wow, Zo.”

I cringe. “It doesn’t matter now. They broke up.”

“Lucky girl,” Thomas mumbles.

“Are you here to make up or start another fight?”

Thomas shrugs. “Can’t handle the truth, stay out of the kitchen.”

“Well, thanks for stopping by.” I stand. “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

Thomas chuckles. “I’m just joking, Zo. Your shift’s done, right? I’ll take you home.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to.” He pulls his keys out of his pocket. “You look tired. I’ll wait in the parking lot. Come out when you’ve packed all your things.”

“But—”

Thomas rises and strolls away from the table, drawing the eyes of every female in his wake.

I slump into my chair. There’s no way I’m telling my brother that I can’t go home because Wilson moved in. That’s like feeding a wild and raging forest fire with more wood. Thomas doesn’t need any more reasons to hate Wilson.

I sigh and pack my stuff, joining Thomas in the car. On the way over, he regales me with tales about his co-workers. I laugh at his animated voice and expressions.

What’s gotten into him? I haven’t seen Thomas act this giddy since he broke up with Amaya. She crushed his heart, and I feared it would never heal.

Maybe it has. Maybe he’s moved on.

Maybe Wilson can move on too.

The thought shames me and excites me all in one breath. It’s foolish to hope. That’s exactly how Wilson got himself involved with Violet again after she told him, point blank, she had feelings for another man.

But even if Wilson’s unable to get over his first love, my brother doesn’t seem to be suffering from the same problem.

“Zo, are you even listening?” Thomas chuckles. “Am I that boring?”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to zone out.”

“It’s okay. You must be exhausted. Gretchen mentioned you’d been sleeping at the hospital lately.” He sends me a disapproving look. “You know you can slow down. No one’s going to look at you any different because you’re expecting.”

“I know.” I study his handsome face. Even in the darkness, it looks like he’s glowing. “Who is she?”

He startles. “What?”

“The girl you’re seeing. Who is she?”

Thomas ducks. “How’d you know?”

“Womanly instincts. That and the fact that you’re grinning like a hyena.”

“We’re not that serious yet.” Thomas readjusts his fingers over the steering wheel.

“Still, that’s great. You deserve to be happy.”

He shrugs. “I saw some of the pictures Amaya posted online and I realized I’m never getting her back. Instead of sitting down feeling pathetic, I figured I’d give love another shot.”

“When can I meet her?”

“Not anytime soon. Like I said, we’re just talking right now. Feeling each other out. No pressure.”

“Just… don’t get her pregnant. Pressure turns way up at that point.”

“Ha, ha.” He parks in front of my apartment. “I’ll walk you up.”

The prospect frightens me. “No need for that.”

“Stop stalling, Zo. I’ve got stuff I need to get done at home.”

I wince but obediently slide out of the car and let Thomas escort me up the stairs. The moment we near my door, I send nervous glances at Wilson’s apartment.

Please don’t come outside. Please don’t come outside.

“What’s wrong?” Thomas looks over his shoulder at where I’m staring. “Did someone finally rent that old room?”

“No,” I lie through my teeth and grab for my keys.

In direct defiance to my statement, Wilson’s door bursts open and he storms out. “Zora, I was starting to think you—” he catches sight of Thomas and the word falters, “moved.”

“Wilson,” Thomas says coldly.

Wilson responds with the same level of ice. “Hey.”

“Well,” I turn to my brother, “you should probably get going. Bye!” I try to push him toward the stairs.

Thomas resists me. “What is he doing coming out of there?”

“It’s my apartment,” Wilson says.

“What?” Thomas swivels toward me. “When were you going to tell me that jerk moved in?”

“It’s not like he moved into my place. It’s not a big deal.”

“Yes, it is.” Thomas goes full, over-protective big brother mode and points in Wilson’s face. “Move out.”

Wilson folds his arms over his chest. His bearded jaw is hard, like it’s carved out of granite. “Get out of my face before I hurt you.”

“That’s enough.” I yank on Thomas’s arm.

He shakes me off and glares. “What’s your plan, huh? You messed with my sister’s body now you’re out for her heart?”

“Thomas, I said enough!”

Both men are breathing hard, chest heaving. The scent of testosterone is about to choke me. I’m starting to wonder if I should just let them beat each other up so they can get it out of their system.

“It’s been a long day. Could you please just act like civil, rational people and not cavemen? Gosh.”

Thomas stands down. “Fine.”

“Whatever.” Wilson glances at me. “I need to talk to you.”

“What about?” Thomas blurts.

“None of your damn business.”

They’re gearing up to fight again so I butt in before things can go any further. “Not tonight, Wilson. I’m exhausted.”

“Okay.” He steps back. “But make time for me tomorrow.”

It’s not a request.

I turn toward my door and fit the key in the lock when another, familiar voice calls my name. “Zora.”

My hand falls. I lift my head and fall into a pair of hazel eyes. Shock twines around my heart.

“Keanu?” His name falls off my lips on a soft breath.

For a moment, we all stand and stare at the newcomer. Then, as if they planned it, my brother and Wilson jump into action.

Thomas drives Keanu up the wall and holds him by the throat. Wilson steps protectively in front of me, his arms held wide and falling over my stomach.

I claw at his hand and scream at Thomas, “What are you doing?”

“You got a death wish, punk? How dare you show your grimy little face around her again?”

Keanu grapples with Thomas’s arm, but my brother is twice his size and way too pissed off to drop him.

My gaze falls over Keanu’s light brown skin, soft black hair brushed to fine waves, and the plain white T-shirt that hugs his shoulders. I remember being in those arms, feeling that skin against mine.

My heart patters, but I’m too shocked to interpret if it’s from love or just plain surprise.

Thomas drives his elbow deeper into Keanu’s throat. “You have three seconds to tell me what the hell you’re doing here. One… two… ”