How to Love Your Neighbour(56)

“We should ask Grace about doing our place,” Chris said.

Noah started to approve the idea but stopped. “Wait. Everly’s apartment?”

The two of them turned their heads, similar grins on their faces.

“What?” He was missing something.

“We want to buy a place. We want you to help us find the right one,” Chris said.

“Yes!” Noah rounded the counter, clapped his brother on the back. Everly was a little shy with physical affection that didn’t come from Chris, but Noah knew her well enough now that he pressed a kiss to her cheek. She still ducked her gaze as a pretty pink flush crept over her skin. “This is awesome. We’re not talking stupid starter home, right? We’re talking rest of our lives, let’s raise the kids and be here for good?”

Everly’s gaze widened. Chris laughed, pulling her tighter against his side. “Slow down, man. I just got her used to the idea of moving out of her apartment. We haven’t talked a lot about specifics. What do you think, babe?”

Her brows furrowed in thought. “Bigger than a starter home but we don’t need something huge. I do want a kitchen like this, though. How’d you know this one was the one?”

Noah’s smile didn’t belie the happiness bursting in his chest. Everly believed he was in it for good. Those two words, though, “the one,” kept coming back to haunt him. “Cliché as it sounds, I walked in and felt like it was home. We’re going to find you something perfect. I was online last night looking for properties. I’ve got a few that I think would work. This is freaking awesome.”

The front door bell chimed before he heard Grace’s voice. “Knock, knock.”

His heart rate spiked as if he’d taken a shot of caffeine. Damn it. He had to get over that. There was a big difference between finding a house to spend his life in and finding a woman to spend his life with.

“I brought friends,” Grace called out.

She’d asked him to invite Chris, Everly, and any other people he considered friends. She’d already claimed Josh, since he and Rosie were inseparable. They followed behind her now along with Morty, who was holding hands with a woman who had to be Tilly, his fiancée. Another guy, who looked to be Morty’s age, joined them. His kitchen was nearly full when Shane brought up the rear. Noah swallowed the discomfort he knew he had no right to feel. It wasn’t hard to pick up on the signals that the guy liked Grace. Which is none of your business.

“You didn’t say you were having a party, bro,” Chris said, his tone sharp.

Noah glanced over, taking his gaze off Grace, who looked gorgeous in anything but particularly in the yellow tank top she wore that showed off her tan. Shit. He forgot how nervous Everly got around crowds. She had severe social anxiety. As someone who loved being around people, it had taken him some time to learn how large groups impacted his brother’s girlfriend. He knew she’d spoken to a professional about it and that she seemed more at ease around him now than months ago but that could just be her comfort level, having gotten to know him. He started to apologize but Everly looked up at Chris. She ran her hand over his stomach and mouthed “It’s fine.”

The tension in his brother’s shoulders eased but he still felt bad.

“I didn’t know I was having a party. Speaking of which, where’s Stacey?” Everly’s best friend often put her at ease.

“Rob’s teaching a class. They’re coming after,” Chris said.

Grace looked around, coming to Noah’s side. “This is not a party. It’s a crew.”

“What?” He was in the dark. He just hoped whatever she’d planned wouldn’t make Everly uncomfortable.

“If everyone will join me in the living room, please,” Grace said.

Most of them followed, but Noah hung back a moment to talk to Everly and Chris.

“Hey,” Noah said to Everly. “I didn’t know there was going to be a crowd. I actually have no idea what she has planned. Might end up having to apologize depending on what I’ve gotten you guys into.”

Chris slid his hand down Everly’s arm, connecting their fingers. The quiet smile she gave Chris created an inexplicable pressure in Noah’s chest.

“You’re sweet to worry but I’m okay,” Everly said.

“I did tell you I was the exceptional one. I don’t want to fall short,” Noah said.

Chris rolled his eyes. “Not sure that’s the word I’d use.”

“Well, big words are hard for you,” Noah said.

Chris’s bark of laughter put him at ease. “You should maybe save the trash talk for after we do whatever it is you’ve gotten us into.”

“Fair enough.”

They were arguing over who would sit or stand. The couch would arrive in the next few days.

“Are you joining us or not, Jansen?” Grace called.

“Have I mentioned I really like her?” Chris said.

Noah frowned. “You love Everly.”

Shaking his head like Noah was an idiot—which, he could admit, sometimes he was—Chris clapped him on the back. “I’ll speak slower. Yes, I do love Everly. She’s mine. I like Grace for you. And in general.”

“She’s waiting for us,” Everly said softly, her lips twitching.