“What did he do?” Jace asked at once.
“Turned out he was seeing other people too,” Hailey informed him. “And now he called to ask if he could still go with her to the charity event so he could schmooze with some producer.”
I groaned. So much for keeping the details to myself.
“What?” Hailey asked defensively.
Jace narrowed his eyes. “Where does the guy live?”
I’d thought there was any way to keep them from being overprotective? I was dead wrong.
“On the moon, Jace. Just forget about him. I intend to.”
But Jace kept his eyes narrowed. “I can find out even if you don’t tell me.” He glanced briefly at Hailey, but I wasn’t worried. Hailey didn’t know where Ethan lived.
But then Jace motioned to Will, who joined us in an instant.
“That Ethan guy screwed our sister over. She won't tell us where he lives.” Jace certainly didn’t mince words. Will’s gaze turned murderous. Shoot. Now I was worried.
“I can find out where he lives,” Will assured him. He used to be a detective. I was sure he still had enough connections to the police to find out anything. I was losing the battle. Truthfully, I didn’t even know how to fight in these situations. Plus, a tiny part of me did hope my brothers would accidentally run into Ethan. They didn’t even know what he looked like, because I’d never introduced him to the family, but a girl could dream.
Was I a terrible person or what?
Jace turned to me, asking in a soft voice, “Sis, are you okay?”
I nodded with conviction. “We hadn’t dated for that long.”
“Yes, but I know you. You put so much of yourself into everything.”
“I think I’m slowly learning my lesson.” My brother’s concern warmed me. Even though I gave them shit, I was beyond happy and grateful that my family rallied around me no matter if I dealt with a lawsuit or a bad date.
And I really couldn’t point fingers.
I was always poking my nose in their business and offering my help whether it was required or not. I was slowly trying to rein in my instincts, but who was I kidding? They were part of who I was.
Those instincts partly formed after my parents passed away and Landon and I had been forced to take charge. But this nosiness had always been ingrained in my personality. My nature had cost me some relationships too, with boyfriends telling me I was too meddling.
“You need a date for the charity event? I can come,” Will offered.
Jace grinned. “I’m offering myself as potential companion too, sister. You can have your pick.”
“I don’t need an escort. I can go by myself.”
It was a pity Hailey couldn’t come—she worked at a PR agency in Hollywood, and she was the one who’d put me in contact with the celebrities I’d invited.
I suddenly remembered Carter would be there, and my mood improved drastically. I’d taken an instant liking to him when he’d spoken about his niece. He was obviously close to his family too. I usually tended to see the best in everyone, but I didn’t think I was so far off base with Carter.
Of course, those piercing hazel eyes and overall delicious package might cloud my judgment.
I smiled as we all sat at the table, ready to dig in. My ranch-style home always felt too big, except during Friday dinners.
When I’d bought the land and built the house on it, I might have been overly optimistic about my love life. It was that optimism that had gotten my heart into trouble so many times.
I wasn’t giving up on love, but I did plan on taking things easier. Much easier.
Chapter Six
Carter