About

The front door swung open, followed by the sound of two sets of footsteps and an argument that had clearly started somewhere down the street. “I'm telling you, Nat, he likes you.” “He does not!” Liam laughed, kicking his shoes off by the door as he walked inside. At sixteen, he had perfected the art of being an unbearable older brother, and judging by the grin on his face, he had no intention of stopping anytime soon. Natalie, fourteen, followed behind him, her face bright red with embarrassment. “Liam, shut up!” “You should've seen your face when he talked to you,” Liam continued, dropping his bag onto the floor. “You were practically melting.” “I was NOT!” From the kitchen, Charlie looked up from what he was doing, immediately recognizing the sound of his children's bickering. “What's happening now?” “Liam's being annoying,” Natalie muttered. “I'm being a supportive brother,” Liam corrected, looking far too pleased with himself. Nick appeared behind Charlie, leaning against the doorway with an amused smile. “That doesn't sound very supportive.” “It is,” Liam insisted. “I'm helping her realize that this guy is totally into her.” Natalie groaned and covered her face with both hands. “There is no guy.” “There is absolutely a guy.” “There is NOT.” Nick raised an eyebrow. “Okay, now I want to know.” “Dad!” Charlie laughed, walking over to Natalie and giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Leave her alone, Liam.” Liam grinned. “I would, but she's making it way too easy.” Natalie glared at him before looking toward Nick and Charlie. “Can you please tell him to stop?” Nick glanced at Charlie, trying—and failing—not to laugh. “I'm not getting involved in this one.” “Traitor,” Natalie mumbled. Liam threw an arm around his sister's shoulders, earning an immediate attempt from Natalie to shove him away. “Oh, come on. You can tell us all about your mysterious boyfriend.” “He's not my boyfriend!” Liam's grin widened. “Yet.”