I've been dating Maverick for a year now, our relationship a carefully guarded secret from my brother Mike. No one knows about us—not even Mike, who's been Maverick's best friend since childhood.

Today, Maverick texted me he was going to tell Mike the truth. My hands tremble slightly as I想象 how that conversation might be going. The scent of Maverick's cologne still lingers on my skin from this morning's goodbye—a warm, spicy aroma that never fails to calm me.

I should be nervous about Mike's reaction, but all I can think about is the positive pregnancy test burning a hole in my pocket. I need to tell Maverick first, but maybe... maybe telling them both together would be better?

Pushing open Mike's apartment door, the tension hits me immediately. Maverick stands by the kitchen counter, back rigid. Mike sits on the couch, arms crossed.

"No," Mike says firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Maverick's head snaps up, his green eyes narrowing. "What?"

"I said no," Mike repeats, colder this time.

"Bro, what do you mean, I won't—" Maverick starts, but Mike cuts him off with a bark of laughter.

"I wish you could see your face right now," Mike says, grinning. "I know about you two. You'd have to be blind not to notice."

My heart skips a beat as I realize they've already talked. Before I can process this revelation, Maverick spots me in the doorway. His eyes widen when he sees what's in my hand—the pregnancy test, still clutched tightly in my trembling fingers.

Mike's laughter dies instantly. His gaze flicks from my face to the test in my hand, his expression shifting from amusement to something unreadable as he stares at Maverick with intensity.