Zane & Lucky's First Christmas (Forever Love, #5) by J. S. Cooper

half smile.
    “Great.” I grinned and walked into the door. “Good to see you, Leo. I hope you don’t mind that I’m crashing the party as well.”
    “Yeah, I don ’t mind.” He frowned at me and we all stood there awkwardly for a few moments.
    “Wine, anyone?” Robin walked towards the kitchen quickly without looking at either of us, and Leo and I followed behind her.
    “May the best man win,” Leo gave me another short smile and I nodded.
    “To the best man.”
     
    ***
    “So Zane’s going to plan the wedding?” Robin’s eyes were wide with excitement as she stared at me. “That is so romantic.”
    “Yeah, it was my idea.” I nodded, happy that I had all of her attention, even though she was sitting next to Leo on the couch. “I think it will really take the pressure off of her.”
    “Wow, that’s just an awesome idea.”
    “Really?” Leo frowned. “Not to be rude, but Zane knows shit about weddings. This is meant to be Lucky ’s one big day. She doesn’t want a picnic catered by McDonalds. That’s not going to be the wedding of her dreams.”
    “Zane ’s not going to cater his wedding with McDonalds.” I shot back at him.
    “Oh yeah, better yet: Papa John’s.”
    “Now, now, guys.” Robin smiled at both of us gently. “I think it’s a cute idea. I mean, there is a lot of potential for Zane to mess it up, but it’s still a good idea.”
    “My brother won ’t mess it up. Plus, I’ll help him.”
    “Because you know better?” Leo laughed. “That’s the blind leading the blind.”
    “At least I ’ve had a real relationship.” I gave him a pointed look.
    “ Well, I’m not sure I want a real relationship if the girl turns out to be a drug dealer or willing to hand over her stepdaughter.” Leo shot back, and there was silence in the room. Robin gave him a disappointed look, and I shook my head at his words. “Sorry,” he sighed. “That wasn’t called for.”
    “No, it wasn ’t.” I bit my lower lip. “Though, I suppose it was true. I don’t have the best track record.” I shrugged. “I’m hoping that has changed now, though.” I smiled at Robin and she gave me a shy smile in response. “I know I’ve messed up plenty of times, but I don’t want to keep making those mistakes again.”
    “Okay, okay. I ’m getting the hint.” Leo shook his head and sighed. “I know when I’m not wanted.” He stood up and gave me a wry smile. “You’re a good guy, Noah. I know when I’m beaten.”
    “What?” I looked up at him in shock. This was it?
    “I ’m just leaving before I get kicked out.” He laughed and looked at Robin with regret. “I had my chance and I messed up. I’m sorry.” He gave her a meaningful glance and she smiled back at him.
    “It ’s okay.” She stood up and hugged him. “We were both in a bad place.”
    “Are you leaving?” I stood up as well, not wanting them to all of a sudden have some moment.
    “I don’t know that I was ever really wanted.” He ran his hands through his hair and chuckled.
    “Of course you were.” Robin reassured him and then looked at me. “But just as a friend, you ’re right. I like Noah. I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but right now I want to see how it goes.”
    “I appreciate your honesty.” Leo sighed and my heart started racing. He gave her a sweet smile and leaned down to peck her on the lips. “If it doesn’t work out with Noah, give me a call.”
    “ Will do.” She smiled.
    “I wouldn’t hold your breath.” I winked at him and Leo laughed.
    “You ’re a better man than me, Noah. I would have kicked your ass so far out of the door that you would never have come back.”
    “Violence isn’t the answer. At least not when the other guy is my brother’s best friend.”
    “About that.” Leo pulled out his phone. “Do let your brother know he can call me back now. The air has been cleared.”
    “Will do.” I laughed and sat back on the couch as Robin escorted Leo to the front