Christmas in the Billionaire's Bed. Janice Maynard

older brother, dressed to the nines as always, lifted an eyebrow. “Look what the cat dragged in.”

      “Don’t rag on me, Liam. I haven’t slept worth a damn.”

      “At least not in your own bed. I thought all your lady friends were in New York.”

      Aidan counted to ten and then to twenty. Liam was not giving him any more grief than usual, but Aidan wasn’t in the mood to be teased. Not today. His jaw clenched, he offered a simple explanation, knowing that Liam wouldn’t let him pass without at least that. “I ran in to a friend who was having a bit of trouble. I helped out. That’s all. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to go to my room and get cleaned up.”

      Liam leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the young woman who was hit by a car day before yesterday...downtown?”

      Aidan stared at him. “Damn it. That’s exactly why I don’t live here anymore. Nobody has anything better to do than gossip.”

      “People were concerned. Silver Glen is a tight-knit place.”

      “Yeah. I got that.”

      Liam’s face changed, all trace of amusement gone. “I know it’s hard for you to be here this time of year. But I want you to know how glad we all are to have you home for the holidays.”

      The knot in Aidan’s chest prevented him from answering—that and the sting of emotion that tightened his throat.

      His sibling knew him too well to be fooled. “I’ll let you go,” Liam said, his eyes expressing the depth of their relationship. “If I can help with anything, let me know.”