After lunch, my phone rings at the same time I hear the doorbell. Glancing at the caller ID, I see it's my mom again. I make a face and hit ignore jumping up to answer the door. "I'll get it," I call.

Grandma shakes her head at me knowingly. "You're going to have to talk to her sooner or later."

"I'll go with later," I reply cheekily. I pull the door open to Christian standing in front of me with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his blue and white striped bathing suit. On top he's wearing a white graphic t-shirt of what I can only assume is some band I've never heard of. He looks down at me giving me his heart-melting smile causing my brain to fog. I almost forget to say, "Hi."

"Hi, Bree. Hi, Grandma Betty," he greets us. Then he gives a small wave to her sitting at the table before focusing on me. "Are you ready for skiing?"

"Not really, but I'll try," I answer truthfully. I grab my bag announcing, "Okay, I guess I'm ready to go. Bye, Grandma. I love you!" I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and walk out the door with her waving us out.

On the five-minute drive to his house, I can't help but notice he seems anxious. His actions prompt me to question, "Why do you seem nervous? I'm the one meeting your family. Are you afraid they won't like me?" I prompt, only half joking.

His breath rushes out of him and he shakes his head, reaching for my hand. "Absolutely not! They're all going to love you! I'm just...it's just...my dad. I guess I'm always nervous about meeting his expectations," he stammers. He glances at me, assessing my now scared expression and quickly explains, "I'm not nervous about you meeting his expectations. I know he's going to love you," he emphasizes. "This is all about me, I promise."

His attempt at comforting me doesn't exactly make me feel better, but I don't want him to feel worse. Instead, I take a deep breath, attempting to calm myself down, remaining quiet until we get there.

We pull up to his house and he squeezes my hand in encouragement. I turn my gaze to his and he prompts, "It's going to be fun today, I promise." He leans towards me, placing a chaste kiss on my lips before he drops my hand and jumps out of his truck grabbing my bag. I guess I have no choice but to follow him.

Walking into his house, my eyes widen in awe at the view off the back the house. It feels like we can see the whole lake with nearly the whole back wall covered with glass. "Christian, this is absolutely beautiful," I praise.

He drops my bag by the door and smiles, reaching for my hand again. "Come on, let's go find everyone." He pulls me through a large open living room covered in old barn wood centered around a large stone fireplace. The living room connects to a large open kitchen with an enormous oak dining room table I think seats at least twelve people.

"Hey, little bro! What are you doing with a beautiful girl like that?" one of his brothers asks as he saunters over to us from the refrigerator. He grins as he holds out his hand. "Hi, I'm Matt, the good looking one in the family and you're beautiful," he declares, introducing himself.

I blush a deep shade of red and mumble, "Hi, I'm Bree." I reach out and shake his hand, noticing the death glare Christian gives him. At first glance, Matt looks a lot like Christian. They appeared to be about the same height and build only Matt's hair is all blonde and he has green eyes instead of Christian's beautiful blue. He definitely has the same smile that makes me blush.

"Okay, okay, enough dickhead," Christian grumbles. He reaches out and pulls my hand away from his brother's, making me laugh along with Matt causing Christian to extend his glare to me.

"Dad and Jason are out in the garage. They'll be in later. Mom and Theresa should be right down though," Matt explains before Christian even has a chance to ask. Christian nods in acknowledgement, his jaw tight. "So, Christian said you've never been skiing before, but you've been on the lake for years?" he inquires, changing the subject.

"Yeah, well, I've been coming here to stay with my grandma every summer since I was nine, but I live in Massachusetts. I have one more year of school before heading to college, hopefully back up here."

"That's cool. Let me know if you want to check out Texas for potential colleges, I'd be glad to help you out." He smiles at me, casting a sideways glance at his brother.

This time Christian punches him in the arm. "Quit hitting on my girlfriend, dude!"

Matt's smile broadens. "Just messing with you, Christian, chill out."

At that moment, I hear footsteps on the stairs, followed by, "Christian, you're back!" I look up at a beautiful woman with blonde hair, pale skin and green eyes, followed by what seems to be a younger version of the same person. His mom walks right up to me and surprises me by giving me a hug. Then she reaches for my hands, only getting one with Christian refusing to let me go. "You must be Bree. It's so wonderful to meet you. Christian has been telling us so much about you," she croons.

I smile shyly answering, "It's nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Emory."

His sister reaches out to shake my hand too. "Hi, I'm Theresa."

"Hi, Theresa, I heard you have one more year left of high school too?" I probe, wanting common ground.

"Unfortunately, yes. But I'm so ready to go to college! Hopefully the year will fly by," she chirps.

"I know what you mean," I concur, thinking of being away from Christian.

"So, everyone ready to go skiing? We have to get out there soon so we can be back to help mom out with dinner. It will be nice having another girl along for once," Theresa proclaims, glancing at me and then back to her brothers expectantly.

"Sure, let's go. I'll drive the boat," Christian volunteers.

"Good luck stealing the keys from Jason. He took them so we'd be sure not to leave without him," Matt complains and rolls his eyes.

"Figures," Christian grunts.

Just then we hear a door open and shut. Two men walk into the room, both about six feet, a little taller than Christian and both with dark brown hair, one with a little bit of grey weaved in. Both men look up at me, instantly telling me where Christian got his beautiful eyes and smile, his father. His brother Jason looks exactly like his dad, only younger. Putting it mildly, they're a good-looking family.

They both approach as Christian clears his throat, dropping my hand and increasing my anxiety. "Dad, this is Briann Summers," he introduces me, his chest rising with pride.

I'm so nervous I'm shaking, but Mr. Emory just smiles an older version of that beautiful smile I love so much and offers his hand to shake mine. "It's a pleasure to meet you Briann. We're so glad you could come today. We were starting to think you were a figment of Christian's imagination," he taunts with a quick glance in his direction.

I notice Christian's slight cringe at the comment and force my focus back to his dad. "Thank you for having me. It's nice to meet you too."

"Well, she's gorgeous and has manners. What the hell are you doing with my little brother?" his brother prods, the corners of his lips tugging up in amusement.

"Jason..." Mrs. Emory warns.

"Hi, Bree. I'm Jason," he introduces himself, ignoring his mother's warning. Reaching for my hand, he pulls it to his lips, kissing the back and appraising me. Out of the corner of my eye I see Christian seething and pull my hand away as quickly and discreetly as possible.

"So, I guess we're waiting on you to go skiing?" I prompt, hoping to diffuse the rising tension between Christian and Jason.

"Then, let's go already," he urges emphatically. He turns towards the back door, grabbing what I assume are the keys for the boat out of his bathing suit pocket.

We all follow Jason down to the water as Mrs. Emory calls out, "I'll see you guys later. Have fun and be back by five to help with dinner."

Everyone yells their version of acknowledgement and waves goodbye.

As soon as we step outside, Christian grabs my hand again. I look up at him, full of concern. "Are you okay?" I prod.

"Sure, I'm great," he replies, giving me a tight smile. I open my mouth to push for more, but hesitate, knowing he won't say anything with everyone around, instead, squeezing his hand in encouragement.

He helps me step into the boat and we all help load the equipment, grabbing life jackets, the kneeboard and skis. I sit at the back of the boat, letting everyone else ski first. As they all take turns skiing, I notice Christian becoming more and more relaxed. I have fun watching all of them ski, especially Christian, he seems so confident on the water. While Jason skies, Christian drives the boat with ease. Although, at one point, I think he's trying to make his brother fall, but it doesn't happen.

Everyone seems to be having fun, joking, laughing and singing along with the radio as we cruise around the lake. Finally, I'm the only one left to ski. I tighten the life jacket and take a deep breath as I jump into the water. I try to put on the skis, listening to their directions. "I'm keeping my eyes on her. You drive, Jason," Christian instructs, not leaving room for argument. "You better be fucking careful with her," he threatens. Jason just laughs him off.

I sit in the water with my life jacket on and wrap my fingers around the bar on the towrope, placing the rope between my legs like they told me. I desperately attempt to hold the two skis up straight like they instructed, but I feel, like I'm about to fall off a chair just sitting in the water. The moment I have both hands on the towrope, Jason takes off quickly and I hold on for dear life, trying to pull myself up out of the water. Just moments later I'm up. I see Christian do a fist pump for me in the air and I smile, not risking letting go. It feels so bumpy flying across the water like this. I keep reminding myself to keep my knees and arms bent to maintain control. I'm sure I look so awkward. Suddenly, the boat goes over a small wave intensifying my fear knowing I'm next to hit the 'little' wave. I have no idea how it happened, but I feel the rope rip from my hand without warning. A ski flies off my foot as my ass smacks the water hard jamming my bathing suit up my butt. I mutter, "Ow," and right myself, watching the boat turn around coming back for me.

When they reach me, Christian smiles so big, I can't help but smile just as big right back at him. "You did so great," he praises. "I can't believe you got up on the first try! Do you want to try again?" he offers, leaning over the side of the boat looking down at me.

"Thanks, but I think my butt needs a break," I concede.

I hear everyone laugh in response as Christian prompts, "Come on, I can help you with that." He reaches down and lifts me up, helping me get back into the boat. He gives me a big hug, while Matt and Theresa pull the skis and rope in, both complimenting me.

"Great job, Bree. I'm impressed," Jason states from the wheel.

"Thanks, it was fun," I admit.

For the rest of the afternoon, they take turns skiing and knee boarding, while I remain perfectly content watching everyone else. After a while, Jason slows the boat, bringing Christian's ride to an end. "Want to go swimming?" he suggests.

I watch as Theresa pushes her brother Matt into the water in response, before jumping in on her own. Christian throws the skis back on the boat and stays in the water, "Are you coming in Bree?" he yells.

"Maybe..." I smile watching him.

"Sure, she is," Jason yells back. He picks me up, jumping in the water with me. I screech just before we hit, Jason letting me go as soon as we hit the water.

When my head pops up Christian is already there, dunking his brother back down. "Hands off, Jason!"

"Christian, hey we're just goofing around like we always do. What the hell is your problem?" Jason demands.

"Bree is off limits," he insists.

"Of course, she is. She's my little brother's girlfriend. Chill the fuck out!" he retorts.

"Christian, I'm fine," I prod, reaching out and lightly touching his arm.

He looks at me and takes a deep breath. He pulls me to him mumbling, "Sorry, I know." He gives me a couple sweet kisses as we tread water, but I feel defeat emanating from him. After a few minutes, we swim back to the boat, and he helps me up. "I'm sorry," he repeats.

"I know. It's okay. Maybe we can talk more about what's really bothering you later?" I probe, arching my eyebrows in challenge. He nods his head in agreement and presses his lips to mine, before pulling me down next to him on the back of the boat.

Soon after, everyone climbs back on the boat, and we head back to their house with Christian unusually quiet. He's holding my hand tight, almost like he's afraid to let go. Dinner goes much the same way with Christian's siblings starting most of the conversation or his parents asking me questions.

After dinner Christian announces, "We're heading back to Bree's house to watch a movie with her grandma tonight. I look up at him and hold back a laugh, knowing he's lying and hoping he'll talk to me when we leave. Everyone gives me a quick hug goodbye, his brothers getting glares as they do, but they just laugh it off.

When we climb in his truck, I immediately, ask, "So do you want to tell me what all that tension with you and Jason was about? And with your dad too for that matter."

He sighs and looks at me, gathering his thoughts. Then, without saying a word, he turns away starting the truck and pulling out. Staring straight ahead with both hands on the wheel, he starts talking, "Jason is the perfect son." I stare at him, my eyebrows drawn down in confusion, waiting for him to explain.

"Jason is just like my dad, he never minded going from team to team so he always played sports and he was really good at football. The typical hometown hero quarterback of whatever town we were in at the time. We actually stayed in one town for his last three years of high school, so he could stay on that team. It's the longest I remember being in the same place. My dad played football in high school and the pride he always showed for Jason," he winces and shakes it off. "Anyway, after high school, Jason went on to my dad's alma mater at West Point. Jason has the whole package; the grades, he's athletic, the looks. He's like a mini version of my dad, although, not so mini. He's always been able to get anything he wants without even trying."

He pauses as he pulls into my driveway and puts the truck in park. He turns the car off, but I don't move, waiting for him to continue. I can tell there's more. "I dated this girl in high school and brought her home one weekend for dinner when the whole family was home. Come to find out, the whole time she dated me she had a huge crush on my big brother. Whenever she heard Jason would be home from college, she'd do everything she could to get our dates to end up at my house."

He pauses again, running his hand through his hair and continuing to stare out the windshield. "One weekend a few friends were over for a pool party, including her. I went inside to use the bathroom and I came back out looking for her. One of my buddies said my girlfriend asked Jason to show her where to grab a towel from the cabana. So, I went to check on her and when I opened the door her back was to me and she had just dropped her top on the floor saying, 'Forget the towel, you can cover me, Jason.' My brother had been grabbing a towel for her and looked just as shocked as me when he turned around, but it didn't matter," he shrugs, bitterly spitting out the words. "He could even take my girl if he wanted. It felt like a punch in the gut."

My mouth hangs open in shock. I can't believe girls actually do things like that. How could she do that to Christian? I shake off my stupor and prod, "He didn't do anything, right?"

"No, but it didn't matter, I blamed him. I couldn't help it. I always try so hard, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to live up to Jason and I can't help but hold it against him. I really do love him, but I swear my dad and sometimes it seems everyone else loves perfect Jason more and it fucking sucks!"

"I don't believe that. Maybe your dad just relates to him better because they're so much alike. Maybe he's not sure how to show you how proud he is of you. You're amazing, Christian. I know your whole family thinks so too," I claim scooting closer to him, "and I sure think you're the best looking one in your family," I compliment.

He smirks, glancing at me. "You do, huh?"

I nod in confirmation. "I don't think I could be happier, Christian. I'm absolutely crazy about you. No one could steal me away from you," I vow.

He smiles even bigger wrapping his arms around me and I completely melt into him. "Thank you, Bree," he murmurs on a sigh. He gives me a chaste kiss and we head inside with his arm wrapped around my shoulders.

"Well, hello, you two. How was your day?" she inquires.

"We had fun. I got up on skis," I announce. She smiles and I add, "Plus, his family is really nice."

She chuckles and shakes her head in amusement. "That's not the first thing you tell me?"

Glancing at Christian I shrug, and we both laugh. He glances towards my grandma and proposes, "Why don't you watch a movie with us?"

"No thank you. You two enjoy. I have a new book I want to read," she explains.

"Okay, have fun," I mumble as she turns towards her room.

"Goodnight," she calls back.

Icurl up on the couch with Christian and reach for the remote. After briefly skimmingthrough the movies, I pick out a romantic comedy for us to watch. He lays downand I lay next to him, my back to his front, his arms immediately wrappingaround my waist. I turn my head towards him and press my lips to his, but wedon't do anything more than that, just wanting to be close. As we watch, Iglance up at him wondering if he's really even watching, but I think both of usjust feel happy and content being together tonight.

What do you think of Christian's siblings?

All the Emory siblings each have their own book!! Jason's story is Unforgettable Dreams (Book 3), Theresa's story is Unforgettable Memories (Book 4) and Matt's story is The Unforgettable One (Book 5).