Page 95 of Forever and Other Lies

“Hardly? You took out a serial killer. Saved Jayna’s life.” Tommy’s voice was filled with pride. “My brother is a certified hero.”

Derek turned and stared at Tommy. Every time he thought about how close Jayna had come to losing her life, he felt sick. It was pure luck that he followed Sonny that night. Just a gut instinct. Sonny had killed Greta and Duncan yet hadn’t even made it on the police department’s radar. The man had simply snapped. But Duncan? The busboy had been peeping in the wrong window at the wrong time, catching a glimpse of something he was never meant to see. He must have been a loose end that Sonny couldn't afford to leave behind.

Derek shuddered, the weight of all that had happened pressing down on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.

He sighed and looked back at the pond, its surface calm and serene, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him. “I did what anyone would have done. Besides, Jayna had already kicked the shit out of Sonny. I merely had to restrain him.”

Tommy shook his head. “Not everyone would have had the guts to follow their instinct. To face down a killer.”

Derek shrugged. “I guess.”

Tommy’s gaze softened. “You did good, Derek. Really good.”

“I still hurt her, Tommy. Jayna told me that she’s in love with me, and I walked.”

Tommy leaned forward, scratching Norbert’s ears. “Why did you?”

“Why did I what?”

“Why did you walk?”

Derek shrugged again. “Dunno. I don’t do relationships.”

“Why?” Tommy asked.

“Why what?” Derek repeated.

“Derek! Can you stop acting like your asshole self for a moment and have a serious discussion?” Tommy let out a frustrated sigh. “Why don’t you do relationships?”

“I just don’t.”

“So, stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Seriously, Derek. Stop being an insensitive, pigheaded jerk. Go talk to her.”

“What if she tells me to get lost?”

“Who?” Tommy waggled his brows.

“Ha ha. You’re frigging hilarious.”

Tommy chuckled, then his voice turned serious again. “Does she know how you feel about her?”

“Who?”

“Damn it, Derek. I’m about to plant my fist in your face. If you want my advice, stop being a dumbass.”

“I don’t recall asking for your advice. I was sitting here, enjoying the quiet, then you and the dog with the stupid name showed up.”

“I don’t know why I even bother to try.” Tommy punched him in the arm. “But you’re my brother, and I want to see you happy. So, one more time. Have you told Jayna how you feel about her?”

He shrugged yet again.

“So, that would be a no.” Tommy shook his head. “You need to tell her. In clear, concise words. No grunts allowed.”

“I don’t grunt. And what’s the point? I blew my chance with her. She’s seriously pissed.”

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