Page 14 of The Spark Between Us

Braden swallowed hard and crossed his arms defensively. “Glad you like it.” I noticed his eyes, a little red with the beginnings of dark circles forming beneath them. His face was a mirror of how I felt, suddenly drained, probably the residual effects of the accident.

I wanted to talk to him and break through the awkwardness a little more. I wanted to play with his dog and find the cooking channels on his TV, but my body wouldn’t cooperate. We stared at each other, both of us glassy-eyed.

“You should really stand in the shower and get some wet heat on your neck and back. It’ll help your spine from locking up tomorrow. You have to be at work all day, right?”

I nodded, my body aching in agreement. “Yeah, I need to be there early. Shower’s a good idea. I can do that tonight.”

“You should do it now.” He stared down at me, stern like an older brother. Maybe he thought this was how Finn would treat me.

“Okay.” I felt too exhausted to argue. “I’ll do it now. Soon as I get my stuff from your truck.”

He blocked my exit from the room and shook his head. “I’ll get it. You relax.” He backed out of the room, and seconds later I heard his footsteps on the stairs. I heard Bella scamper up to him when he got down, and his voice went up an octave when he lavished her with attention. “Who’s my good girl? Yes, you are. Want to come out to the truck?”

I was glad he had Bella in his life. I couldn’t fight the feeling that there was something sad about him, and it made my heart ache, even if I didn’t understand why.

I texted Finn.

Me: Hey, made it to Carolwood.

I didn’t overexplain my grand entry into town. Finn would have a field day lecturing me about my driving.

Finn: Great! Getting settled?

Me: Yeah, about that. Anything I should know about Braden? Dark secrets?

Finn didn’t answer immediately, and I stared at the phone, conjuring imaginary responses that confirmed my worst fears. Then I saw blinking dots.

Finn: None I’m at liberty to reveal. Why?

I had to put it delicately. They went back a long way, and I didn’t want to throw Braden—and therefore myself—under the bus before I’d even unpacked a bag.

Me: He seems a little bummed out. I just don’t want to cramp his style.

Finn: Lol. That won’t be a problem. He has no style.

Me: Seriously. Don’t leave me in the dark. You know I’ll put my foot in my mouth.

Finn: He’s fine. It’s been two years. But if you’re concerned, just ask him. Get to know your new roomie.

I could picture Finn smiling as he typed. He thought the idea of me having a roommate was so cute and funny. Jerk.

Me: What’s been two years?

Finn: Talk. To. Him.

Fine. But I knew if he was anything like my brother, Braden wouldn’t give me a straight answer.

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