Page 83 of Waking Olivia

“So you finally managed to wedge your way into their family,” Jessica snaps at me.

“Yeah,” says Brendan, “and you tried and failed, so get lost.”

Jessica turns on her heel and storms out. Will stands there a second longer and there’s something in his face now aside from anger. He looks hurt. So hurt that I want to run after him as he turns to follow her out.

I lean back against the pillar that stands between the stalls. “You shouldn’t have done that,” I breathe.

He laughs. “Did you see his face? Oh my God. I wish I had that on film.”

I raise a brow. “Why do you enjoy torturing him so much?”

“That’s just what brothers do. And besides, he needs someone to light a fire under his ass.”

“I think maybe you ought to find a better way to do what brothers do,” I sigh, picking up the grooming brush I dropped when he attacked me. “Like coming back to help for a while after you graduate.”

“Help?” he says. “Why? Will’s got it under control.”

I look at him in disbelief. “Do you really think that, Brendan? He’s working two jobs to keep you in school. Your dad left so much debt they can’t even afford full-time help anymore. I know it’s not my place to say this, and Will doesn’t want you to know, but this place is a sinking ship and you’re swimming away as fast as you can while he bails water.”

He looks stricken. “I had no idea. The farm always did well.”

“I don’t think it’s done well in a long time. Your dad took out a second mortgage a while back just to stay afloat.”

“Why the hell didn’t my mom tell me? Or Will?”

“He’s been trying to give you what he had—four years of college without feeling responsible for anyone but yourself. But his life is hard, Brendan. So when you sit there talking about biking through Europe, it’s got to piss him off.”

“Great. So he’s doing all that and he thinks I’m trying to steal his girl on top of it.”

“I’m not his girl,” I counter.

“The hell you aren’t. But admit it—that was the best kiss you’ve ever had. And for the record, I’m just as good at everything else.”

“I’ve had better,” I reply, thinking of Will.

“No one’s better than me,” he argues.

My head raises just in time to see Will coming at us, looking only at Brendan.

“Oh fuck,” mutters Brendan and seconds later Will’s fist is airborne, connecting with Brendan’s jaw. Brendan takes the hit, stumbling backward. He flinches as he rubs his face. “I’m going to let you have that one,” he tells Will, “but that better be the end of it.”

“Will,” I breathe. “What the hell?”

He grabs my wrist, pulling me outside of the stables. He rounds on me as soon as we’re out. “What the fuck was that?”

“I could ask you the same question!” I cry. “Why the hell did you punch him?”

“Are you dating him?”

“No, of course not. You know I’m not.”

“Well, that was pretty damn convincing back there,” he growls. “And if you’re not dating, what was up with letting him kiss you?”

“What choice did I have?” I cry back. “He lied to save your ass and I went along with it. You should be grateful.”

He presses me to the wall, pinning me there with his hands at my shoulders, his face an inch from mine and angrier than I’ve ever seen him. “Well, I’m not,” he snaps. “So don’t do it again.”

He is solid muscle as he presses against me, and the anger inside me is morphing to something else, something hot and liquid and weak. I can feel his breath against my mouth, his angry eyes registering the difference in me just as I register it in him. And then his mouth descends, crushing mine beneath his, pulling me into him with his hands tight on my waist.

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