Page 45 of Unbearable

“Last time we talked, I thought you wanted me to stay away from her. Like you didn’t want anything to happen between us?” I asked, confused when that had changed.

“Nah, I was just digging to figure out if anything was going on or to see if you’d have the balls to admit it to me,” he said.

I shook my head. “How did you know?” I asked.

“It’s the way you look at her. I figured something changed when, suddenly, after years of friendship, I wasno longer able to talk about one of you in front of the other.” He sighed into the phone. “But I knew when Dotty came back after years away and saw the way you look at her. You trying to hide the fact that you’re a goner for her is kind of entertaining.” Dorian’s tone softened. “But good luck breaking through to her. She’s very closed off since leaving Woodstone. I love you, I love her, and I want the best for you both, no matter what that is.”

“Thanks. I’m hoping she will let me in eventually.”

“Yeah, good luck. You’ve got your work cut out for you there.”

I sure did, but that wasn’t going to scare me away. I was done fighting my feelings for Dotty and was ready to start fightingforher.

SIXTEEN

Dotty

WHITE HORSE - TAYLOR SWIFT

I triedeverything to avoid thinking about that moment on the porch with Trent and failed.

Miserably.

I went from wanting to avoid seeing him at all costs to almost kissing him in a matter of weeks. All because he picked me up and was playing nice for once. I didn’t know what the hell was wrong with me, but I had to stop myself from banging my head against a wall at how foolish I was.

Realizing I needed someone to talk this over with, and not trusting any of my brothers to do so, I picked up my phone and called Noah. She answered right away with a big smile.

“Hey! I’ve missed you. Our daily texts aren’t cutting it. I’m going to have to come see you soon,” she whined as her bronze-skinned face filled my screen.

“I miss you too. I’m ready for a girls’ night in with you. Being surrounded by men all the time is killing me.”

“Too much testosterone in one family, honestly.” She chuckled. “And all your family likes each other? It’s kind of concerning, honestly.”

I shook my head. “Nope, that is normal. Your family is just not normal.”

“Ain’t that the truth. Also, before I forget or lose the courage to tell you, I have officially killed all your plants, despite my best efforts.” She giggled, her nose scrunching up.

I was not at all surprised, considering Noah couldn’t keep a plant alive if her life depended on it. “An excuse to buy more.” I smiled.

“What’s going on? You’ve got that look on your face when you’re thinking too hard about something.”

I groaned and let my head fall into my lap. “Sometimes, I hate how well you know me.”

“Spit it out,” she said.

“I almost kissed Trent,” I blurted out.

“You didwhat? What about your date?”

“Uh…” I bit my lip and looked away from the phone, wincing.

“Oh, my god. Please give meallthe details.”

I told her about the turn of events from last night, from my mediocre date to Trent playing the savior, coming to pick me up when the truck wouldn’t start.

“Swoon. Dorothea Mae James. You are literally living my dream. Childhood best friend turned swoony cowboy who is low-key pining? Jesus, does he have a brother?” she teased.

“No, but I have three.” I laughed. “But we arenotgetting together, and he is not pining after me. I have my life in Seattle. He has his life here. Plus, there is too much history there.”

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