Page 234 of Things Left Unsaid

And I can’t be sorry.

Not when they knowwhyI’m home.

Not when they know how I’m treated here.

Just because I’ve processed that BS doesn’t make it right.

“I figured you were assimilating to your new circumstances,” Calder reasons.

“Barely left the ranch until the other week.”

Colby’s hold on me tightens. “Heard about that.”

“I wish they’d let up on you,” Carson agrees, but this time, he’s grabbed a dish towel and he’s using it to cover his junk as he side-walks to the kitchen table.

“Hell’ll freeze over first. It’s fine.”

“It’s not,” Calder retorts. “I’m glad Colt stuck up for you. It’s all anyone can talk about. Folks’ noses have been out of joint so the kids at school are gossiping.”

“Gossip. What Pigeon Creek was founded on. Just goes to show that they’ll believe anything of the McAllisters.”

Colby nods. “Everyone’s crossing the street whenever we show up in town.”

“Assholes.” I huff. “Anyway, I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to talk to you too. I need you three on your best behavior at the Seven Cs?—”

“Duh,” Colby grumbles.

“I mean with Callan.”

Carson’s nose crinkles. “Why? He’s an asshole.”

“He’s sweet.”

“Asshole,” Calder confirms.

“He’s not!”

“He thinks he’s so much better than everyone.” Colby yawns. “Plus, he’s a real bore.”

“I like him so don’t give him any crap.”

Carson frowns. “So, you’ve been spending time with Colton’s little brother and not your own? Nice, sis. Nice.”

“You could have come and seen me too,” I say unrepentantly. “The road isn’t blocked on either end.”

Calder shakes his head. “Bet you’d have shifted your ass for Walker.”

Colby grunts. “Don’t go there, Cald. Jeez. Walker would never have let us get into this mess in the first place, so we don’t need to be in a pissing competition with our dead brother.”

I arch a brow at Colby. “When did you get so wise?”

“While you were in New York.”

“Burn.” I cringe. “But no denying it’s the truth.”

“Couldn’t be helped. Can still sting though.” Colby nudges me. “You think Callan is cool. Might be nice if you thought the same about your actual siblings…”

My gaze flicks between them and I notice that no one is arguing with him.

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