Page 216 of Things Left Unsaid

“Accountability.”

“Huh.”

“Huh?”

“Not to post online?”

“Oh, I post it, but that pushes me into doing it. I find it relaxing but I’m not great at scheduling downtime. Posting online pushes me into practicing my hobby.”

“That’s illogical.”

“Who said I was logical?” I taunt, amused because he’s scowling more now. “Did you find out how Fen got loose yet?”

His brow puckers. “Colt’s been on me about that too.”

“Because he wants an answer?—”

“Are you pestering Susanne?”

I don’t stiffen intentionally, but Lindsayneveruses ‘Zee’ and it’s pissing me off.

“I’m not pesteringZee, Mum,” Callan corrects with a sniff.

I knew I liked this kid.

Lindsay drifts toward the line of stools and lingers behind Callan. I’m used to Tee’s eyes on me, but this is a whole different audience.

It’s impossible to stop my cheeks turning pink over being the center of their attention.

The silence that settles among us is strange.

It’s probably why we all hear Colton’s voice from the front door as he slams it closed.

“You’ll get your ass home, Cole, or I’ll head to New York myself and drag you here… No. We made arrangements and we’re going ahead with them. You’ll— No. Cole. How many goddamn times do I have to tell you? I don’t care if you’re in the playoffs. Pretend to have the flu.

“Mum’s expecting you too.”

Lindsay clears her throat. “Cole’s?—”

“He thinks I started the fire.” I settle a measured look on her. “I’m used to it.”

“You’re willing to disappoint the whole family because of this?” Colt argues, breaking into our conversation. “I arranged the BBQ and a birthday party for you around the playoffs. I’ve changed the date twice! This one fits in with Callan’s graduation ceremony. You only have to be here twenty-four hours, dammit.

“You think it’s fair to cancel? She’s my wife. Whether you like it or not. Look, this is a big deal. It’s important to me.” He sighs. “It’s not as if I ask a lot of you.”

Callan mutters, “Cole’ll get to know you, Zee, and he’ll realize you didn’t do anything wrong.”

I hitch a shoulder. “He’ll think what he wants, Callan. There’s no changing someone’s mind and he hung, drew, and quartered me a long time ago.”

“It’s not fair though. You didn’t do it.”

“In the name of family unity—” Lindsay tuts. “—Cole should make an effort to come home. I’ll speak with him if Colt can’t get him to.”

“Thank you, Cole. I appreciate it. Honestly, once you get to know her, you’ll realize you were wrong about her. I’ll see you next week. Yeah. Great. Thanks.”

His footsteps echo down the hall, but his head is bowed over his phone as he steps into the kitchen. He jerks back when he finally sees us watching him. His lips form an easy grin as he finds my gaze and then strolls my way.

When he curves an arm around my shoulder, in front of his mother and brother, I can feel my cheeks grow pink again. He busses my temple and I don’t bother to hide how much I like that.

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