Page 63 of I Blame the Alcohol

“Then you would just hit the gym later in the day.”

The answer seems so simple, so obvious, but nothing about Stella’s past is simple or obvious. I don’t know the full extent of Jonathan’s do-or-die mentality or how it was passed along but given the automatic response to a panic attack at 4AM is to sweat it out at the gym, I’m thinking there are much bigger issues that need to be addressed.

But not right now.

Gently removing the leggings and tank top from her hands, I let them fall to the floor before steering her back to bed. She follows me silently, climbing back under the covers without a word.

Exhaustion hits me almost immediately, but I fight to keep my eyes open until I see Stella’s start to close, her breathing gradually growing deeper.

“I’m sorry, Cody.” Her voice is tired and frail, the tone decades older than the girl lying next to me.

“What are you sorry for?”

“For having so much baggage.”

By the time I respond, Stella has already fallen back asleep, her head nestled against my chest. I lower my voice to a whisper as I watch the tension seep from her features.

“There’s no other baggage I’d rather have.”

Stella

“You two fucked.”

Mo crosses his arms and gives us one of his infamous death glares. If we weren’t related, I can see how that look could be intimidating on a lacrosse field. Think I’m more at risk of frostbite right now than I was on the ski hill yesterday.

Widening my eyes to assume innocence, Cody ruins my strategy by nodding.

“We spent the night together, yes.”

Mo flicks his eyes over each of us, his posture as rigid as the granite countertop behind him. “Are you a thing?”

Before Cody can respond, I shake my head. “That’s none of your business. And how did you know we had sex?”

Next to me, Cody groans under his breath while Mo huffs out a humourless laugh.

“Besides the fact you both skipped morning workout today? The huge ass hickey on Cody’s neck is a bit of a giveaway.”

I turn to look at the varsity captain, clapping a hand over my mouth when I see the fist-size purple bruise blooming just above his hoodie. Cody smirks and mouthsvampireat me.

“You should have said something!” I start to giggle despite the murderous look Mo shoots my way, “I would have gone easier on you this morning.”

Cody shrugs, “I enjoyed how much you enjoyed it.”

“Jesus Christ.” Mo presses his palms into his eyelids, exhaling heavily, “Enough with the visuals.”

Cody chuckles and it seems to ease some of the tension from the room. The moment temporarily rekindles some of their bromance until my brother switches back to the protective older brother mode.

Otherwise known as The Dick.

“What are your intentions with my sister?” I roll my eyes at the cliché, tugging Cody’s hand to lead him away from the interrogation.

“Well…” Cody’s eyes flick to mine and the flash of hesitation brings on a wave of nausea. I could blame it on the lack of sleep, but we all know that would be a lie.

“You don’t have to answer that.” My response is steady and firm, the polar opposite of how I’m feeling inside.

I would never expect Cody to get down on one knee after spending one night together, but I really do think we have something special. Something that is more than just a hookup. Something that could withstand my never-ending list of buried vulnerabilities.

I am crazy about you and that terrifies me.

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