Page 65 of I Blame the Alcohol

I smirk, recognizing the name of the girl from the airport. Scrolling down, the list of Mo’s conquests is endless, as are the number of party invitations. My father’s number pops up a couple of times, but all work related.

Disappointed, I put his phone back down and make myself comfortable on his 4 poster California King bed. When my brother returns from lecturing Cody, he and I are going to have our own little heart-to-heart.

Chapter 20

Cody

“So. You and Stella.”

Mo’s cold stare sweeps over me, his gaze lingering on my bare feet peeking out of my sweatpants. Probably should have covered up the dogs for this conversation.

“I’m sorry Mo, I really am. I should have talked to you before it got this far.”

My first-year mentor pushes off the counter and walks over to where I’m standing. I roll my shoulders back, clench my jaw, and brace myself for the impact.

“What the hell took you so long?”

A hand claps my back, and the shock of it almost sends me flying.

Mo grins, “Easy there, captain. The fact you two have been crushing on each other for months now has been pretty damn obvious. It was about time you made a move.”

I regain my balance, struggling to recover my thought process.

“Wait. You’re not upset Stella and I got together?”

“That depends,” Mo gives me a pointed look, “Does got together mean youaretogether or just having sex?”

Nothing about last night wasjustsex.

“The first one.”

“Thought so.” Mo nods, satisfied with my answer, “In that case, no I am not upset you two got together. Besides the fact you snuck behind my back to fuck my sister, you're still the most stand-up guy I know.”

I wince at the crude language, “Before this trip, we’d only kissed once. I was waiting for the right moment to tell you but then…”

Mo holds up a hand, “One thing led to another. Really don’t need to know anything else.”

Relief crashes over me as the guilt from these last few months finally falls from my shoulders.

He tilts his head, studying me carefully, “Why didn’t you approach me sooner?”

I sigh, “I was scared. You took me under your wing and showed me the ropes to the team and the university. And then you honoured me with the rookie-of-the-year award and nominated me for team captain. The least I could do was look out for your sister like you asked me too. I just didn’t expect to develop feelings.”

Mo’s pale blue eyes soften. “You were in a tough position. I know what it's like to not want to disappoint a role model figure.”

I survey the older O’Brien sibling in front of me, Mo’s impressive physique and impeccable appearance leaving no hint to what cracks lie underneath.

“What did your mother’s death cost you?”

If my question startled Mo, he does a good job of not showing it.

“Freedom.”

“Freedom?”

Mo nods, “The day I buried my mother is the day I buried my ability to be anything beyond my father’s expectations.”

Before I can fully register the meaning behind his words, Mo clears his throat.

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