Page 62 of Off Limits

An image of Dex at Christmas that year popped into my head, and how much smaller he’d looked. He’d told everyone it was just the stress of college and a more rigorous workout schedule and that it wasn’t a big deal. Everyone had accepted that at face value, but I’d noticed how much his eating habits had changed.

“That’swhy I care that you’re eating and why I don’t mind cooking enough for both of us. No one was looking out for me when I needed them. I sure as hell am going to look out for you.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but the words got stuck in my throat at his look. It was so intense, so…protective? It was hard to describe, but he didn’t seem angry about what happened to him, more like he was scared for me.

“Thanks,” I croaked. “I mean that. And I’m sorry that happened to you.”

He nodded.

“Does anyone know about this?”

“No one here.”

“I won’t tell, I promise.”

“I know you won’t.” He scrubbed his hand through his hair with a sigh. “So, pizza?”

“Pizza.” I nodded, grateful he’d changed the subject.

“I’ll put the order in and go pick it up. I refuse to pay for delivery when the place is literally ten minutes away.” He bent his head over his phone again.

I stood there, my mind racing with everything I’d learned about my stepbrother in the weeks I’d lived with him.

I’d spent years thinking Dex lived life on easy mode, but that wasn’t even close to the truth. He worked hard to get where he was, and he’d struggled just as much as anyone else. I just hadn’t seen it because I hadn’t wanted to.

15

DEX

Pullinginto the driveway behind Asa’s car, I put the car in park and turned off the engine.

It was just after five on Saturday, and instead of relaxing after a long week, I’d spent most of the afternoon aimlessly puttering around my apartment, trying to keep busy and think about anything other than my stepbrother.

That hadn’t worked, and after driving myself crazy for hours, I made the snap decision to help Asa babysit.

I told myself it was because I wanted to see my siblings and avoid my dad and Miranda, but that wasn’t the whole truth.

As much as I tried to deny it, I wanted to spend time with Asa away from the apartment and off camera to try to figure out what the hell was going on with me and why I was so preoccupied with him.

I hadn’t told him I was coming over, and I had no idea how he was going to react to me just showing up like this, but whatever. I could leave after the kids went to bed if he was pissed or didn’t want me around.

Resolutely, I threw open my car door and climbed out. I really did want to see my little siblings, and this would be my first chance to hang out with them without our parents around.

I couldn’t see any movement in any of the windows as I made my way up the front walkway, and I wasn’t surprised to find the door locked. Instead of using my key, I pressed the doorbell. Something told me just walking in wouldn’t be the best way to announce myself.

Voices rang out from behind the closed door, and a moment later, it flew open.

“Dex!” Chloe shouted excitedly, standing in the open doorway with a big smile on her face.

“Dex?” Tanner came racing around the corner and skidded to a stop beside her. “Dex!” Eagerly, he stepped onto the porch and grabbed my hand.

“Chloe,” Asa said, coming around the same corner with Ruby on his hip. His confused gaze met mine, then dropped to our little sister. “How many times have I told you not to open the door unless an adult is with you?”

She looked up at him sheepishly. “Lots.”

“It’s okay,” Tanner said to Asa, tugging on my hand in an attempt to drag me inside. “It’s just Dex. He’s not a stranger.”

“No, he isn’t. But you didn’t know that when you opened the door.” He stepped back so I could come in.

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