Page 134 of Pick Me

Too bad I forgot our bathroom was connected.

Tanner did hear me.

And when he pushed the door open, he found me trembling, wide-eyed and terrified, my fear written all over my face.

He was the one to haul me into his arms, hold me, and tell me everything would be okay. Much like Jackson did for me last night.

“Tanner.” His name felt heavy on my tongue. “I appreciate all your help, I really do. I wouldn’t be here studying at Covey if it wasn’t for you. You have changed my life in so many ways. I know I changed yours. But we both have to admit I haven’t changed it for the better at times. I’ve made things harder, and for once in my life, I want to make things easier. I want to help make your transition to the draft and your new team—”

“Potential new team. Anything could happen.”

“You’re going to be drafted, Tan Tan. That’s not the point, though. The point was I wanted to make the transition less stressful.”

“Knowing that you are safe is more than enough. The fact that you’re dating Jackson, as much as I hate to admit it, makes me feel good.”

My heart ballooned with something I’d never felt before. A sense of calm washed over me, and I wanted to smile, but I wanted to make sure Tanner knew how serious I was taking it.

He raised his hand, looking at me sternly. “However, that doesn’t mean I want to be here watching it. After everything you put me through, it will just annoy me.”

My mouth dropped open as I glared at my brother in shock. “What are you talking about? Everything we you put you through?”

“Please, Thea. Don’t pretend that you didn’t enjoy all of your sparring matches with Jackson over the last two years. My head’s been hurting, and I need a break.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I’m going to stay with Aster for the next couple of weeks until Ihopefullymove to North Carolina.”

“What?”

“You heard me. I’m happy for you, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna sit here and watch you guys get along. Frankly, I don’t know what’s worse, you hating each other or you liking each other.”

I nodded. “I get it I don’t want to be the person who brings you down anymore, T.”

“I already told you, you aren’t.”

“So, are we good?” I looked at my brother earnestly, hoping and praying that he would feel the same way I did.

He rolled his neck to look at me and gave me a little smile. “Did you ever think I could stay angry with you?”

“Well, you haven’t before, but you never know.” I shrugged. “And you do still owe me for kicking me out of the womb first.”

He rolled his eyes, pulling me into a hug.

I winced at the move. “Hey, Tanner, I still have a concussion, and my shoulder is killing me.”

“Oh, really? I’m sure you’ll survive.”

“T.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“For?” Tanner pulled away, looking at me inquisitively.

“Being the absolute best brother I could’ve asked for this world.”

“Thank you for being my best friend.”

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