Page 74 of When We Break

He scowls at me from under my truck. “Just because you’re suddenly all aflutter over some broad doesn’t mean the rest of us will follow. Jesus, you sound like Bridger.”

Okay, so I admit that it wasn’t all that long ago that Bridger fell for Dani, one of our lifelong friends, and told me that I needed to get a life.

But this isn’t the same thing.

“I’m just making conversation, you know. Have you heard from Juliet lately?”

His whole body stiffens, but he doesn’t look at me. He just keeps working.

“That’s none of your fucking business. If you’re going to annoy the fuck out of me, go sit in the waiting room.”

“I’m not trying to annoy you.”

“Yet it’s happening.”

“Why are you so touchy today?”

“Okay, let me ask you this. Have you heard fromTorilately?”

I scowl, and my brother nods. I never want to think about that nightmare or how she screwed me over again.

“Exactly. When was your last oil change? This shit is like sludge.”

“You’d know better than me.”

“Jesus, Beck.”

“I’ve been a little busy, you know?” I lean back against his workbench, cross my ankles, and tell him all about Bessy being sick, the newest mess with the rentals, and all of the other shit that happened this week.

By the time I’ve wrapped up my story, he’s finished with the oil change and is lowering the truck. He wipes his hands on a rag and crosses to me.

“What do I owe you?”

“I don’t want your money, but I’ll tell you what I do want. Never mention Juliet’s name to me again. Ever. Because the answer will always be no, I haven’t talked to her.”

“Brooks.” I sigh, but he shakes his head.

“No. It’s not up for discussion. Keep her name out of your mouth.”

“Jesus.” I scrub my fingers through my hair. “Okay. I won’t bring it up again.”

“Good. Now, get in here for an oil change before it looks like your engine might seize up.”

“Now you’re being dramatic. That wasn’t going to happen.”

“You’re such a pain in the ass,” he replies. “Always have been. Always will be.”

“Hey, at least I’m consistent.” I grin at him, and then I pull him in for a hug, which I can tell surprises him, but he pats me on the back. “Don’t stay pissed at me.”

“Whatever. Go away.”

I grin and hop in the truck, and with a wave, I pull out of the garage.

* * *

Skyla opens her front door, and I move in to seal my lips over hers. She lets out a little gasp, then her hands are in my hair, pulling me to her, pressing that long, lean body against me. I walk her backward and nudge the door closed.

Riley barks once and nudges my leg, making Skyla laugh.

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