Page 12 of Don't Puck the Wrong Brother

Cade:I told you, I was at Jake's. The party got wild, and it was too late to drive. Why are you really breaking up with me?

I stare at the screen, wondering if there's more to the story. Why would he tell me he'd be home if he was planning to go to a party? What is he hiding?

Hannah:I think we want different things, Cade. This isn't about last night.

It's the biggest lie I've ever told. This has everything to do about last night.

Cade:This makes no sense. We need to talk in person. Let me come over.

The thought of seeing him face-to-face makes me physically ill.

Hannah:No. I need space. Please respect that.

Cade:Is there someone else?

The question hits me like a slap. Is there someone else? His own brother. The taste of bile rises in my throat.

Hannah:No. It's not that.

Cade:Then what is it? I deserve a real explanation, Hannah.

He does. Of course he does. But I can't give him one without destroying him, without destroying whatever relationship he has with Sanderson. And despite everything, I don't want to be responsible for that.

Hannah:I'm just not ready for a relationship right now. I thought I was, but I'm not. I'm sorry.

It sounds weak, but it's the best I can do.

Cade:This is about last night. Something happened. Tell me what it is, and we can fix it.

My heart pounds against my ribs. Does he know? Has Sanderson told him already?

Hannah:I just need to focus on school right now.

Cade:I don't believe you. If you're going to break up with me, at least be honest about why.

Tears blur my vision. Honest? He has no idea what honesty would cost all of us.

Hannah:I am being honest. This isn't working for me anymore. I'm sorry.

Cade:Whatever, Hannah. When you're ready to tell me the real reason, you know where to find me.

His final text sits on my screen like an accusation. I turn off my phone, unable to bear any more communication, and bury my face in my hands. It's done. It's over. And somehow, that knowledge brings no relief, only a hollow ache where something good used to be.

I'm crying so hard I can barely breathe. The sobs wrack my body, making my ribs ache with the force of them. I didn't realize how much Cade cared about me. His texts were so raw, so confused—did he really like me that much? For a fleeting moment, I consider telling him the truth. Maybe, just maybe, he would forgive me. Maybe we could work through this somehow.

But reality crashes back. I slept with his brother. There's no forgiving that, no coming back from it. The shame of it burns through me, made worse by the knowledge that my body still aches for release, still remembers the feeling of Sanderson inside me. I press my thighs together, denying myself even that small comfort. I don't deserve relief. I don't deserve anything.

Lennox has texted me five more times by evening.

Lennox:Seriously, are you okay?

Lennox:Did you die??? Should I call the police???

Lennox:Okay now I'm actually worried

Lennox:HANNAH ANSWER ME OR I'M COMING TO YOUR ROOM

I finally text her back.

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