Page 77 of Cold Hard Truth

“Well, you’re back now.” She smiles.

“I am.” I take a deep breath.

Sage steps forward, probably sensing his sister and I are on the verge of crying.

“You packed light.” He glances at her single bag sitting on the counter.

Reed squeezes my arm once more before turning to her brother. “How high maintenance do you think I am? I said I’m only staying a couple of days.”

He shrugs.

“And good thing. Apparently, it’s a full house around here.”

“Crap.” Sage wipes his palm down his face. “Lyla’s in the guest room.”

“Reed can crash in my room.” Mason winks at her.

Sage shoots Mason a glare that burns hot enough to melt iron. “Keep your hands off my fucking sister.”

Mason grins. “Just kidding. Chill.”

But as Mason takes a sip of his beer and looks Reed over, it doesn’t seem like he’s joking at all.

“I’m twenty-six, Sage. I don’t need you scaring guys off for me.” Reed shoves his arm. “Besides, I have a boyfriend.”

“An asshole boyfriend.” Sage’s jaw tenses. “You haven’t left that prick yet?”

“Carter isn’t a prick.” She glares.

“He forgot your birthday.”

“Dick move.” Mason shakes his head.

Sage once more glares at Mason, even if they seem to be in agreement.

“We aren’t talking about Carter,” Reed says, smoothing her sleeves as she does.

“Why not? He’s not here.”

“He’s working.”

Sage narrows his eyes. “He’s always working. And always too busy for you.”

“It’s fine.”

Sage opens his mouth to argue, and Reed holds up her hand. “Just drop it.”

“She can crash in my room.” I change the subject. “It’s a big bed if you don’t mind sharing.”

What started as a playful conversation turned the moment Carter was brought up. Tension swells in the room as Sage and Reed stare each other down, each seemingly waiting for the other to break.

“Thanks.” Reed breaks her staring contest with Sage to look at me. “You sure you don’t mind? I can get a hotel room.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We have catching up to do, right?”

She smiles.

“What better way?”

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