Page 87 of Fumbled Beginning

I buried my face in his shirt and smiled, even though it was at odds with how I felt. “You didn’t have to come rushing over here.”

“Kinley told me to give you some time, but I had to see you.”

I shook my head. “I’m fine, I swear.”

His soothing hand rubbed circles along my back. “Rylee, I don’t know what to say. I know I said I didn’t want to get involved, but there is no way I can sit back and not do anything.”

I rested my head on my brother’s arm. “I’ve made a mess of things.”

“No, you haven’t. He should have believed you.”

When I talked to Kinley, I realized that the only way Dom could have known about Caroline was from my conversation with JP in my office the day I left for Nashville. I was so concerned about making my flight and still messed up over the night before that I wasn’t thinking straight. I should have locked my door. I shouldn’t have made it so easy for him to overhear a private conversation. I should have done so many things differently. I might not have betrayed him like he thought, but I still felt partially responsible.

I played with the charm around my neck. “I don’t know how to move on, Mav. I love him so much, in spite of everything. But I wasn’t enough for him. He doesn’t trust me. He wouldn’t listen to me.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. “Well, he sure as hell is going to listen to me. I’ll send that fucker back, begging for forgiveness.”

A small smile lifted on my lips. “Whatever you say won’t make a difference.”

“Rylee, say he does see the error of his ways. Would you take him back?”

“I honestly don’t know. He still has this connection to Caroline that I can’t compete with.”

“I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I don’t believe that for one minute. The man is crazy about you, I don’t care what he says. I saw it with my own eyes.”

I wiped at my cheeks. “Did you know about her?”

He shook his head. “Not all of it. I knew he had a serious girlfriend in high school, but I didn’t know the entire story until recently. I was a little hurt that he didn’t trust me enough to tell me everything, but I understand why he wanted to keep it hidden.”

I wiped under my eyes. “He doesn’t trust very easily.”

“No, he doesn’t.” His eyes grew soft. “He’s a good guy, and I’m not making excuses for him, but I’ve known him for a long time. The way he acted was inexcusable, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind that he loves you. I think this whole thing just fucked with his head. I truly believe when he takes a second to calm down, he will realize what a big mistake he made.”

“You really haven’t seen him?” I asked. I might have been hurt and angry, but I still cared about him.

He shook his head. “Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first. He might be my best friend, but you’re my priority right now. I know you’re hurting and it’s my responsibility as your big brother to make sure you’re okay.”

I squeezed his hand. “Thank you. I’m fine, I promise.”

“You don’t have to be strong for me.”

“I’m just a little heartbroken. I’ll get over it. I just don’t want you to get caught in the middle of this.”

His eyes grew soft. “It’s too late for that.”

I leaned into his side. “Thanks for being such a good brother.”

“No thanks necessary. But as your brother, I’m warning you now, if I ever see that sorry excuse of an ex of yours again, I will finish what JP started.”

I sat up to face him fully. “What are you talking about? What did JP do?”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Rhett might have mentioned that JP roughed Dom up a little bit before he showed up at your house the other day.”

My hand flew to my mouth. “I had no idea.”

Maverick’s smile was wide. “Yep, and I can’t say I’m sorry about that. I just wish I was there to land a punch myself.”

I tapped my lip. “I haven’t heard from Dominick since I’ve been back. Maybe it’s time I pay him a visit.”

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