Page 25 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

I glanced down at a scuff on my boots. “You don’t need to keep repeating yourself. And stop making this into something it’s not. I have no intention of picking up where we left off. I don’t have feelings like that for her anymore.”

The words tasted bitter on my tongue.

“Brother, I’ve known you my whole damn life. You’re lying to yourself if you don’t think you still feel something for her.”

I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see me. “I feel nothing. Whatever we had was a long time ago. The sooner she packs up and leaves, the better.”

“You don’t fool me, but I’ll let you off the hook for now. Let me know if you hear or see anything. I wouldn’t put it past either of them to try something.”

I would like to see them try. They might have power and influence, but this was my town and my people. I would not let them intimidate me.

“You sound like you think I’m in danger.”

“I think you’re in danger of making a dumbass decision.”

I picked up a ball and threw it across the lawn for Diesel to catch. “Have a little faith in me. I’m not stupid. I know what I’m doing.”

That was a total lie. The truth was, I was in over my head, but it was too late to turn back now.

He snorted. “I gotta get back to work.”

“Just keep me posted, yeah?”

“Will do. Try to get some sleep tonight. I’ll check in with you later.”

I hung up and blew out a long breath. The tension in my chest refused to let up.

I turned toward the door, ready to head back inside, when I saw her standing against the doorframe. She was barefoot and wearing my red and blue flannel that swallowed her entire frame. I wasn’t sure why she was wearing it, considering she had other things to sleep in. Her arms were wrapped around her middle, and she looked like she was on the verge of crying.

My heart sank. She must have heard my conversation with Tuck.

“Sorry,” she said, keeping her eyes glued to the ground. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I heard you talking and figured it was about the house.”

“How much did you hear?” I asked, feeling guilt twist around in my stomach.

“Enough.” She stood there, refusing to meet my eyes. She looked so small and fragile. It made my chest ache.

“Harlow…” I started, but she held her hand up, stopping me.

“It’s fine. I don’t want to cause any trouble. I can leave. My stuff is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I can find a rental or a hotel outside of town.”

She definitely overheard.

“You don’t need to rush out of here. I told you. You can stay until we figure things out.”

She rubbed her arms like she was cold, even though it was warm outside. “I’m grateful you’re allowing me to stay, but I don’t want to make things more difficult for you.”

She only heard my end of the conversation, and I could only imagine how bad it sounded. I should have been more careful.

“Harlow.” I stepped closer, wanting to say something, but I stopped myself. If I said too much, if I let my true feelings slip out, I wouldn’t be able to take it back.

Instead, I settled for the safest thing I could say. “Having you here is no trouble. I have the space.”

She let out a laugh. “I heard you, Brooks. I’m not welcome here.”

“It’s not like that.”

She met my gaze head-on. “Then tell me what it’s like, then?”

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