Page 88 of The Dating Dare

“Yeah, Aubrey mentioned it.” His older brother scratched his chin. “So you guys worked on the website together?”

“We did. She’ll be happy you like it so much.” The thought of Tara feeling happy brought a ghost of a smile to his face. “Don’t forget to tell her.”

“I won’t.” Landon’s eyebrows furrowed together as he stared down at his feet. Seth knew him well enough to know what was coming. “You haven’t been yourself the last couple days.”

“No, I haven’t.” There was no denying it. Seth was heartbroken, and he did nothing to hide it.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really.”

“Seth—”

“I’m kidding. I don’t mind unloading some of it.” Seth got up from his chair and paced the floor. There was no point sugarcoating it. “I got jilted.”

“Jilted? Were you in a relationship I didn’t know about?”

“Well, yes, but it’s not what you think. I didn’t purposely keep itfrom you. You just weren’t around. I started dating her when you guys went on your honeymoon.”

“You started something knowing you were leaving in a month? Did she—whoever she is—know about that?”

“Of course. We agreed to go out a few times while I was here, and end it when I left. It was supposed to be a fun distraction for both of us.”

“Then how could you have been jilted?”

“Well, you see,” Seth said with a wry smile, “I fell in love with her, and told her I wanted to stay with her.”

“Holy shit.” Landon plopped down onto the chair Seth had occupied a couple minutes ago. “You fell in love.”

“Hopelessly so.” Seth leaned against the opposite wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in love before. Not like this. I finally understand why you were such a wreck when Aubrey left you.”

“I almost lost my mind,” Landon agreed. “How… how are you doing?”

“I’m devastated. I hurt everywhere. Even my hair hurts, which is really weird.” Seth laughed quietly. He just missed Tara so much.

“I know how that feels.” Landon hesitated. “I can see how devastated you are, and I’m worried about you. But you don’t seem like a man who just lost the woman he loves. In fact, you seem more like a person who’s found himself. Am I making any sense?”

“You make so much sense that it’s scary. If I believed I really lost her…” His breath caught in his throat and he clutched at his chest. “I can’t even think about that possibility. I couldn’t have lost her, because we belong together. I know she loves me, too, but she has to decide to choose me. I need to give her space and figure out a few things on my end.”

“And then?”

“Once I have my life in order, I’m coming back to convince her that we’re meant to be together.”

“Good for you.” Landon came up to him and folded him into a bear hug. “You’re a better, stronger man than I was in the face of heartbreak.”

“Thanks, hyung.” He hugged his brother back tightly, then let go. “I wish it didn’t hurt so much in the meantime. I miss her so much that I can’t breathe sometimes. It’s taking everything in me not to run to her right now.”

“I’m so sorry, Seth.” Landon sighed deeply. “So is she someone from around here? Would Aubrey know who she is?”

“Yes,” he said, wondering how much he should tell Landon. But what was the point in keeping secrets? They were family and he needed all the support he could get. “Aubrey knows her exceptionally well. It’s Tara.”

“What?” Landon’s voice rang in the room, and he cringed. The baby was asleep, and they listened to hear if she woke up. The house remained silent. With a sigh of relief, his brother said in a more moderate voice, “Tara? How did that happen?”

“It just did. I don’t think anyone can plan who you fall in love with.”

“Of course, kid. I was just surprised.” His eyes suddenly widened. “Aubrey rushed out earlier to see Tara. She said it was an emergency. I wonder if it has anything to do with you.”

“It has everything to do with him.” They turned to the quiet voice in the doorway. Aubrey’s wide eyes filled with tears, and she rushed to hug Seth. “It’s you. You’re Tara’s guy. I’m so glad and so sorry that it’s you.”

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