Page 116 of Chasing Forever
He’s returned home a few times over the years of course, only ever for a brief time. As if we came to some unspoken agreement, we’ve both stayed on opposite sides of town until he left.
But now everything has changed. I’m in love with his brother. Hell, I’m married to his brother.
As Brooks drives, the silence between us grows, making the cab feel small and ripe with tension.
“Thank you for doing all this for me today. I really appreciate it.”
He links his hand with mine, bringing my knuckles to his lips and kissing them. “It’s going to be okay.”
I shouldn’t be surprised he can hear how unsettled I am. He can always read me, knows what I’m not saying.
I put my other hand on top of his. “Why do you think he’s back?”
The idea of Holden becoming a wedge between us makes my stomach turn. If Brooks and I are going to last, really last, we have to face this together. There can’t be anything between us.
“My dad. The election. Voting is Monday. Some people in town may not like him, but there are a lot of newcomers who weren’t here when everything went down between you two. You know how charismatic my brother can be. I’m sure my dad is hoping he’ll help him win over some of the residents who don’t know him. It’s the final card he has to play.”
“But…” I hesitate, trying to find the right words.
In small towns, sides get taken based solely on bloodlines. My family has had the largest ranch in Willowbrook for generations, and a lot of folks took it personally when Holden left me the way he did. Maybe if he’d walked away before I was in my wedding gown and the guests had arrived, it wouldn’t have turned into such a public betrayal.
“He wants to show a bonded family. Since I’m endorsing Miller, that’s a stain on my dad. Plus, you know Holden. He charms everyone. Makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the room. He’ll help my dad, but I’m pretty sure he’ll still lose.” Brooks tightens his fingers around mine. “But I’m going to handle this. You don’t have to worry. It’s my issue.”
I turn in the seat to better face him. “It’s our issue. Our problem.”
He doesn’t glance in my direction. “Lottie, I want you as far away from this as I can get you.”
“Um… who do you think you’re married to?”
He huffs and side-eyes me. “You don’t need to be dragged into it. I’m going to handle it. I’ll call Holden tomorrow and meet him for a beer. Tell him that while he’s here, he can stay the hell away from us.”
Brooks’s in full protective mode, and I get it. Deep down, he’s scared this will shake me—maybe even revert me back to the girl Holden left behind.
“This has nothing to do with me thinking you want him,” Brooks says.
I laugh. “Good because you would be stupid if you thought that.”
He glances at me, pulling onto the highway toward home. “I’m just saying, I’m not trying to keep you from him because I don’t believe in us or the fact that you love me. It’s purely to protect you.”
“I can protect myself.” My tone sharpens. I’m not going to let him play the white knight and shove me behind the castle walls as if I’m some damsel in distress.
Brooks pulls over to the side of the highway.
“What are you doing?”
He throws the truck in park and turns in his seat. “I know you’re a badass. I know you love me. I know where we’re at with our relationship. I’m not afraid of losing you. I’m not afraid you’re going to run away with Holden. Those are not my fears.” I open my mouth, but he shakes his head. “Let me finish. Please.”
I remain silent, heart twisting at the edge in his voice.
“But I also know my family. Holden learned it from my dad, and if you think I’m going to give him another chance to hurt you with his vengeful words, I won’t do it. I’m not trying to handle it for you because I don’t think you can. But words stick with people a helluva lot longer than a bruise. Years later, they’ll just pop back up in your head and make you second guess yourself, even if it’s for a millisecond. So, I’m begging you, Lottie, just please let me handle this.”
I exhale slowly, staring at this man who looks as if he’d fight the whole damn world to spare me an ounce of pain. His jaw is clenched, but his eyes… they’re pleading.
I lean forward and place my hand on his cheek and move in to kiss him. Right before my lips land on his, I say, “No.”
He says my name with a frustrated sigh.
But he should know me better than that by now.
