Page 110 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

When he reached for her hand—and I knew from seeing his smooth moves with women that he would kiss it—I grabbed her hand and laced her fingers with mine.

“He’s scared you’ll fall in love with me. I’m the better brother, after all,” Ben said, winking.

I snorted.

Red let out a soft laugh and turned to me as she explained, “I was wandering around, looking for you. This place is too big, and I got lost. Ben found me.” Then she turned to Ben, frowning. “Is Beatrice-Rose…?”

“She’s fine,” Ben replied. “Don’t let it ruin your evening.”

“Thanks,” I said.

Ben turned to me. “You. I’m done covering for you. Time to face the music, little brother.”

I nodded, smiling as I glanced at Red. “I’m good now.”

She’s here.

Ben shook his head in surprised amusement. He hadn’t seen me act like this before. Ever.

“I’ll see you both downstairs,” he said, heading to the stairs.

Red stuffed the beanie into the huge paper bag and hid it behind her, out of my reach. I winked at her and lifted her hand to my lips, kissing the back of it as I led her down the stairs, then to the garden where the party was happening.

“Caleb, wait.”

She pulled at my hand, stopping me in my tracks. When I looked at her, her eyes were downcast.

“Red?”

She raised her eyes, and her voice was barely a whisper when she said, “I love you.”

The way she said it—like a whisper, like a promise—clutched at my chest.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I gathered her in my arms, kissing her hair. “I love you, Red.”

She burrowed her face in my neck, gripping me to her. There was something in the urgency and possessiveness of her grip that told me something was wrong. I pulled back a little, studying her lovely face.

“Baby, what is it?”

She shook her head. “I just… Can you wrap your arms around me for a moment? Please, Caleb.”

“Of course, love.”

“Don’t let me go.”

Whatever was hurting her, I would destroy it.

“Never. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Tonight, I won’t let anything be wrong. I don’t want anything to be wrong,” she said. “It’s your birthday, and you’re here with me. That’s what’s important.”

“I wish you would tell me so I can fix it.”

“You already did.” Now she smiled. Her hand reached up to stroke my jaw. She rose up on her toes, kissing my lips tenderly.

There was something in her eyes, the way they lingered over my face just a little bit longer, as if she was afraid I would disappear in front of her.

“Will you tell me later?” I asked.

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