Page 27 of Where the Little Birds Go (Little Bird Duet 1)

I don’t do that.

Corbin makes a face. “Uh, yeah. Hope he’s doing okay.”

The half-ass response is a worthy effort, but I can see something dulling his silver eyes. Instead of asking about it, I focus on my brother who’s waiting for something to happen.

“Mind if I call you back in a few?”

He sighs heavily, in his typical overdramatic manner. “I see how it is. Some rich guy talks to you and you suddenly don’t have time for the little folk.”

His six-four height isn’t what I classify as little, but I know that’s beside the point. “I’ll call you back in two minutes. Stop being a diva.”

“I need to get Little Man settled before I head off to do chores,” he tells me, making my lips curve down. “We’ll talk soon, sis. Punch the guy in the nuts for me, will ya?” He pauses. “On second thought, don’t go anywhere near that general vicinity. Keep your distance.”

“So, no dick punching?”

Corbin’s eyes widen and I’m pretty sure his hand twitches to cover himself.

“Are there any rocks you can throw?”

“Go take care of my favorite nephew.”

“He’s your only—”

“Love you. Bye.” Hanging up the phone, I shoot Corbin an innocent smile. “Gavin sends his love.”

He blinks. “I can tell.”

I shrug. “It sounded better than telling you to fuck off like he wanted. He hasn't changed much over the years. Except for the fact he’s married and has a kid. Can you believe that? I still don’t and Sam is almost two.”

Realizing that I’m having mundane conversation with someone who I considered my enemy for a while, I zip my lips.

“That’s … wow. Gavin’s a dad?”

I just nod.

“Huh.” He rubs his arm. “Didn’t really see him as the settling down type, to be honest.”

Snorting at the irony has him eying me knowingly. “Don’t look at me like that, Corbin. You were the one who said that you’d never date. Now look at you.”

He crosses his arms. “I recall breaking the no-dating thing not long after I said that. Or have you somehow blocked out your sophomore year?”

My eye twitches. ?

?I’m unfortunate enough to remember everything. Thanks.”

He looks away and sighs. “I didn’t come over here to hash this out with you. We’ve established that I’m an asshole already.”

My shoulder leans against the back seat as I study him closely. “What we haven’t established is why. Why did you just up and leave without any contact? Tell me that and maybe I’ll go easier on you.”

His brows raise in disbelief. “Would you really though? I know you, Kinley. You hold on to anger to distance yourself from people. It’s easier that way.”

“You’re stalling.”

“Admit it.”

I lean forward. “No.”

He tips his head back. “It was pure selfishness. Is that what you want to hear? I found jobs that kept me on track to become what I am now and sacrificed everything to make a name for myself. I already told you that I chose me first. Happy now?”

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