Page 103 of Bad Rebound

Teresa’s brother bristled immediately—which wasfair, considering they’d met each other maybe one time before, and Jer was putting hands on him and calling him an asshole. But then Gabe’s gaze went over Jeremy’s shoulder.

Footsteps coming up the path.

Echoing as Teresa came closer.

“Jer,” she said softly.

Carefully.

As though he were one second away from losing his shit.

Which…alsofair.

But before he could reply or even release Gabe, her brother dropped his hands to his sides. “I am,” he muttered. “I am a fucking asshole.”

Surprised, Jer rocked back on his heels. “What?”

Gabe ignored him. “Teresa, honey, I’m sorry,” he said gently. “I’m so sorry about what I said.”

A hand on Jeremy’s back, gently stroking down his spine. “Can you let my brother go, honey?”

He didn’t want to.

Hewantedto throttle Gabe, to squeeze the breath from his lungs so that he could never speak to Teresa like he had, not ever again.

But…

He trusted Teresa to know what she needed.

Dropping his hands, he stepped back, took a breath, and focused. Not on his own ego, on whatheneeded to give. But on what his woman would need.

Which wasnothim beating her brother to a pulp, unfortunately.

Space to talk to her brother, whose face made it clear that he wasn’t here to stir up more trouble. Nope, there was apology in every inch of the fucker.

Sigh.

Turning, he cupped her cheek.

Then he took her purse, reached inside, and pulled out her keys. A moment later, the door was unlocked, and he was leading them inside.

Space to talk.

But a warm and safe space, he thought, closing the door, and flicking the lock.

Where he would be just down the hall so he could listen in case she needed him.

Care, but not smothering.

Giving what he needed to give, but also giving what would support her.

Fuck, he was positively reformed now.

A thought which made him want to smile, though he smothered the urge and continued glowering at her brother, just for good measure, as he started to walk past them. Kitchen. Beer. Ice cream. He had the feeling they were both going to need it.

Before he made it all the way though, Teresa leaned close and brushed her lips over his cheek. “I love you,” she whispered.

The words settled in his heart.

---