Page 33 of Love Will Save Your Soul

He’s the reason I’ve been forced to have this conversation with Adrian. It warms my heart to know he feels that way, though. Most siblings spend their entire life bickering and fighting for attention, but Jay has my back whenever I need him. I’ve done the same for him, and will continue to do so. There may be times when I feel like my family is too involved with my life, and it drives me bonkers. They only do it because they love me, though. It took me being treated like shit by the man that was supposed to love me to come to my senses. To find my way back to what is important to me.

“I’m with Jay,” Adrian pipes in. “You should have told them. On the other hand, I understand why you didn’t.” He pulls me into him and I almost kick Jay in the head, earning me a middle finger. “I won’t let anything happen to you, though. If this guy is a problem, I’ll help you collect any proof you need. You have a support team around to make sure you’re safe.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that,” I mumble into his chest. “I’m shocked you’re still willing to stick by me with all the craziness.”

“As long as you want to be with me, and aren’t using me for anything, I’m in.” He presses a kiss on top of my head. “I told you before, I really like you, and I want to see what happens.”

Laughing, I lean further into him. “I’ve liked you for a lot longer than you liked me. Even when I knew it was a bad idea after all the crap with Dawson. I needed to learn how to be my own person before I allowed myself to have feelings for someone else. It didn’t quite work out that way.”

“I’m happy it didn’t. I’ve been interested in you since the day you walked into Life in Ink to get your first tattoo.”

“The two of you realize you’re not alone, right?” My brother’s voice comes from the kitchen. I didn’t even notice him leave the room. “While I appreciate your willingness to help keep Dawson away from her, if he is in fact, back to make her life hell… this love fest is making me sick to my stomach.” He grabs his stomach, acting like he’s about to vomit.

“You do have a perfectly fine room of your own at Mom and Dad’s,” I argue. “If being here makes you feel nauseated, you can always leave.”

“But you have the pizza,” he pouts.

“Take it with you,” I huff. “It’s the least you can do after completely going against the deal we made.”

“What deal?” Adrian asks.

“That he’d let me tell you about Dawson when I thought the time was right. Instead,” I point finger in Jay’s direction, “the jackass practically forces me to tell you.”

“I’m happy you told me,” Adrian says, sweeping a piece of hair behind my ear. “I was burned pretty badly before because we weren’t on the same page. I don’t want that to happen with us. Honesty is always the best policy, even when you don’t think it’s a big deal.”

“I was going to tell you,” I whine. “Just not quite so soon. I wanted to determine whether it was a true threat or not.”

Jay picks up the box containing the pepperoni pizza. “While I would love to sit here and listen to y’all argue, or be all sickeningly romantic.” He opens his mouth and mimes making himself sick, “I’m going home. Not for good,” he eyes me, knowing inside I’m throwing a victory party. “Just long enough for the two of you to do whatever you want. I know me being here is cramping your style.”

“Why are you still here?” I groan. “Leave already,” I throw a pillow at him. “I’ll call you when you can come back.”

“I plan on sleeping here tonight,” he argues.

“Not if I don’t call you, you aren’t.” Adrian smirks at his insistence. “Stay away until I call you.”

“Fine,” he spits out. “I can tell when I’m no longer welcome.”

“Whatever,” I roll my eyes. “Are you tired of sleeping on the couch anyway?”

“You have a point,” he nods. “I’ll await your call, fair sister.” He bows, grabs his keys, and he’s gone within seconds.

Finally, he’s not around to make things awkward between me and Adrian. Now, I can get to know him without an audience. It looks like my day is already brightening.

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