Page 26 of The Wrong Brother

“Super.” I don’t ask questions or elaborate. I have no interest in continuing any conversation with her. It’s not that she doesn’t take the hint; Pressley understands social cues and can read a room easily. She simply doesn’t give a fuck. My mouth feels dry, my tongue too thick, and I know my hand is noticeably shaking against Rafferty’s back. At least Pressley can’t see it.

“Aren’t you going to introduce us, Cat?”

She also knows how much I hate when she calls me that. I’m sure that’s why she’s always done it. Just another calculated dig at me, another way she uses her knowledge of me gained by friendship to hurt me. Rafferty saves me from having to navigate this landmine-filled conversation. He extends his hand to her, staying in front of me.

“I’m Rafferty Simms. Her boyfriend. And you are?” I could kiss him for the way he looks at her and uses his inflection to imply she’s not important enough to warrant a mention from me.

“I’m Pressley. Pressley Withering.” She says it like she’s a celebrity, worthy of name recognition. “Cat and I were roommates at UH, weren’t we Cat?” Pressley has her hand on his forearm while she’s talking, running her fingers over his skin and it makes me feel murderous. Rafferty drops his arm, reaching across my body and linking his fingers with mine. He’s touching me and holding me in a protective circle and I cling to his hand like it’s the only thing tethering me to the earth.

“Ah, yes. The Cheater. I guess it’s cool to put a face to a story. Well, it was nice to meet you,Preston,but Catherine and I need to get home to make dinner. Gotta fuel up and frankly, I don’t like for us to spend this much time clothed.”

Pressley’s expression is worth the entire cost of my college education. Rafferty pulls me against his side and pushes us past where she is standing, leaving her with her mouth gaping open.

15

rafferty

We round the corner, Catherine fitting perfectly against my side, walking in sync. My heart is speeding along from the adrenaline rush of the confrontation. I never do that sort of thing. We make it to the middle of the aisle before Catherine stops, clenching her free hand into a fist and dropping her head. I can feel her trembling against me and her breathing is coming out in short, rapid gasps. Shit! This is familiar territory; at least I can help. I turn her toward me and wrap my arms around her, holding her close and running a hand up and down her back. The shaking slows some with the continued back rub so I lean down to talk to her.

“What can you hear?” I whisper.

“Terrible music,” she murmurs into my chest, her voice hitching.

“Good. You’re right, it is so bad. Is that instrumental Michael Bolton? They should be ashamed. It’s like we’re in an elevator to hell. What can you feel?”

“Your arms, holding me.”

“And I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got you. What can you smell?”

She tilts her head slightly. “The lemon cleaner they use on the floors.”

“Really glad you didn’t say my B.O. What can you see, Catherine?”

“Nothing, my eyes are closed.” I can hear the smile in her voice. Dropping one arm, I reach down and tip her chin up so I can kiss her. Gently. Carefully.

“What do you taste?” I ask, lips still touching hers. She smiles into me, kissing me back.

Her arms are wrapped around my back and her hands are no longer shaking. It’s like Hug Friends, leveled up. Fuck, I could get used to this. I can’t afford to get used to this. It feels different from when she kissed me before, not like she’s testing the idea out but like she wants it. But I can’t trust that feeling. I can’t trust any of this and it would be foolish to forget that. This has rules and an expiration date and there’s no world where I’m good enough for Catherine.

She rubs her nose against mine, squeezing me tighter. “Thank you for that.” Her eyes are crinkled at the corners and her smile makes my stomach flip. She steps back, reaching for her list while still looking at me.

I nod once. “Anything. Always.”

We finish her shopping, Catherine staying tucked under my arm. It’s pretty much the best grocery shopping trip ever. Back at her condo, I help Catherine put everything away, admiring the neat and organized way she tackles every task. I’m always fighting my tendency towards chaos but Catherine creates order everywhere she goes.

“After that dragon-slaying back there you’re required to let me make you dinner, as a thank you. I was going to make buddha bowls. Is that ok?”

“That sounds awesome, Cat.” I wink. The corner of her mouth quirks up.

“I actually like it whenyousay it.”

I smile, feeling lighter than air. “Do you mind if I shower real quick? I probably should have before but I didn’t want to push the shopping back. After I’d be happy to help.”

“Go ahead but take your time. Brown rice takes a while.”

I step up behind her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Are you ok? Do you need to talk about it?”

She shakes her head, not turning to look at me. “I hate how she gets to me. I’m ok now. Haven’t had that happen in a while so,” she turns, giving me a small smile, “thank you.”

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