Page 31 of My Three Roommates

If we were at the point where we were going to be open about our relationship, I would’ve eased Eric into it. I wasn’t that worried about his reaction.

Of course, I figured he’d be a lot more accepting than this.

I know he’s probably had a few drinks, but that shouldn’t matter at all. My brother and I have been always been pretty close, although more so when we were kids. Eric should be a lot less hostile and more understanding because it’s me. Not acting like some crazy guy.

“I think you’re wrong. Nothing that Eric and I do is any of your business,” Cody says. “There’s certainly nothing gross about it.” He gives me a slap on the ass.

All that does is incense Eric. “Get the hell away from my brother.” He shoves Cody’s shoulder.

Cody’s the last guy I know who’d want to have a bar room brawl, but his fury flares up in one bright instant. “Watch yourself. If you weren’t Tanner’s brother, your ass would be on the ground.”

Eric’s eyes glow. “Oh yeah? Let’s go.” He pulls his arm back, ready to punch Cody. Brad catches his elbow.

Eric swings around and turns his aggression onto Brad. As he spins, he slams into Kenna, nearly knocking her off her feet.

“What the hell,” I shout. “Eric, stop this now.”

I don’t wait to see if he’s backing down. I grab for Kenna, pulling her away from them and taking her across the room.

“Are you okay?” I ask when there’s enough distance between us and the others.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I didn’t expect that.” She’s really shaken up. “Are they going to fight? Can you stop them? This is awful. What’s gotten into Eric? I’ve never seen him like this.”

“I don’t know. I hope it’s just the shock of finding out like this. Just stay here, Kenna. Don’t come back over until this is all settled down. I want you safe.”

“I’ll be fine.”

I hurry back. Eric’s taking a swing at Brad. Brad dodges his punch and grabs for him.

“Is Kenna okay?” Brad asks me, still keeping Eric in a hold.

“She’s fine. Eric, don’t you ever put her in harm’s way again or you’ll get the fight you’re looking for,” I warn him.

“You’ll have to get in line for that,” Brad says.

“I didn’t mean to touch her,” Eric says, finally showing a little contrition. “I was after this guy.” He glares at Cody. I can see Cody trying his best not to take a swing at Eric. I know he wouldn’t, not when Brad’s got Eric’s arms pinned like he has. I can still understand the impulse.

“That’s no better,” I say. “Eric, I want you to come with me. If Brad lets you go, you’d better not try to hit anyone. Understood?”

My brother nods sullenly. When Brad releases him, I grab him by the collar and practically drag him outside.

“What the hell are you thinking, trying to start a fight in a place like this?” I tear into Eric. “Trying to hit my friends like that, and nearly knocking Kenna down? What the fuck, bro?”

“Friends?” He asks me scornfully. “You just said you’re ’involved’. Which is it, Tanner? Who the fuck is that guy and what’s really going on with him?”

“Cody’s a good friend of Kenna’s. And yeah,” I pause for a few seconds. “He and I are a couple now,” I say. “Since when do you have a problem with that?”

“I don’t care about others.” Eric rolls his eyes scornfully. “Just don’t want that kind of thing in the family.”

The contempt on his face is just so shocking. I frown. “I never knew you felt that way.”

“I didn’t.” He shrugs. “Guess it’s different when it’s your own family.”

I want to ask him why, but I decide against it. “You need to leave, Eric. We can talk another time.”

“Nothing to talk about,” he scoffs. “Call me when you come to your senses and get away from that guy.” Eric shakes his head in disgust. “I can’t believe any of this. I’m out of here.”

He stalks off. The bouncer that was giving us the evil eye turns back to the woman he was trying to hit on.

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