Page 74 of Always Mine

“You both shut up, I know where you sleep,” I tell them, but they are completely unbothered. So much for my big brother terror.Thanks for snatching my man card, Ember.I go to where Wyatt is waiting, grabbing my coat and pulling it on. “Remind me to never piss off your sister again, yeah? I like being alive.”

He snorts, pushing open the door and going outside. “Please, she’s all bite. Plus she’s tiny. What is she really going to do?”

Wow, he really is underestimating her capabilities. “Not true. Remember Marcus Waters when we were in high school?”

He tilts his head, as if trying to place him. “Barely. He was older, right?”

“Yup, and Ember broke his nose for grabbing her ass after a football game.”

He freezes halfway down the stairs, eyes widening as he takes in my words. “I forgot about that, but in her defense, that guy shouldn’t have touched her like that.”

I follow him out, nodding even though he can’t see me. “Wholeheartedly agree, I was just reminding you of what she’s capable of.”

“Okay, so maybe she’s got a little bite.”A little, he says.

He’s making it sound like a kitten chomp, meanwhile, I’m over here thinking about the T-Rex fromJurassic Park.

“I feel like we have two different definitions of bite.”

He grins at me over his shoulder, continuing on toward the barn. “You’re probably right. She’s my sister though, I don’t find her that scary anymore.”

It must be nice. I can’t say I feel the same. “She’s up there with Annabelle as far as I’m concerned.”

His loud laugh rings out and the sound makes my stomach flip. I missed that sound a lot when I didn’t get to hear it. “You’re obsessed with that damn movie.”

I scoff, tucking my arms into my jacket pocket, picking up the pace to get to the barn faster. It’s fucking cold. “I’m traumatized by that movie.”

“Well, maybe you should stop talking about it then?” he suggests sarcastically.

“Can’t help it. It haunts me.” I mock shudder, but it’s more like a shiver because,hello,it’s really freaking cold.

“You poor baby. I’ll be here to protect you if she shows up,” he coos, giving my arm a little pat as he opens the barn door and ushers me inside.

“You’re too kind.” I smirk, almost sighing when the rush of warmth from the barn hits me. The heaters are doing their jobs to keep the animals comfortable on this cold evening.

“I hope you didn’t mind me pulling you away. They’re too much for me sometimes.”

Mind? Is he serious? I’ve never wanted anything more. Give me all the time with Wyatt I can get, please and thanks.

“It’s fine. I definitely don’t mind.”

I look up and do a slow spin, suddenly feeling anxious even though I don’t really know why. Okay, yes I do know why, but I’m trying not to think about all the times we snuck in here for a little one-on-one time.

“All good.” My tone comes out husky and I clear my throat, dropping my gaze to where he’s standing. “Sorry, I feel overwhelmed.”

He laughs, reaching up and rubbing the back of his neck. “So do I, like there’s tension here or something.”

“I mean, it’s the place. Being in here with all our memories…” I point up to the loft for emphasis, even though I’m sure he doesn’t need me to.

“Trust me,” he sighs, shoulder lifting in a half-shrug. “I’ve been living with the ghost of those memories every time I walked in here for the last three years.”

There’s no malice to his tone so I know he’s not trying to hurt me, even though the words do. I hate that I ever caused him pain, I was so stupid. “I’m sorry.”

He waves me off, leaning back against a stack of hay. “You have to stop apologizing for the past at some point, it’s exhausting for you, I’m sure.”

“Sure. I can stop apologizing, but it doesn’t mean I’ll stop being sorry about it.” I’ll never get over what happened, it’ll always haunt me. I take a step toward him. “I think I’ll always feel guilty.”

His face sours and he shifts a bit. “What good does that do for anyone? Being stuck in the past? Being sad?” He straightens coming toward me, not stopping until we’re so close I can make out every freckle across his nose. “I’m tired of being sad, Paxton.” His voice is barely a whisper and I watch a flicker of emotions pass in his eyes before he’s kissing me.

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