Page 200 of Back in the Saddle

Jeff gave me another hug, and Javi waited until my brother was out the door before he followed.

But I hustled and caught his forearm before he could get away.

He turned back, looking down to his forearm before looking at me.

I let him go and whispered, “Thanks for introducing my brother to himself.”

His handsome face grew gentle, and, man, it packed a punch.

“Hermanita,” he whispered.

“And don’t shoulder the blame,” I advised. “I’m not sure how you can stop yourself from doing that, but I really hope you try.”

I knew from the dark look that passed through his eyes this would be impossible in the now, but I hoped I planted a kernel that might someday grow.

Javi lifted his chin to acknowledge he heard me, but he said nothing.

I couldn’t do all this emotion. Days of it. Too much.

So I went on, “And Harlow is worried about you. She sends her thoughts.”

“Pain in my ass,” he muttered, but his mouth had softened the minute the name “Harlow” came out of mine.

Because it did, I made a split-second decision only time would tell if I’d regret. Though, with that gentle look I’d witnessed, I had a feeling I wouldn’t.

“I could set that up,” I offered.

“Total pain in my ass,” he said as he moved away.

I shifted into the walkway and called after them, “See you on the flipside.”

Jeff, on the stairs, jutted his chin to me. Clarice was already strutting toward the security gate. Javi, still on the walkway, didn’t look back, just lifted a hand and flicked out a couple of fingers—Mr. Cool.

I stood out there until I lost sight of them when the security door closed behind them, and then I dashed into my house.

I nabbed the toothbrush to finish brushing (after I disinfected it with bleach since it’d hit the floor, my house was clean, but…gross).

Though, first, I went to my phone to report to Eric what I’d just learned.

It was ringing before I got to it on my nightstand.

The screen told me Eric was calling.

“Hey, I was just going to call you,” I said as answer.

“I bet. What were your brother, Javi and Clarice doing at yours?”

I looked around, wondering if there were hidden cameras in my pad.

“How do you know that?” I asked.

“Because we hacked into the parking lot cameras of the Oasis so we can keep an eye on the three of you. Four, when Harlow moves in next week.”

Oh.

And…

Rad!

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