Page 88 of Make Her Mine

Yet.

I think it is much more accurate to say that there is nothing to tell about Jefferson and me sexually yet.

“Deal,” I finally say. “I will say that I am really happy about you and Margot,” I tell him with a huge smile. “You’re both really lucky. I hope this turns out to be amazing.”

There’s no way this won’t turn out to be amazing. Two of my best friends getting together? I couldn’t be happier.

Then I look over my left shoulder. To where Jefferson has now moved to sit on the end of his truck tailgate. It’s a little further away from the fire, but still part of the group. Others are doing the same. Either sitting up on the tailgates or on the logs and chairs people have positioned closer to the fire. Music is playing, drinks are flowing, conversation and laughter rises and falls on the evening breeze. And I suddenly want to go over and join Jefferson.

“I’ll let you go hang out with Margot,” I say.

“Okay,” Graham says with a nod. “Haven’t seen as much of you this trip.” His gaze also goes to his brother. “But you seem to be having a good time.”

I give a little laugh. “I am as surprised by that as you are.”

Graham snorts. “You might actually be the only one who is surprised by that.”

“You really don’t think this is weird?”

“I really don’t. Why don’t you just give it a chance?” he asks.

“Because I’ve spent all this time thinking of Jefferson as my nemesis,” I say honestly. “He makes me crazy.”

Graham looks at me thoughtfully for a long moment, then he says, “I think that’s why he’s perfect for you.”

I frown but laugh. “What? You want me to be crazy?”

“I want you with someone who will challenge you,” he says. His expression and tone hold affection but it’s also clear he’s serious. “I want you with someone who will respect and appreciate your strength and will actually want to build that up. I want you with someone who is worthy of you, Harlow.”

My smile dies as my chest tightens. Oh. That’s really nice. “Graham…”

“You are my best friend. You’ve always been there for me. You’ve defended me. You’ve accepted me. You’ve made me feel like I can do anything.”

I swallow. I did not expect this conversation to get sentimental.

“But you’ve also very seldom let me do anything for you.”

“That’s not true. You’re my best friend too!” I protest.

“I know. But you don’t really need me. Not for the building up and pushing you stuff,” he says. “Because you always know what you believe and what you want and how to get it.”

I shake my head, but he gives me a look that says you know I know what I’m talking about. Graham does know me. And, okay, so I’ve given him more advice and pep talks than he’s given me. He’s definitely listened to me rant. He’s definitely listened to my dreams and plans. But no, I guess he’s never had to really build me up. And he’s never really argued with me.

Unlike his big brother.

“I’m easy for you,” Graham says. He gives me a grin. “And I’ve always liked that. We have such an effortless relationship. We’re so comfortable. I can just be myself. You can be you. Neither of us has ever tried to change the other.”

“That’s a good thing,” I say.

“There’s a time for that,” he agrees. “But sometimes we need people who will make us really think. Who will make us question what we believe. Who will be the sandpaper that will smooth off our rough edges.”

I study his face. The face I know as well as my own in the mirror. “Do you think Margot can be that for you?”

“Maybe,” he says, a soft smile on his lips. “She knows me, but she doesn’t know me like you do. There’s room to learn and that’s good, I think. But we’ll have to see. You and Jefferson on the other hand are already there.”

I swallow. “Already where?” I ask. And I’m sure Graham can hear the wariness in my voice.

He smiles. “Already to where the pushing and pulling on each other builds you up instead of breaking anything down. Where you can smooth each other out without ruining the beautiful pattern that’s underneath.”

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