Page 81 of Protecting his Heart

OWEN: Okay. Call me if you need me. Love you.

EVAN: Love you, too.

He grinned as he picked up the tray and carried it into the living room, setting it down on the coffee table. “I didn’t put any milk or sugar in, but help yourself to whatever you need.”

“Thanks.”

He sat on the other end of the sofa and cradled his tea. He wasn’t usually a tea drinker, but he knew that for some cancer patients, the scent of coffee was nauseating for them. Plus, his stomach would probably thank him later.

After a tense silence, during which Evan couldn’t think of a thing to say—well, he could but nothing polite about his parents—she faced him more fully. Even in the dim lighting, he could see the strain in her body. The darker circles beneath her eyes, the paler skin. He hated that for her.

“You’re probably wondering why I’m here.”

“A little, though I’m not unhappy about it.”

Her mouth curved at the corners, a gesture she must’ve got from their mother. “I heard about what happened to you, and I wanted to check you were okay. I know… you don’t get along with our parents, and they have no idea I’m here.”

“Don’t get into trouble for me, Jessica.”

She straightened, and some of the Morris backbone entered her spirit. “I am my own person. I might need extra support than some at my age, but I make my own choices.”

Evan smiled. “Good. But I’m not worth causing a rift.”

Jessica put her cup down and slid a little closer, resting her hand on his forearm. Her eyes bored into his. “Yes, you are.”

He swallowed hard, never once expecting anything nice to some from a family member, not after having his parents throw him out. “Thanks,” he croaked.

She settled back again, picking up her cup. “I don’t know anyone who would go after the people who took that girl, and when I found out it was you, I was so proud of you. I couldn’t not visit to meet the person who I’ve always wanted to get to know. I’m sorry if you don’t want me here.”

Evan sighed. “I want to get to know you, too. Our parents… they’re a difficult subject for me. I’m not sure what they told you, but we didn’t part on good terms.”

She studied him, biting her lips. “They threw you out, didn’t they?” she whispered. Evan snapped wide eyes to hers, and she nodded with a sad smile. “It doesn’t surprise me, but I hate that they did it. I had my suspicions because Dad has never been quiet about his hatred for anything but the ‘norm,’ as he calls it.”

“How did you know I was gay?”

“I came to the hospital after you were brought in, and I saw you with the other guy—I can’t remember his name.” She beamed. “I could see how you looked at each other. There’s no denying that connection.”

“Owen,” he murmured. “His name’s Owen.”

She smiled again. “I’m happy for you.” Her smile faltered. “There is another reason I’m here, and I feel so selfish about it.”

He waited for her to ask about the blood test, like their parents did, but she surprised him.

“I have little time left in this world, Evan. But I wanted to meet you before it was too late. It means that we’ll just get to know each other, and then I’ll leave you again. And I’m sorry, but I really wanted to know my brother.” Her voice cracked.

Evan put his drink down and moved closer, gently enfolding her in his arms and resting his cheek against her head. “You are so far from selfish. I’ve only known about you for a few days, but I wanted to get to know you. I wasn’t sure if it would be harder for you, though.”

She lifted her head, tear tracks on her cheeks. “You didn’t know about me?”

Evan shook his head. “No one told me you even existed. Otherwise, I would’ve probably introduced myself.”

“How did you find out?” Evan looked away. “They asked you to go for tests, didn’t they?” She cursed and pulled away, wiping her face. “I told them not to! It’s not fair to you to be used as a pincushion.”

He cradled her jaw, making sure she saw his sincerity when he spoke. “If it would help, I would be a pincushion every hour of the day. I’d already agreed to be tested. I just haven’t managed it yet because of what happened. I’m sorry. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

She shook her head. “It’s okay. You don’t need to worry. Even if they find a match now, it’s too late.”

He frowned, letting her go when she pulled away. “Why is it too late?”

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