Page 122 of Defend Me

We sat there for a while, just enjoying the sun that was out today. He watched endless videos on TikTok and I wanted to knock the phone out of his hand when I couldn’t bear how cringy they were.

The crunch of gravel under tires made me turn my head. I forced myself to remain calm and collected while I watched the Audi roll down the long driveway. The less rational part of me wanted to run to meet him so that he could sweep me off my feet and spin me around in the sunshine.

Alex looked at me when I laughed. I just waved him off, not keen on explaining what the fuck I’d just envisioned. If I kept it to myself, I could just blame the sativa.

Brooks pulled up next to my car and idled for a minute that felt like an eternity. His car was extremely quiet while it was running, but I listened intently for the moment he’d shut it off. My phone buzzed, making me jump.

Brooks:You didn’t tell me.

Tilian:What?

Brooks:That you’re a country boy. The neighbors have cows.

Tilian:Dude, just get ur ass up here, u pretentious fuck nugget.

The car shut off and I heard his laughter when the door opened.

“Tilian,” he scolded as he approached. “Does your mother know what foul things come out of your mouth?”

“Nope. They’re tailor-made for you every day.”

He grinned. Without regard for my brother or god himself, he grabbed me by the back of the neck and kissed me. I thrust my hands through his hair, insanely happy that he’d chosen to wear it down without me having to say anything.

His hand moved around to my throat, then raised slightly to grip underneath my jaw. Holding me in place, he sought my tongue without allowing me to move an inch.

“Jesus,” Alex said from behind us. “I guess you really are together.”

With a huff, I turned around and gave him a stern look. “Stop swearing so much. Dad and Miranda are gonna think I did this.”

“Don’t hype yourself. I literally have unrestricted access to the internet.”

Brooks hummed thoughtfully. “It’s giving baby Zoomer energy. Maybe if you listen to your old as fuck brother, I’ll take you for a ride in my car.”

Alex stuck his tongue out at me, then ran down the steps to look at the Audi. Immediately, I wanted to tell him not to touch it, but Brooks took my hand.

“Hey,” he called. “Grab those flowers for your mom and your gift on the back seat. If you open it, though, I’m giving it to Violet.”

It was hard to believe that Brooks didn’t have any siblings. He navigated mine with such ease, better than I did. I mostly just treated them like I would anyone else. Except when the little shit asked if he could hit my pen. Hard pass.

Alex rejoined us carrying a meticulously wrapped box and a bouquet of flowers that looked really expensive. I didn’t know what a custom-made arrangement looked like, but if I had to venture a guess, it would be that.

Brooks took the flowers, then handed them to me before he slipped his arm around my waist. We walked inside and I was struck by how calm I felt right now. I’d smoked, but this was a different sort of peace. With him here, I felt safe.

“Brooks!” Miranda exclaimed when we reached the living room. She stood and rushed over to us, immediately wrapping him in a hug. He managed to return it without letting me go. “I’m so glad you came. I really thought Til wasn’t going to tell you that I invited you.”

He smirked at me. “That sounds like something he would do. He did wait until Thursday.”

She tutted at me. “Always procrastinating.”

I scoffed. “Things were complicated. He’s here, so let’s relax and get the party set up.”

When I held out the flowers, her eyes softened. “Tilian, I’m telling you right now, you’d better keep him.”

Brooks looked smug as she brought the flowers to the kitchen. “Looks like I’ll be invited to every event.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it.”

He shot me a glare before he moved to the back door. My dad was on the balcony, so he joined him. They shook hands like old pals or businessmen. Brooks got dragged into what looked like a conversation about grilling. He seemed a little lost, which was a rare expression to see on him. The things he’d never done with his own two hands were laughable.

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