Page 29 of Home Coming

“They tracked him down through his sister’s TikTok. She tagged you and named him in a picture taken last night at some bar.”

“Jeezus,” Quinn breathed out.

Anonymity was lost in the age of the internet. Especially when one had a sister like Josie.

He’d often mocked her for posting absolutely everything—including every meal she ate. Now, as the latest subject of her posts, he wished she’d stuck to food.

“So, we need a plan,” Xander continued.

“Here’s an idea. How about the truth?” Quinn suggested.

“That’s a starting point. We’ll go from there. So what is the truth?” Xander asked. “Where did you two meet? When? Please tell me you weren’t fucking around with him while you were with Axel. I mean I can spin it if I have to but I’d like you firmly on the high ground and Axel the only cheater in the relationship.”

“Axelisthe only cheater in the relationship. Quinn is my best friend from high school’s older brother. That’s all. Until yesterday, I hadn’t seen him for like a dozen years.”

“Good. I can work with that. I gotta go but we’ll work on a press release on this end. You stay off socials until we talk again. It’s radio silence until we’re ready for you to make your statement. Andget that song recorded,” Xander ordered.

“But—”

Xander disconnected before Bailey could say anything more.

The guy was a shark but that might be a good thing. She needed someone strong on her side to defend her during this clusterfuck.

Next to him, Bailey sighed. One glance told Quinn she was stressed. He could see it in her posture. Her shoulders were up near her ears. Her neck stiff.

“I know he’s tough, but I think he’s good for you,” Quinn said, keeping his voice gentle. She didn’t need him badgering her too.

“I thought Axel was good for me too so…” She shrugged.

“Did you really?” he asked. “From what Josie said he’s a rock star with a player reputation.”

Not exactly marriage material.

The thought of Bailey getting married caused Quinn’s brows to draw low.

He’d always considered his little sister—and her friend—too young for that. But just because he wasn’t looking for forever quite yet didn’t mean anything. The two girls—women now—were more than old enough.

Bailey shrugged again in response to his question. “I thought he’d changed. For me. For us.”

On the tip of his tongue was a response that he forced himself not to voice.

People don’t change.

Not deep down at the core of who they really are. At least not without some radically life altering event.

She shook her head. “I’m so stupid.”

“No, you’re not. We’ve all been wrong about people one time or another.”

That was true of him and his feelings about Bailey. She wasn’t simple or silly. All the things he’d used to dismiss her years ago as not a full person. Just his sister’s shadow. Not worthy of a second look or thought as he tried to decide what his future would be.

That second look now, years later, revealed how wrong he’d been. She was so much more than he’d assumed. Deep. Damaged. Devastating…

He drew in a breath as a sideways glance had him imagining wrapping her in his arms. Comforting her. Then fucking that look of sadness, that insecurity, right out of her eyes.

CHAPTERELEVEN

The GPS’s computer announced,“You have reached your destination.”

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