Page 19 of This Feeling

“So…you and Sean are back together. That’s good.”

My head snapped up so fast, I nearly got dizzy. It was my turn to shrug. For some reason, I couldn’t bring it upon myself to outright lie to him.

He tilted his head and regarded me with a quizzical expression. He was about to say something when Sean walked into the kitchen.

He slapped Declan on the side of the arm and then glanced across the kitchen at me. “What are you two talking about?”

I set the towel on the counter. “Nothing, just catching up. Listen, Sean, I need to take off.”

“Okay, right.”

“I’ll just go thank your parents and, um…” My eyes bounced between brothers. “I’ll talk to you later.”

As I started out of the kitchen to make my goodbyes, Declan said, “No kiss goodbye for the lovebirds?”

I paused, feeling my cheeks turn red hot as I slowly looked at him. My heart instantly started to pound in my chest. “What?” I asked, confused.

“You’re not even going to kiss Sean goodbye?”

There was something strange about the way Declan had asked his question…not to mention the way he was looking at me.

He knew. Hehadto know we were faking.

Blinking away the image of kissing Declan instead, I glanced over to Sean. I forced a smile. “Right. Of course. Long day, and I’m not thinking.”

Sean met me halfway, and I quickly kissed him on the lips, then turned and rushed out of the kitchen as fast as I could.

Declan

I watched as Harper practically ran from the kitchen after kissing Sean, if that was what you could even call it. It was more like a peck. Turning to Sean, I raised a brow.

He let out a nervous laugh. “She’s, um…had a long day.”

“That’s what she said. When did you two get back together?”

“A few days ago, maybe a week.”

I nodded. “What made you break up?”

Sean rubbed at his neck. “Listen, Declan, I would love to chat but I’ve gotta get going. I’m really glad you’re home, though.”

Smiling, I replied, “Me too. I’ll be looking for my own place if you know of anyone renting.”

“Yeah, I’ll, um…I’ll keep an ear out for you.”

“Thanks, bro.”

“Sure thing.”

I watched Sean hightail it out of the kitchen nearly as fast as Harper did. Something was up with those two. From the moment they’d walked in and Harper tripped him, to the awkward goodbye kiss only seconds ago, I’d smelled something rotten.

Hearing my parents say goodbye to Sean, I made my way out to the living room. Mom shut the door and leaned against it, letting out a long sigh.

“Why is he dating her again?” she moaned.

“You really don’t like Harper, do you?” I asked.

My mother looked at me and forced a smile. “She’s a sweet girl but not the right woman for Sean.”

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