Page 45 of Double Trouble

That doesn’t sound very promising, but hell, I’m in a better mood today, thanks to Tanner. So I take a large bite of lasagna and say, “Okay. Hit me with it.”

His knee bounces, shaking the entire couch. “Why didn’t you come home last night?”

I snort. That’s what he wants to talk about? Of all the things. “You know why.” I called him this morning with a million apologies and a quick rundown of the car breaking on me. “And honestly, you didn’t sound that worried about me when I called you.”

“I talked to Tanner, so I was past the point of panic.”

“You did?”

He nods. “Three in the morning.”

A bite of garlic bread drops into the pit of my stomach with a side of guilt. “What did he say?”

“You crashed on his couch. That you were safe.”

“Nothing else?”

“I didn’t press for more.” The brotherly concern quickly morphs into teasing as he tilts his head. “You know the guy is in love with you.”

I manage to keep my composure, even though I’m near choking on my food. “Y-yep.” I just didn’t know Pete knew.

His brow lifts. “You do?”

I nod, not wanting to elaborate. I shift on the couch, suddenly itchy. I thought this conversation would be Demi central, much like all our talks have been lately. Didn’t think I’d get the third degree about my love life.

He seems at a loss for words, like I threw him for a loop with my response. I settle my plate in my lap, my fork ready with another bite. “Is this what you wanted to talk to me about? Tanner?”

“Not really.”

“Then why are you talking about it?”

“I don’t want you messing with him if you aren’t serious about it, is all.”

“You’re protecting Tanner in this?” I let out a laugh around a hefty bite. “Gee, thanks, bro.”

He pushes his knuckles into my thigh. “Call it residual guilt, but I just don’t want to see the guy heartbroken. Again.”

I halt in my pig-out session, lowering my fork and giving my brother a once-over. Red tinges his neck and ears, and he won’t look me in the eye. He picks at the worn couch next to my knee. “Pete,” I tell him, using my big sister voice, “you didn’t steal Candace from Tanner, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“I know.”

“Liar.”

He lets out a hollow laugh and finally meets my eyes. He shakes his head and pulls on the ends of his hair. “I know it’s stupid, and he’s over her and shit, but I knew how he felt, and I still went after her.”

“You accidentally fell in love. It’s not like you intentionally went for her because Tanner had strong feelings for her. It’s history.”

“I just don’t want the guy to think he’s got a chance with you if you aren’t serious.”

“Why in the world do you think I’m not serious?” I’ve never toyed with men before. Never dangled myself in front of them, and once I got what I wanted, I bailed. Heat rises up the back of my neck, and I set my empty plate on the side of the couch and cross my arms. “Will you just spit out what you want to say instead of hem hawing?”

His eyes widen, but he completely follows orders. “I’m afraid you’re using him to deal with what’s going on around here. And it isn’t fair to him if you are.”

I’m a deer in the headlights. A piece of lasagna flops from my fork and splatters on my plate, my t-shirt catching some of the debris. I clear my throat, trying to get my voice to work. “E-excuse me?”

He throws his hands up. “I know we’re going through some shit, is all. And you tend to hide everything you’re feeling and let it out when I’m not around.”

Gosh, I have to give my brother more credit on how intuitive he is. I swipe my hand down my shirt and set my dish to the side. I push on the couch and twist so I face him head on. “Okay… you want to talk about our shit, let’s do it.”

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