Page 131 of Push

“Says the pessimist.” I dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “If bad things can happen, good things can happen too, right?”

“Can they? The last few months have been some of the worst. Kayleigh…and…Ian…”

“You still think about that?”

“Almost every day. I want to stop feeling afraid, but…”

I pressed my face into her shoulder, hiding the burn of tears I couldn’t stop. My job was to be strong for her, but the fear cracking in her voice pummeled my chest worse than any punch Ian could’ve landed on me.

“We’ll get through it together, I promise,” I said. “You’re not on your own anymore. You’ve always had Marnie in your corner. Me. Now, you’ve added a couple more.”

“But you hate them. And they’ve been so rude to you today.”

I shrugged. “I’ve got a sister. I’m used to this kind of crap. Maybe I should invite Tanya to the next lunch and see how your brother handles her. Can you imagine?” I laughed into the crook of her neck. “But seriously, Gwen, don’t worry about me. I’ve got a thick skin. Cat thinks you’re good for that pair, and just quietly, I think they’re good for you, too.” I sighed. “Even if I hate to admit it.”

“You’ll seriously put up with Liam?”

“For you, I’d put up with a lot more. Just throw everything you’ve got at me, doll. You’ll see.”

She turned, smiling, and to my utter shock, she lifted her head and pecked a kiss on my jaw. I jolted up straight. Sparks fired up every nerve in my body.

“T-thanks,” I croaked.

“You’re a good sort, Tobes.”

“I t-try, m-my lady.” Jeez. One tiny kiss, and I was no better than a bumbling, horny teenager. I shifted on the couch to get a little more…comfortable…and hugged my arms tighter around Gwen.

I’d missed moments like these. Just sitting. Just being together. My chest swelled to feel how perfectly she molded into my body like we started from the same lump of clay once upon a time. I didn’t want it to end, but keeping Gwen all to myself was wrong. I untangled our bodies, set her down gently on the couch, and rose to my feet.

“Are you heading back?” she asked.

“Yep.” I held my hand out for her to grab. “So are you. No more worrying about what might happen unless it’s good stuff, okay?”

She gently laid her palm in mine. “Do you really think this could turn out good?”

“It already has, don’t you think?”

When Gwen stood up, I helped her check her makeup and tidy her hair, and then I patted her on the butt to scoot her back to the party. I trailed a few steps behind, pausing under the archway of the living room. My stomach knotted. Gwen was confident in some parts of her life—work, mostly—but I’d dropped the ball not to notice how fragile she was everywhere else. I needed to lift my game.

If I hadn’t lingered, wondering what to do next, I doubt I would’ve seen Liam leaning against the wall next to the stairs. My eyes narrowed. How long had that bastard been there? Had he listened to every word?

“Enjoy lurking around corners, do you?” I snapped at him.

His mouth opened—probably to roast me with some smart-ass burn—but he closed it again, turned, and headed up the stairs.

I could’ve returned to the party. I could’ve shot the breeze with Zach, hustled with Marnie, or even helped Cat in the kitchen. All reasonable options.

Instead, I climbed the back stairs two at a time.

It was time to have a little chat with Gwen’s brother, out of earshot, man to man.

41

He Talked About Secrets

Toby

The second level ofCat’s house was a maze of rooms. I stuck my head through the doorways dotted along the hallway.

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