Page 106 of Fool Me

But then I stop myself, because that’s not true. There is something.

“Actually.” I step in close, dropping my voice low enough that only he hears it. “I warned you once before and you didn’t listen, so I’m telling you one more time, if you ever threaten Harlowe again—passively, aggressively, sideways, any way—I won’t justwalk away. I won’t just cut you off. I’ll break you. Hell, I’d do it here and now if it weren’t for Harlowe’s upcoming promotion.”

His pupils flare with unbridled rage which he desperately tries to cover with a smirk that slides into something oily, like he’s still the one in control when that couldn’t be further from the truth. “Jesus, you’re blowing this way out of proportion, like always.”

“I’m not. Get it through your thick skull. You mean nothing to me.” The words are unshakable. “And I won’t hide what a scumbag you are. I’ve done it for years to protect my reputation—to protect mom and dad—but I’m done. I’ll tell the whole town the shit you’ve done. I’ll expose both of us if it protects her.”

His eyes shift, rubbing his arm. It’s a crack in his armor.

“You wouldn’t.”

“I so fucking would. Test me one more time, Canyon.”

“But I’m your brother. You’d ruin your family forever over my sloppy seconds,” he seethes, spittle flying with the force of his words. I tighten my grip on his shoulder, intending it to hurt. Pain cuts across his expression.

“I’d blow up my world, your world, all of it, for Harlowe.” That’s what this all comes down to. I was never going to make up with my brother, and I’ve already spent too many years not exposing him. It’s because of that, that he’s been able to hurt other people, Harlowe included.

I can’t change that, but I love her too fucking much to let him near her again. He won’t touch her literally, or metaphorically, if I can help it.

He sways—just slightly—but I catch it. His balance is off. He’s high. Or drunk. Maybe both. But he’s not my problem. I’m done with this conversation—with him, for good.

“Go home and ice your shoulder,” I murmur, “before someone else figures out you’re not sober.”

He pulls back, slower now, rubbing his collarbone. “Always so righteous.”

I walk away, leaving him standing there seething. Walking toward the alley, I pass Travis and Sheriff Evans, giving them a small nod and hoping the sheriff stumbles upon my brother as they continue in that direction.

I don’t look back; I pull out my phone, seeing a text from Harlowe telling me she’s waiting at Jude’s, and jog down the alley toward her. Because somewhere in the middle of that whole mess, it hit me like a kick to the gut.

I love her, and I want her to know.

Jude’s is packed—shoulder to shoulder, dust rattling in the cracked floorboards with the beat of the music. I spot Harlowe near the bar, just under the string lights. She’s laughing at something Jude is saying as he slides a shot toward her. She throws it back but fidgets with the glass, rolling it on the counter as she stares at it.

Then she looks around. She seems nervous.

I weave through the crowd, wiping my sweaty palms down the sides of my jeans. Fuck. I try to compose myself, worried that words are just going to come pouring out of me. What a stupid place to tell the girl I’m head over heels with that I’m in love with her for the first time.

But then I think about our first kiss—how chaotic and unexpected it was—and this place starts to feel right. Like it’s ours.

I reach her just as she turns and spots me. Her smile falters, and then spreads, like she had to force it.

“Hey, Clover,” I say, dropping a kiss to her lips.

“Took you long enough.” There’s an edge to her teasing and I wonder for a second if she knows why I got held up.

“Yeah, sorry,” I start, eager to explain and get the uncomfortable stuff out of the way so I can tell her I’m in love with her?—

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

The emergency line. Impeccable timing as always.

I glance at the screen and see Marilyn’s number. Crap. Now of all the times. For a split second, I contemplate not answering. This feels too big, too important to put off, but I can’t do that—I took an oath.

Harlowe’s brows lift. “You okay?”

“It’s Marilyn.” I hold up a finger., letting it ring two more times.Fuck.“Sorry. I gotta—” I can’t even hear myself think in here. I shoot her a look. “I’ll be right back. Just wait here. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

She nods, understanding as always, and I turn back out the way I came in, my head ducked.

---