Page 43 of The Bad Brother

Reading his text, I expect that punched in the gut feeling I had when I last talked to him but all I feel is anger and disgust. Thinking about all the things of mine he kept, I want to tell him tough shit but realize that none of it matters. Not if it means being free of him. I already called the registrar at Duke and requested an official copy of my med school diploma. That’s the only thing I really care about.

Me: I’ll leave it for you at the information desk at the hospital. You can pick it up there.

Unknown: Don’t be stupid. That ring is worth more than most people make in a year. You’re not going to just leave it at some public information desk.

A month ago, I’d be in a panic at the thought that I’d upset or displeased him somehow. Now, reading hismessage and knowing he’s trying to intimidate me, just makes me even angrier.

Me: Yes, I am. If you want it, that’s where it’ll be.

After sending the text, I block the number Ethan is using and close my phone to finish getting ready for work.

THIRTY MINUTES LATER, I’M READY FORwork and heading out the door when I get another text. This one from Rita, the realtor my boss at the hospital set me up with.

Rita: Good news! I think I found the perfect place for you. It’s in Barrett. It’s on Cedar street, in a quiet neighborhood and the rent is more than reasonable. Best part is that it’s only twenty minutes from the hospital. It’s going to rent fast so if you’re still interested, we need to set up an appointment to see it, ASAP. Let me know.

Standing in the hallway, my key to the loft dangling from the doorknob, I have the immediate urge to text her back with a politeno thank you, I found a place on my ownbut I can’t because I haven’t. This arrangement is only temporary. I’m paid up on the loft for three months. When my time here is up, I’ll be homeless again. Regardless of what happened between us, Jensen doesn’t want me here. There’s no way he’ll let me sign another lease. If I let the place Rita found go, I’ll run the risk of being homelessagain in a few months, which will put me right back where I started.

Staring at my phone for a few moments, I shove it back in my bag without answering her either way. Making my way downstairs, sounds and smells that I’ve grown used to over the last few weeks drift up to greet me. Low volume music playing on the juke box. The sound of a vacuum being run. The smell of sizzling beef and fried potatoes. It’s after eleven so that means Jensen is behind the bar, getting ready for the Barrett’s noon open while a pair of old ladies tidy up the place.

It's a straight shot from the stairs to the front door, Sloane. You can do it. So what if Jensen gave you the hardest orgasms you’ve ever experienced in your entire life a few days ago and now he’s acting like you don’t exist. Eyes front. Don’t attempt engagement. Begging for attention will only make you look and feel pathetic, which is undoubtedly his goal.

Squaring my shoulders, I step out of the stairwell, directly to the right of the bar, my gaze focused on the open front door in front of me. Through it, I can see my car. All four of my tires are inflated. How insane am I for feeling disappointment when I see them?

Don’t think about it. Don’t look at him. Keep walking. Don’t?—

“Dr. Merrick?”

Hearing my name, I stop in my tracks and turn to find the sheriff sitting at the bar, a glass of iced tea and a half-eaten burger in front of him.

“Sheriff Montgomery.” Flicking a quick look at Jensen, I feel my jaw tighten and my stomach sink because he still won’t look at me. As a matter of fact, he looks like he wantsto throw up at the sound of my voice. Forcing a friendly smile onto my face, I ignore Jensen’s obvious discomfort and push myself closer to the bar. “It’s been a while, how are you?”

“Good…” Nodding, he gives me a puzzled smile. “Are you living here?” After he says it, he looks at Jensen who looks like he wants to bolt out the door because the unspoken end to his question is obvious—with Jensen?

“I am, actually.” Flicking another quick look at Jensen, I keep smiling. “I’m renting the loft across the hall from Jensen’s place.”

“Oh.” His mouth stretches into a grin, making the resemblance to his twin brother instantly uncanny. Dividing his smile between me and the nauseous looking man behind the bar, he shakes his head. “I didn’t know Jen’d finally decided to let the place go.”

Jensen gives me a quick look, his jaw clenching with temper. Ignoring him, I nod. “It’s only temporary—just a few months. River told him about my predicament and Jensen was nice enough to give me a break on the rent until I find my feet.”

When I say it, the sheriff laughs out loud before looking at Jensen. “Jensen Barrett, philanthropist. First the motel thing and now here you are, rescuing damsels in distress. Uncle Tank’d shit wooden nickels if he was here to see it.”

“Fuck you,” Jensen growls at the sheriff from across the bar. “Seriously, Colt —fuck you.”

“Sorry, Cousin.” Instead of offended, the sheriff seems even more amused by Jensen’s reaction. “You don’t want people to know you’re a good guy, stop doing good guy shit,” he says with a shrug before looking at me. “Since thisis just temporary, I own a duplex near the station and my tenants are getting ready to move out, if you’re looking for something a little more permanent. I just put it on the market this morning but if you?—”

“I think my realtor just texted me about it,” I tell him. “Is it on Cedar street?”

“That’s me.” He bobs his head on a grin. “If you’re interested, I can hold off the other applicants. We can set up a time for you to come see the place.”

“I am,” I say, bobbing my head before I chance a quick look at Jensen. He doesn’t look sick anymore. He looks like he wants to murder someone. “I mean, I might be. I’m on a tight budget these days so it all depends.”

“I’m sure we can work something out,” he says with a quick grin. “It might be beneficial to have a doctor in the house.”

“We do have our uses,” I say on a laugh.

I swear to god, Jensen just growled.

Pretending I don’t notice, I give the sheriff a sunny smile. “I’ll call Rita and set up a time to come see it. Thank you, it was good to see you again, Sheriff.”

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