Page 113 of Love Thy Neighbor

“That’s…dirty.”

I hate that he uses that word, but it’s so fucking fitting for how I feel.

I wish I could take it back.

The betrayal in her eyes…it fucking gutted me.

I’ve had this pit in my stomach all morning. Not even my coffee tastes good.

“She has to be pissed at you. I know I would be.” His words don’t make me feel any better. “What the hell were you thinking?”

I blow out an exasperated breath. “I was giving her the push her father took away.”

“And was thatyourcall to make?”

“I just…I saw how badly she wanted to do it but was too scared. I thought of all the times she almost took control of what she genuinely wanted, and then all the times she’s backed away. I thought if I brought them along and she saw how great the truck was doing, she’d be more open to adding her stuff into the mix. Then the box was lost and…”

“You volunteered her as tribute,” he finishes. He takes a sip of his coffee, then sets the mug down. “So, what are you going to do?”

“Grovel?”

“That’s a start.” He chuckles. “Have you talked to her at all?”

“Not since the festival. She’s been…distant.”

“Can’t say I blame her.”

“Me either. It was a total dick move.”

“Look,” he says, setting his fork down. “For what it’s worth, I can see why you did what you did. I can’t say I’d do the same with River, mostly because she’d castrate me and I’m terrified of her, but I get it. I think if you explain your side, she’ll come around. And if she doesn’t, well, I guess you can sleep on our couch tonight. But don’t tell River I invited you. That’ll get me in trouble, and she’d accuse me of choosing sides. Just show up looking all pitiful and shit.”

I snort. “Thanks. I appreciate it. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“For your sake and mine, neither do I. So you better sack up and tell the girl you love you’re sorry and will never do it again.”

Wait…the girl Ilove?

Am I in love with her?

No way. It’s too soon…isn’t it?

Then again…it’s Caroline.

Nothing with us has ever made much sense.

“Wow. You should see the fucking grin on your face right now,” Dean taunts. “I’ve seen that look before.”

“What look?”

“Love.”

“What?”

“L-O-V-E.” He nods, grinning. “Oh, yeah. You’re totally in love with her.”

I shake my head, ready to argue. “I’m—”

Totally, completely, abso-fucking-lutely in love with her.

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