Page 40 of The Perils of Pretending
My heart races. I put my palm over his mouth, looking back at the lodge, ensuring that we’re alone. “Shh. That’s top-secret information.”
He pulls my arm away from his face. “We’re alone.”
“Yeah, but what if someone hears you?”
“I won’t say anything again.”
I smack his shoulder. “You better not. You promised.”
“How can I help?”
I tuck my hair behind my ear. “Keep Dorian away from me as much as you can. He won’t stop touching me despite the fact that I asked him not to and told him I’m not interested in getting to know him.”
Brody’s brows form a deep V. “Touching you how?”
“On my shoulder, high-fives, hugs…disrespectful crap like that. He knows I’m off the market and definitely don’t want him. If he keeps it up, I’ll have to punch him and I really don’t want to bruise my knuckles.”
“Even if he’s not grabbing you in private areas, if you’ve told him to back off, any physical contact is not okay.”
“I agree.”
Brody shakes his head. “If he doesn’t stop,I’llbe the one punching him.”
My heart goes as soft as sand. Ever since Dad died, Brody’s done a great job at stepping up as a father figure. I hate that he’s had to, but I’m grateful for him all the same. I bump his hip with my own. “I appreciateyou having my back. But let’s try to figure this out without violence first. Grandma will have a cow if there’s news reports about our family.”
“You’re the one who brought it up.”
I put a hand to my chest. “My punches would barely phase him. My only hope is that they’d send him a message. Yours, on the other hand, might knock him out.” Brody weightlifts several days a week and practices Tae Bo like Poppy. Being on the receiving end of his and Poppy’s punches numerous times throughout our childhood, I’m well aware of how much they hurt and how big of a bruise they leave.
“He’ll deserve it if he doesn’t listen.”
I won’t stop Brody, or Captain Big Rack, from defending me if needed. I’m usually not an advocate for violence, but I am absolutely on board with defending myself at all costs. “For now, do your best to distract him. If you are his friend and hog all his attention, he won’t bother me anymore. I’ll also start carrying my bear spray with me at all times.” I’m not sure how I’ll fit it in my crossbody bag, but I brought a carabiner I can use to attach it to the metal hook if needed.
“You should. And I’ll stay by him.”
I chuckle self-depreciatingly. “Too bad we can’t convince Max to come. Maybe actually having him here would send the message better than me just talking about him.”
“Do you want me to ask him?”
I sigh. “What I want is for the family to listen to me. For me to be able to handle this on my own. That’s obviously not happening. So…let’s see how tomorrow goes. I might need Max.” It’s hard to admit that, but it's also a relief that I have a “boyfriend” to call on. He probably can’t come, but just knowing he’s there helps.
“Sounds like a plan.”
I wrap both my arms around one of his, leaning my head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Brod.”
“Anything for you, sis.”
Chapter 17
Max
Ireachforaslice of perfectly crisp bacon on the plate Grandma sets on the dining room table in front of me.
She smacks my hand. “We haven’t said grace and you didn’t bring your girlfriend. You can wait.”
Now that I’m an adult, I guess Grandma won’t let me get away with swiping a bite early. I drop the food, my stomach clenching in shame.
I forgot how religious my grandparents are. We went to church growing up, but since moving to Utah, I haven’t found a congregation to join. My worship happens while building with wood and being in nature.
