Page 36 of One Little Lie
They exchange a glance that makes my stomach clench. I’ve never really been in a fight with my brothers. We would go at each other sometimes, but we always hugged it out after. I’m not sure what to do, but I know I hate this.
“He’s hurt, too. Not just because of whatever happened between you and Rylan, but because neither of you ever told him. He’ll come around. He just needs some time,” East promises.
We reach the car, and they each lean in for a hug, but they flank me like I’m about to run.
“Ah, everything okay?”
“Yup.” Preston grins. “Just seeing you off. Ash has planned every detail of this trip for you. So, even if something seems … unexpected, know that it’s not. It’s his doing.”
“Oh-kay. You get stranger by the day, big brother.”
They’re both smiling now, and it’s really making me uncomfortable, so I figure it’s time to get out of here.
“I’ll let you know when I get there.” Opening the door to climb in, I stop mid-stride when I’m greeted by two misty green eyes.
“When you both arrive,” Easton says, shoving me into a seated position.
I spin toward them, but they are already closing the door on me, so I roll down the window. The scent of Rylan in this fucking hot box is too much.
“What the fuck?” I growl.
“Ash thinks Pacen might be more willing to talk if Rylan is with you. It isn’t negotiable, and you need to get moving so you don’t miss your ferry to the island.” Preston uses his big brother tone, but I barely register his words.
Fuck my life. A lean-to with Rylan, possibly for weeks? This will ruin me.
I place my hands on the steering wheel at ten and two and bow my head while taking a few deep breaths.
“Halton?”
My name is like a dagger through the heart when Rylan uses it. My hands are so tight on the steering wheel I’m surprised it doesn’t crack.
“Halt, you need to breathe.”
Tilting my head toward her, I realize I’m holding my breath, and I release it with a loud whoosh.
“Halton?” She places a hand on my forearm, and I wince.
“Stop fucking calling me that.” My words sound vicious, but they mask my pain. Rolling my shoulders, I try again more gently. “Please, I’d rather you call me nothing at all than Halton.” I don’t know why this matters so much to me, but it does.
Rylan releases my arm, and it feels like she’s taken all the air with her, too.
Someone knocks on the door, and I turn to find Ash. I think this is the first time he’s come out of hiding this week. He makes a ‘let’s get this show on the road’ motion with his hands, and I turn the key that sits in the ignition.
“Did you know about this?” I rasp, rolling up the window again, and pull onto the road.
I glance in her direction but refuse eye contact. I can see just enough to watch her neck work while swallowing, and the basest of instincts to lick her wash over me.
Get your head on straight, asshole.
“I did.” Her voice is strong, resolute, and it throws me off.
My little wild child has certainly grown up.
“Why?”
I’ve done nothing but hurt her for years. Why the hell would she agree to be trapped in a car with me for five hours?Oh, shit. And we’re camping.
“Hatty?” The plea in her voice cracks my armor, and I lift my gaze to hers. “I’ve missed you, too.”
