Page 1 of Falling for Him
PROLOGUE
Bennett
There wasa time when I thought I’d never be able to look at my brother the same. A time when I felt as though the man I’d spent my life idolizing was a stranger to me. Because there was no way Brantley would ever go after a woman I had feelings for. There’s no chance he’d hurt me like that.
Brant has been my hero for as far back as I can remember. Someone I looked up to and wished more than anything I could be just like. A strong, compassionate, and dedicated man that would move mountains for family.
I’ve always trusted him without question.
But a rift triggered by a girl we both wanted drove a wedge between us I never thought we’d be able to mend.
Two strong-willed men, acting like children.
Two egos that were struggling to be the winner in the end.
But through it all, one thing remained true. The O’Shay men always found their way back to the top. It was messy, and we may have scars, but we made it through.
It still stings a little that he got the girl. But the truth is, it was never really about the girl, it was more about winning. I’m not proud of that.
Sutton and Brantley, they belong together, I saw it from the beginning which only made it harder to accept. I don’t like to lose, I don’t like to feel like I’m second to anyone.
It’s my problem, one I need to learn how to get past.
I’ve played games for far too long. I’ve never taken a second to pause and realize that my actions were hurting those around me.
I also didn’t stop long enough to see the right woman was right in front of me all along. Yet, now I may have caused too much irreversible damage. I may have pushed away the one I was meant to love from the start.
That, I have no one else to blame.
It’s all on me.
And I have to be the one to fix it.
CHAPTER ONE
Bennett
“Are you nervous?”I ask as I stand in the back of the church, nudging my brother with my elbow, as we both look out over the guests who are being ushered in and seated.
“Not at all.” He doesn’t even hesitate and his smile says it all. “I can’t be nervous when I’m about to marry the perfect woman.”
It used to set me off when I’d hear him or anyone mention the two of them together. Now I’m happy for them. Like I said, they belong together.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to take every chance I can take to poke the bear. It’s all in good fun. A way to rile him up, because when it comes to Sutton, it’s way too easy.
I try to hide my grin as I dig a little more. “She could get up there and take one look at me and realize she chose the wrong brother.” Immediately I see Brantley’s jaw tense and his nostrils flare. “I do look pretty good in a tux,” I add as I grab the lapelsof his jacket and pretend to straighten them. “I’m the better looking one, no doubt.”
“You done stroking your own ego?” he says, looking over at me and not cracking a smile, his lips pressed in a tight line as he holds my stare.
Feels good to be back at this point with him. Back to the place where we’ve always been, two brothers that would do anything for the other without blinking but bicker and hassle each other every chance we are presented with.
I chuckle, “For real, Brantley.” I nod, wiping away my cocky smirk. “You’re a lucky man.”
“I know.” And he does. “I don’t deserve Sutton, I don’t know if I ever will. But I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to. She’s amazing, and it still doesn’t feel real.”
“It’s real.” I take a deep breath and reach out to place my hand on his shoulder. “And you do deserve her. I don’t know a better man.”
Brant nods, reaching out to throw an arm over my shoulders, pulling me in for a hug. His throat bobs as he swallows his emotions. Together we share a moment; no other words are necessary.
