Page 22 of Wild Hope
“I thought I told you not to hitchhike.”
Travis slides off his bike and saunters toward me like a protective big brother. Still watching out for me like Quentin asked him to.
I drop my bag in the dirt and put my hands on my hips. Now I’m glad I’m wearing my knee high boots because they make me look like a tough bitch, even though inside I feel like a silly schoolgirl in love.
If he’s come to lecture me, I won’t show him any vulnerability.
But as he strides over to me, the concern in his eyes almost makes me crumble. Almost. I remember the words that he said to Quentin.
Nothing to report.
I’ll give him nothing to report. He’ll know nothing of my feelings. I stick my chin out, ready to go into battle, but instead he cups it in his hand and pulls my face toward his. I’m speechless as his thumb strokes my cheek. “Don’t leave, Kendra.”
His eyes search mine, and my resolve crumbles. The tears I’ve been fighting back bubble to the surface and I squeeze my eyes shut, not wanting him to see how much I’m hurting.
“Don’t go, Kendra,” he says. “I want you to stay.”
With my eyes squeezed shut, I can’t see his face. I think about everything that’s gone on between us. His reluctance to go all the way, the sneaking around so no one sees, and then not telling my brother when he had the chance. Anger bubbles to the surface, and I pull away and out of his grasp.
“So you can keep sneaking around with me as your fuck buddy?”
He stumbles backwards as if I’ve slapped him.
“No, it’s not like that.”
“Isn’t it? Because it feels like you’re embarrassed to be with me.”
He’s got a horrified expression on his face, and he’s shaking his head.
“No. Kendra, you can’t think that.”
Another bike rolls around the corner, and Quentin comes into view. He slams on the brakes and pulls up behind us. He’s off the bike and striding over, not bothering to take his helmet off.
“Are you fucking hitchhiking?”
I roll my eyes at my over-protective big brother. “It’s the quickest way to get off this damn mountain.”
Travis flinches at the words and looks wounded.
“Is it because of this asshole?” Quentin stands between us and jerks his thumb at Travis. I’ve never seen him angry at his best friend before. “He tells me he loves you, but there’s got to be a reason you’re leaving. If he’s done anything to hurt you, I swear to God I will ruin that pretty face of his.”
Quentin paces in anger, and as he talks he points an angry finger at Travis. But my brain got stuck when he used the “L” word.
My gaze darts to Travis and he’s staring at me, his expression hurt and anxious.
“It’s true. Angel, I love you. I’m not sneaking around because I’m embarrassed. It’s because I respect your brother, and I wanted his blessing. But I see now that was a mistake. I love you, Kendra. I always have.”
He takes my hand, and my resolve melts away. Our eyes lock and I search his, looking for the truth.
Quentin growls.
“Is this what you want, Kendra? Is this really what you want? If he’s forced himself on you, if he’s hurt you in any way… I don’t care if he’s my best friend. He’ll be off this mountain and out of your life with a broken face.”
I look between both men. Both of them showing their love for me in different ways. My heart fills with joy at how lucky I am. To have these two men looking out for me, my overprotective brother and the man I love, with a code of honor that I don’t understand.
“Yes. That’s what I want.”
Travis reaches behind me and snaps a pine needle from a tree.
