Page 3 of All I Want Is Love
That idiotpouts. “You are not fun.” He looks at me. “Robin, to yourservice!” He says the last part in a way that leaves no room for interpretation.
My cheeks flush while Aspen furrows his brows.
His friend sighs before perking up again. “Oh, I forgot to tell you, I own the library.”
My eyes widen. “So, you are the best friend and business partner?”
He beams. “So, you do know me!” He opens his arms as if to hug me. Only Aspen’s glare stops him. “Relax, I am just messing with the both of you. The protective older brother act gives you an edge, though, it’s kinda hot, you know, but no need to pull it on me.”
“I know you too well,” Aspen sighs.
“But you are into guys, aren’t you?” Robin asks me with a beam. “My gaydar goes off.”
I feel the next wave of guilt washing over me, his words sending me right back to months ago when Dad found out. The look in his eyes, the venom, the things he said. The first step of my long downfall. I clasp my chest. Aspen is next to me immediately. “Breathe,” he says. “Slow breaths. Let’s do it together.”
I follow his lead, taking shaky breaths together with him, until I feel steady again, my legs less wobbly. I notice I am sitting, not even sure when I sat down. Aspen must have forced me to. There is a glass of cold water in front of me.
Just how long was I out of it?
“I am so sorry,” Robin says quietly. “I truly am. I was just joking.”
My brother looks at me. “He is apologizing to you. If you want to punch him, I will support you.”
Robin looks at me, his eyes wide, a guilty expression on his face.
“It’s okay,” I say quietly. “You didn’t know. It’s not your fault I am overly sensitive to every little thing.”
“You are not—“ Aspen stops himself, and instead he squeezes my shoulder. “I will show you around, but first you need to have some of my coffee and the newest cake I created.”
“I will take over for you in the office,” Robin offers. “As an apology for putting my foot in it, as usual.”
Aspen snorts. “He is a brat,” he tells me. “But a good guy.”
“It’s really okay,” I reassure him.
“Bring us some coffee and cake, and we are even,” Aspen says.
two
*LEO*
Aspen has always been somebody with endless energy, unlike me, who is rather boring. Once again, I notice the difference between us as he shows me around town. He basically chases me through every alley, pointing out every little thing that might be interesting to me and trying his hardest so I have a good time. I used to think of him as overbearing when we were younger, but now having him around just warms my heart.
West Sunhaven is a small town, so going by what Aspen said, I have seen everything notable within an hour. Though apparently there are some festivities and seasonal fairs that provide additional leisure.
Aspen seems to flourish when he can do work outside or with his hands. Another reason he had his major fallout with ourparents. I swallow thickly, trying to shove my parents back to the depths of my mind, hopefully never to think of them again.
“You have been silent for a while,” Aspen says. “Don’t tell me you hate my little town?”
“West Sunhaven is beautiful,” I tell him.
“Not too small for you?” he teases.
“Not anymore,” I say quietly.
“Sorry, Leo, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”
“You didn’t. It’s true. I had my head in the clouds and thought I was better. Had you shown me around a year ago, I would have been sure that this place would never be good enough for me. I feel so shallow that after all of this, I am here, and this place is proving to be homely and welcoming.“
