Page 53 of Snow Balled

That cut the wind out of his sails. “No way. Siblings don’t do the things we’ve done together.”

“Yeah, but she doesn’t see it that way. If she did, she’d freeze up on you, like we’ve seen her do many times. But she’s convinced herself that you two are just joking and playing around, so it’s okay.” They didn’t think I noticed the glances and playful touches they sometimes exchanged, but I did.

“He’s older than her,” Tristan said.

“Doesn’t matter. She thinks he’s friendly and fun, and above all, safe.”

Drew didn’t look pleased with that assessment.

“What about me?” Tristan asked.

“You’re her peer. Her work colleague.”

Neither of them looked happy, but if they thought about it, they’d see it was true.

“Couldn’t it be that she actually likes me?” Tristan asked.

“She does. She likes both of you.” But only because they fit in nice, neat roles that made her feel safe.

“So, what slot has she put you in?” Drew asked me.

“That’s easy. She thinks he’s the devil,” Tristan said instantly.

“Yep.”

“Really?” Drew hadn’t proved to be a very astute observer of human nature, but I gave him a pass because it was clear that he was besotted with Sierra.

“She sees him as the personification of sexuality. That’s why she hates him so much.” Tristan tried, but he couldn’t hold back a smirk.

“That amuses you?”

“Hell yeah. How many times have I seen women falling all over you just because of the way you look? It’s a real pleasure to meet one who takes one look at you and runs the other way.” Okay, he had a point there. But it would’ve been nice if Sierra had been one of the ones to appreciate my charm, not resent it.

Drew still wasn’t up to speed. “But you’ve barely spoken to her. How can she hate you?” He paused. “Wait, is that why you’ve been so damn quiet? Because you know how uncomfortable you make her?”

When I didn’t say anything, Tristan jumped in. “He’s actually been on his best behavior since she arrived.”

“But you yell at everyone on the phone. Is that just displaced aggression?” Drew asked.

I grinned. “Nah, that’s just doing business.” It was one of my favorite parts of it.

Drew kicked at a clump of snow. “So why are you telling us this?”

“Firstly, so you two don’t fall head over heels for someone who’s not in the same place. And secondly, because she needs our help.”

That got their attention. “Wearehelping her,” Tristan said.

“Yeah. Food and shelter. The same as we’d do for anyone.” Well, except that asshole Brookmeyer at work. If you try to take credit for my idea, you’re on my shitlist. But if you do that and eat my leftovers out of the fridge, you’re my enemy for life.

“What else should we be doing for her?” Drew asked.

“Well, for one thing, you can stop tiptoeing around her.”

“Us?” Tristan said. “You’re the one who barely even speaks to her.”

“Because I intimidate the hell out of her. Trust me, trying not to scare off our young guest has been hell on earth.”

“I still don’t see how that was your best behavior,” Drew said, but I ignored him.

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