Page 87 of Meet Dare

We settle on the sofa with our drinks. My bottle is half-empty before Rowan speaks.

“I’m surprised you broke up with Cassandra.”

I snort. “Don’t start with whatever reverse psychology crap this is. You know damn well and good Cassie broke up with me.”

“Yeah. This town doesn’t know how to keep a secret.”

“Secret? This town doesn’t understand privacy.”

“Is the lack of privacy why you left? Because everyone’s in everyone’s business?”

Crap. Shit. Damn. And fuck. This is not the conversation I want to have today. Or ever.

I shrug. “I’m a wanderer.”

“You’re a fucking liar is what you are.”

I never could fool my big brother. He’s barely a year older than me, but Rowan will always be my big brother.

“I thought you came here to talk to me about how I’m ruining my life by letting Cassie go.”

“I did come here to talk to you about how you’re ruining your life. By letting Cassie go. By not settling down anywhere. By not allowing yourself to grow friendships. By not being around your family.”

“I don’t want to talk about this.”

“I don’t care. I’ve waited and waited and waited for you to come to me.”

This is news to me. “You have?”

He rolls his eyes. “Of course, I have. I’m your big brother and I love you. You’re hurting and I want to help.”

I frown. “I’m not hurting.”

“You’re lying again.”

“When did you get this smart?”

He smiles. “I’m not the dumb jock everyone thinks I am.”

“I don’t think you’re a dumb jock.” Why would I be jealous of him and his life if he was simply a dumb jock?

He cocks his eyebrow. “You don’t?”

“Of course not.”

“Okay, let’s proceed to theory number two.”

I chuckle. “Theory number two? Do you have a list of reasons why you think I’m hurting?”

“It’s not written down or anything.”

“Ashlyn’s a good influence on you.”

His smile stretches from ear to ear. “She is. She really is.”

“I’m glad you finally got your head out of your ass and went for what you wanted.”

“Me too.” He clears his throat. “And now it’s time for your head to get out of your ass so you can get what you want.”

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