“No. I’m sure I’ll still be here when you get back.”
“And you say you’re not a princess?” Cade calls out from the hallway, obviously eavesdropping on our conversation.
“Go away, Cade. You gave up football because you couldn’t handle the workouts.”
“That wasn’t the reason and you know it.” He slams open my door and glares my way, while I burst out laughing.
“Thanks for cheering me up, Bro. Now leave me alone.”
“Come on, Cade. Give her some space to deal with whatever she has going on.”
“I know what it is,” he gloats, his brows raised in cockiness.
“Bullshit,” I snap back but my heart races in panic.
“I heard you tell Sierra that you missed out on submitting your story for that grant thingy because you got the dates wrong.”
“Ugh. Dammit.” Relief fills me as I fake annoyance. “Don’t tell Mom, please.”
“You owe me.”
“Don’t be a dick.” Dad appears again and slaps Cade across the back of his head. “Your secret is safe with us, Princess. But your mom would understand.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Dad drags Cade away before coming back to shut my door, and I throw my arms over my face, my pulse finally settling down.
I lie still for a beat until I realize what I’m doing and laugh to myself.Looks like my arms work after all.I try to sit up, but it’s no use. The rest of my body is still in recovery mode.
Accepting the inevitable, I pull out my book, opting to spend the rest of the day reading.
Because what I really need is an escape.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been lost in another world when there’s a soft knock on my bedroom door. I twist my head to check the time, but wince when my neck aches. Stupid hardcore workouts. My dad may be in his forties now, but he still pushes himself like he did in his football heyday.
Speaking of Dad, since he and my mom have only been gone for an hour, and Cade never knocks, I’m certain it’s not them. My pulse spikes as I draw in a breath, secretly hoping it’s Sierra, but inherently knowing that it’s not.
“Come in,” I call out, my voice wavering.
As suspected, Zane opens the door, his expression somber until he sees me in bed. “Are you okay?” He stiffens, making me laugh incredulously. He cares so much, and yet, it’s not enough to be honest with my brother.
“It was daddy/daughter day at the gym today.” I force a smile when Zane cringes.
“God, even I struggle to keep up with him sometimes.”
“No you don't. But thanks for trying to make me feel better. How are you?”
“Awful, and that’s without a Tim Stevens special.”
“Good,” I deadpan and he laughs.
“I’m sorry, B. I was a dick last night, but in my defense, I was pretty wasted.”
“I know. And if I’m being honest, I’m not upset about last night.”
Zane sighs in relief and my stomach sinks. I don’t want to hurt him. But I can’t keep up this charade.
“I’m not upset about last night, but that doesn’t change what I said. I think we should take a break until a point in time when we both feel like we can be open about our relationship.”
