“B?” Zane’s face pales and my chest tightens, but I stand firm. At least, I sit firm because I’m still struggling to move.
“I’m going to tell Cade. I promise. It just has to be the right time.”
“I get it, I do. And I know you’ve got a lot riding on this. I’m Cade’s sister, so he can only hate me for so long, but he could hate you forever. That man can hold a grudge.”
“That shouldn’t matter. When you walked away last night, I realized I’d chooseyou. If it was a choice, it’s a no-brainer.”
“But how would that work? Life would be awkward with my family. Think about Christmas and birthdays?”
“He’ll get over it. I thought you wanted to tell him?”
“I do, but you were right. It needs to be done the correct way. In the meantime, we need a clean break. No more sneaking around. No more lies.”
“B.” Zane visibly swallows and my emotions get caught in my throat.
I’m actually surprised by how calm I am considering what’s happening, but I’m also aware that I could just be numb. For all I know, the second Zane walks out my door, I might break and beg him to take me back.
“Is this really what you want?” Zane asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” I whisper back. “Don’t you think it’s the right thing to do? I love spending time with you, and sneaking around was fun in the beginning, but it’s taking a toll on us both. I said I deserved better last night. But the truth is, we both do.”
Zane sighs, running his huge palm through his hair, the light brown strands falling in his face. “I see your logic. But I don’t like it.”
A smile tugs on my lips. “I didn’t think you would.”
“How long will this break last?”
“It’s not a break, Zane. It’s a breakup.” Zane visibly recoils and I internally wince, working hard to keep going. “We can revisit ‘us’ when I’m in college. Discuss how we feelafterCade stops seeing me as his baby sister.”
“That’s never going to happen.”
“I know. But when we’re both there, it’ll at least be a little more even.”
“Fuuck.” He shakes his head, and just when I think he’s about to argue, the front door slams.
“Zane!” Cade calls out. “Are you here, asshole? Your truck’s out front.”
Zane stiffens before taking a few steps toward my door. “I’m up here,” he calls out, his voice even, the picture of calm. “Just giving your sister hell for being so weak.”
Cade’s obnoxious laugh travels up the stairs before loud footsteps tell us he’s on his way.
“Okay.” Zane turns toward me, his expression weary, his intense gaze boring into mine. “But this isn’t over.” He half whispers, half mouths the last part and I nod.
“I know.” I smile, letting it morph into a pout as Cade appears.
“She’s so weak.” He laughs. “Do you know she’s been in that position since I left over an hour ago?”
“I do now. And where were you?” Zane’s expression turns as he glowers at Cade. “We were supposed to meet at the beach.” Zane points in the direction of the beach closest to our house.
“I was there. You saidAtlanticbeach. I’ve been waiting this whole time.”
“Why would I say Atlantic beach? That’s almost twenty minutes from here.”
“I don’t know. Who knows why you do half the shit you do. Come on, let’s go.”
Cade huffs as he walks away, and Zane turns back toward me, shooting me a sad wink before he disappears after him.
And it all makes sense. He sent Cade away so he could talk to me.
