Charlie cuts off my train of thought. “Can I ask you something?”
“Would it matter if I said no?”
“Probably not.” His lips quirk. “Why couldn’t you two tell me? I know you’ve been keeping your relationship a secret from everyone, but why didn’t you trust me with it?”
Guilt wraps its prickly tendrils around my heart. I reach out and clap my hand on his back. “It’s my fault. I thought you’d be upset with me. I was too scared to face the possibility of you not approving, but we were finally getting ready to tell you. You just beatus to it.”
“I’m sorry if I’ve been a crappy friend over the years.” He winces.
“No, it’s not that?—”
He shakes his head. “I need you to know that as long as you treat my sister right, I’m going to be your number one fan. I’ll even be your wingman if you want. It’ll be just like old times.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Oh, come on. It’ll be so much better than before because I’m helping you tell my sister you love her instead of helping you get some.”
“You might still be helping me get some.” I wiggle my eyebrows.
“Oh god!” He throws his head back. When he brings it back up to meet my gaze, he fake gags. “That’s my sister you’re talking about. I know I’ve been cool about things, but I’ll change my mind in a heartbeat if this is how it’s going to be.”
“I’m just messing with you. Lauren is special.” I pull my hat off, raking my hands through my hair. “I promise I’m not messing around with her. I’ve been in love with your sister for years, and I know she’s been through the wringer. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. I just want her to be happy and to see herself the way I see her.”
Charlie softens. “If all that’s true, I couldn’t be happier for you two. My best friend and my sister. It doesn’t get much better, right?”
I nod, nervous laughter slipping from my lips. “Yeah, I guess it doesn’t.”
“Let me know if you change your mind and want my help telling her you love her. Idoknow her pretty well after all, and I consider myself a bit of a Cupid.”
“Cupid? When was the last time you even went on a date?”
“Why do you have to burst my bubble?” He throws his hands up in the air. “Besides, everyone knows Cupid doesn’t date. He helps other people.”
“Okay,” I draw out.
His face turns serious again. “Also, it’s my duty to let you know that if you ever hurt my little sister, I will kill you.” He shifts his bow in a manner that is the opposite of subtle. “I’m not too bad with this thing, so you better be careful.”
“Yeah, that’s why we haven’t shot anything yet, because you’re so great with a bow.”
Charlie’s prideful smile falls from his face, and he shoves my shoulder, hard. “Shut up.”
I snicker. My best friend knows about me and Lauren, and he’s okay with it—more thanokay with it. We’re back to teasing each other like we always did. Everything feels right.
The buck is unfortunately long gone, so we sit in silence, watching the open field for a while longer before Charlie turns to me, rubbing his hands conspiratorially. “So, I know about you and Lauren, but she doesn’t know I know. We could have some fun with this.”
Chapter Forty-Four
Lauren
When Charlieand Jax come through the front door of the cabin, I’m ready to pounce on them for leaving me behind, but their arms are slung around one another and they’re wearing bright smiles, which makes me hesitate.
“You two seem in a good mood. Did you get a buck?”
“Yeah, we did.” Charlie stands straighter.
“That’s great.”
“Pretty sure it was because we left you behind, so thanks.” He winks.
