Jesus.I really don’t need a confrontation about this right now.
“Listen—” I begin, rubbing my forehead under my black cap.
“Josh is right.”Cole says, leaning on his car and crossing his arms.He looks like a tough guy with his black shades and tactical pants.
He is.
A trained and decorated Army Ranger, he can look after himself.Given the chance, he could probably kill me.
I won’t give him a chance.I’m bigger all round, but that doesn’t mean anything.He knows I’m trained to fight and defend myself.
My brows lift in question.
“Caylee rang me today and told me to accept that you two were in a relationship.”
I shiver at the time and how, in the near future we will be having a different conversation.I’ll have to let him beat the fuck out of me to pound the guilt I’ll carry.
For now, I want her.
She belongs to me.
A relationship?No.That means integrating into one another’s lives and meeting family.Exactly what Caylee wants to do with this damn party of hers.It can’t and won’t happen.For one single reason; it will expose my family secrets.
Not happening.
I blank my expression and nod.“Yeah, we are.”
“You look thrilled,” Cole uncrosses his arms and pushes away from the car.
He takes two steps towards me, and I shift my weight, preparing to deflect his fist if it comes my way.
“Look, she’s a grown woman, but she’s my sister.Caylee likes you.A lot.She wouldn’t call me if this wasn’t important.But if you aren’t serious about her, just fucking walk away.”
“I’m into it.I...she’s important to me.”
Those words have enormous truth to them.
“Good.Then, make sure you invite your family to this party, asthat’simportant to her.”
He doesn’t get to tell me what to do or how my relationship with Caylee unfolds.No one does.My anger starts to simmer beneath the surface, and just as I’m about to respond with ago fuck yourselfhe throws another grenade my way.
“I guess we’ll see you at Thanksgiving.”
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.
“Guess so,” I lower my shades and climb into the car before I do something I might regret.
I wouldn’t regret it.
But it’s clear my dick has been in control of my decision making, and I haven’t thought this through.
Goddammit.
