“I can’t...”
“Yes, you can.Watch.”
I didn’t want to.But I did.
Brody’s body angledawayfrom Amber, not toward.His smile wasn’t real, more like tolerance on autopilot.His shoulders were tight.And then his eyes lifted.
For a heartbeat, his expression froze, confused, unreadable.My stomach dropped, heart seizing...guilt.That looked like guilt.
But then it shifted.His whole face lit up, hazel eyes sparking like a sunrise.He pushed past Amber without hesitation, crossed the room in long strides, and wrapped me against him.
“Thank God,” he murmured, relief flooding his voice.“You just saved me.”
I clung for a second before pulling back, voice breaking.“But when you saw me… You looked...what was that?”
He frowned.“What do you mean?”
“You looked guilty.Like...”
“No.”He cut me off, firm.“That look?I saw Adam holding you and was confused.This is the first time I’ve seen her since we ended, and I hope it’s the last.”
The knot in my stomach didn’t loosen.“Is she just passing through?Or is she here to see you?"
"Cass, what she wants doesn’t matter.She hasn’t mattered in a long time."
"It does if she is here with you."
“She isn't here with me,” he answered.“Ignore her.What are you doing here?”
I wavered.“I...am I interrupting something?”
He caught my chin, eyes steady.“No.You’re the only one I want here.I just didn't expect you.”
Adam gave me a look from behind the bar, clear as if he’d spoken aloud:He’s not Andrew.Don’t run.
So I stayed.I swallowed my fear and tried to speak the truth, clawing up my throat.“I missed you.I was thinking of you and realized something.”
His eyes softened.“You missed me?”
My cheeks burned, but I nodded.“Yeah.”
“What did you realize?”
The words gathered, pressing against my tongue.I love you.Finally, finally ready to say it.
But Amber’s voice cut in like a blade.“Brody.”
Her smile sharpened, her gaze dropping to Brody’s arm locked firm around me.“So this is her.”
Brody’s jaw ticked.“What do you want, Amber?”
She tilted her head, glossy hair sliding over one shoulder.“I just stopped in to say hi.You can’t begrudge me that, can you?We were together for years.”Her eyes slid to me.“Though clearly you’ve moved on fast, Brody.”
Heat crawled up my neck.I wanted to speak, but Brody’s hold tightened, his voice a low growl.“This isn’t your business anymore.”
Amber ignored him, her gaze circling me like a hawk.“You look familiar.Where do I know you from?”
“We’ve met,” I said, steadying my voice.“I’m Chase’s sister.”
