“Yeah. No one’ll hassle you, I promise.”
I shivered. “The last time—”
“Pinball!” Teddy demanded, clapping his hands.
“Dimples, I swear to you, you’re covered.”
I closed my eyes, his nickname washing over me, my resolve now in a fine powder on the ground. “Okay,” I whispered.
“I’ll see you in a bit.”
I nodded, hanging up and dropping my phone back in my purse. “Let’s get your jacket, Teddy Bear,” I said with a sigh and my brother took off at a run for his room.
I followed, helping him into his warm coat, then we walked to my car. Teddy was as calm as can be as I drove us to what would probably be the worst decision I’d ever make. Pulling into the driveway of the compound, my heart raced, and my palms grew sweaty.
What the hell was I doing?
I was about to turn around when the gates creeped open and I knew I had no way out now. Teddy started jumping in his seat and clapping his hands. “Pinball.”
“Yeah, buddy, we’ll be right there.”
I drove up to the cabin and Sundance was waiting on the porch for us. I nearly burst into tears at the sight of him.
Damn it.
He smiled gently and walked down the steps, opening Teddy’s door first. I unclicked his seatbelt and my brother jumped out of the car and hugged Sundance. “Sunny!”
“Hey, buddy, how are you?”
“Pinball.”
“You bet. Let me say hi to your sister, okay? Then we’ll play pinball.”
“It’s okay. We can go in.” I didn’t think I could handle Sundance paying me any attention, so I grabbed my purse and got out of the car.
Teddy rushed inside, Sundance following. I made my way a little slower, my stomach roiling the closer I got to the front door. By the time I reached it, I didn’t think I could actually step over the threshold.
“Jesus,” Sundance whispered, and I looked up at him. “Baby, you’re shaking.”
“I’m okay,” I lied.
“I’m gonna wrap my arms around you, okay?”
I shook my head. “Don’t.”
“You’re gonna freeze if you don’t come inside.”
“I’m not cold.”
“Jesus Christ, are you shakin’ because you’re scared?”
I swallowed. “Probably.”
He frowned, reaching out to stroke my cheek, but I reared back like he was going to hit me.
“Fuck me,” he breathed out. “Baby, I’m not gonna hurt you.”
“I know.”
