After several minutes of awkward silence, for me at least, Tanner clears his throat. “Why are you such an idiot?” He looks over at me, a glint of mischief in his eyes, a lazy grin stretching across his face.
“You aren’t mad at me? I thought you’d at least hit me or something.”
“Are you serious? Gabe, you’re my best friend—and yeah, Mel is my sister—but do you think I didn’t know you’ve been in love with her since the moment you met her? Shit, I’m surprised it took you guys this long to acknowledge what was going on between you two.” He slaps my shoulder, his admission taking me by surprise.
Confused, my eyebrows knit together. “Wait, what do you mean you knew all this time?”
Tanner laughs, his head thrown back like I’m missing something completely obvious—which I guess I am. “Man, you’ve been a sucker for her for forever. You get heart eyes every time she calls or texts you. You would drive away any guy that you didn’t like, and you would complain about all her boyfriends, remember?”
“Hey,” I interject, “we both did that, and you know it.”
He just laughs and continues. “If you think I’d be mad, you’re dead wrong. Having my sister be with my best friend is a best-case scenario. I wouldn’t trust anyone with her more than you.”
I’m completely shocked. “But I went and fucked it up…” I look down at my upturned palms, regret swimming in my gut. Emotion rolls through me, springing tears to my eyes. My throat feels thick, and I convulsively swallow trying to push the feeling away.
Tanner sighs. “I’m no expert, but I think you should just tell her the truth.”
“Didn’t you see how she reacted when I stepped through the door? There’s no way she will talk to me,” I scoff.
“You’ll never know if you don’t try.”
Chapter 17
Melissa
Straightening my spine, I turn the handle and step out of the bathroom. After several minutes of attempting to regain my composure, it’s time to head back to the party regardless of whether Gabe was out there or not.
Entering the living room, I spot Everly and Holden both of whom must have shown up while I was in the bathroom. They’re chatting with my mom, Holden’s arm draped across my sister’s waist, his hand resting on her hip. A pang of jealousy moves through me. Not jealousy over Holden—he’s perfect for Ev—but jealous of what they have together.
Seeing the two of them makes me miss the ease that Gabe and I had together. The small casual touches as he walked by me, the knowing glances from across the room. It makes me miss the intimacy we shared.
Blinking back new tears, I force a cheesy smile and approach the group. “Hey guys,” I squeal.Geez Mel, dial it down.Ev detaches herself from Holden and gives me a tight hug. Pulling back, she makes eye contact with me, clearly seeing something’s wrong.
“You okay, Mel?” Everly’s whisper is full of concern, on the verge of bringing my tears back up. Unable to speak for fear of falling apart, I quickly nod my head.
I turn towards Holden, who tilts his head in a quick nod. “Melissa.”God, he really is swoon-worthy. Good job Ev.Holden is tall and broad-shouldered, those dark curls slicked back and a hint of facial hair. And those eyes… It doesn’t hurt that he gives off an air of authority, which is almost intoxicating.
Mom swoops in and places a quick peck on my cheek before turning back to their conversation. Nervously, I glance around the room looking for Gabe, but I don’t see him around.Why does that make me feel sad?
This is all so confusing. From the depths of my soul, I want to see Gabe. To see his green eyes and breathtaking smile. To have him close just for a moment. But then being terrified that I will see him and that I will lose all control of my emotions. That one glance from him will leave me in a crumpled heap on the floor unable to function.
Spotting Kate across the room, I politely excuse myself and head over to my future sister-in-law. She’s hovering around the food table, mentally taking stock of what needs to be replenished, her fingers pointing to each dish as she counts.
“Need any help?” She blinks a few times before turning to look at me.
“Oh, Mel. Yeah, actually. Could you go find Tanner for me? I haven’t seen him in a while and it’s almost time for the newlywed game.”
This is literally the last thing I want to be doing, but if it helps… “Sure.” Giving her a reassuring smile, I head through the crowd in search of my big brother.
Except, he’s nowhere to be found.Where in the world could he be?
The only place I haven’t checked yet is Tanner and Kate’s bedroom. The door is closed, but muffled voices drift through the frame. Pushing my ear to the door, I can make out two distinctly male voices. The voices of two men that I know so well—Tanner and Gabe.
What could they be talking about?
As curious as I am to know the answer to that question, the thought of seeing Gabe’s green eyes up close, breathing in that scent that screams home, steals the air from my lungs.
I have to get out of here.
