“I’m not being weird,” I protest, too quickly. “I’m just ... people-watching.”
Genna raises an eyebrow and bumps my shoulder with hers. “Right. And I’m just standing here to admire the wallpaper.” She follows my gaze back to Cheyenne, who’s now laughing at something Blaze is saying. “You haven’t taken your eyes off her all night.”
“That’s not true,” I protest, but even I can hear how unconvincing I sound. “I’ve been talking to plenty of people.”
“Yeah, and watching Chey the entire time.” Genna takes a sip of her drink, studying me over the rim of her cup. “You practically sprinted across the room when Nate started talking to her.”
My face flames. “I did not sprint.”
“Fine. Power-walked with murderous intent.”
“I was just—”
“Being protective?” Genna finishes for me. “That’s what you always say. But you don’t hover like that when guys talk to me.”
“You’re dating Paul,” I point out, gesturing toward where he’s chatting with Kade by the food table. “And besides, you can handle yourself.”
“And Cheyenne can’t?”
I hesitate, trying to find the right words. “It’s different with her. She just got out of that relationship with jerkface.”
“Garrett,” Genna corrects.
“Whatever.” I take another swig of my drink. “I just don’t want her to get hurt again.”
My sister gives me a look that’s uncomfortably knowing. “Is that all it is?”
Something in her tone makes me pause. “What are you getting at?”
“You’re catching feelings,” she says simply, like she’s commenting on the weather. “And honestly, it’s about time.”
I nearly choke. “What? No. That’s—that’s crazy.”
“Is it?” She turns to face me fully now, lowering her voice. “Dylan, I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at her. Not any of those Instagram models or the girls you bring to team events. No one.”
“She’s like family,” I argue weakly.
“Mmm-hmm. That’s why you’re glaring daggers at every guy who talks to her.”
I open my mouth to deny it again, but at that exact moment, Cheyenne throws her head back in laughter and my words die in my throat.
“See?” Genna says softly. “That right there. That look.”
“What look?” I force myself to tear my gaze away from Cheyenne.
“Like someone just punched you in the gut and you’re thanking them for it.”
I run a hand through my hair, suddenly feeling exposed. “You’re reading too much into this.”
“And you’re in denial.” She takes another sip of her drink. “But that’s okay. Some of us are slower to catch on.”
Across the room, Cheyenne excuses herself from her conversation with Blaze and heads toward the hallway that leads to the bathroom. I follow her movement automatically, only catching myself when I feel Genna’s eyes on me.
“I’m not—” I start, but she holds up ahand.
“Save it. I’ve known you your entire life, and you’ve never been a good liar.” She puts her hand on my arm, her expression softening. “Look, I’m not trying to give you a hard time. I just think ... maybe you should explore why you feel so protective of her.”
“Because she deserves better than she’s had,” I say immediately.
