“In all seriousness,” he said, walking closer. “I’m so sorry about your dad. I’m aware you were all very close.”
I swept my hair behind my ear and did my best to search everywhere, but at Brody, who had a sincere glimmer in his eyes. “Thanks,” I told him.
I unlocked my Jeep with the key-fob I was clenching in my hand. “I didn’t mean to be so cold,” he continued, taking another step toward me.
“Parker, why don’t you get into the Jeep. I’ll be right there,” I told her, unknowing of Brody’s unpredictable behavior.
She ran up to Brody and gave him a quick hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you,” she told him.
“Later, Park. Love you too, sweetie.”
I hated that their short interaction made my heart beat a touch faster. It hadn’t crossed my mind that Brody Pearson could be sweet for a minute.
Parker climbed into the Jeep, and I remained standing with my arms crossed over my chest. “My sister and your brother are dating, or whatever,” I told him.
“Who thought that would happen?” he asked, chuckling. “The two nerds never had the guts to say “boo” to each other. Now their head over heels in wonderland.”
“I think they’re good together,” I told him, narrowing my eyes. Maybe he was jealous.
“I figured if anyone in our family were to hook up, it would be us … you know, after that one time.” He jiggled his brows.
I huffed out a lungful of air. “Please. We were stupid teenagers,” I reminded him. “I hardly remember any of that.”
“Seven minutes in heaven that lasted for ten,” he added. “I don’t know. I kind of recall some of those minutes.”
I dropped my hands by my side, wishing he didn’t bring the subject up. No one knows the full truth of what happened that night, and I would be damned if anyone were to find out. “Anyway, it was wonderful running into you,” I said, the sarcasm spilling out with each word.
“It was nice to see you again, Journey … Milan.” With a sigh that said he wasn’t through tormenting me, he grinned before continuing. “You know, it’s weird, my parents talk about your family so much and yet, never mentioned that you had gotten married at any point—or colored your hair.”
I smirked in return. “It was a bad trip to Vegas on my twenty-first birthday. And I don’t want anyone to recognize me. So, we’ll leave it at that.”
“Wow, sounds like quite a story.”
“Yeah.”
“Was the guy still around in the morning, or are you still married to a stranger?”
“Whatever you want to think, Brody.”
“I can do that,” he said, smirking. “Anyway, have a good night.”
“Yeah, likewise.”
Brody walked up to me and opened his arms for a hug. I couldn’t help but scan the area in search of watchful eyes. It was just a hug, but why did he feel the need to hug me?
I held still, frozen, doing little to stop the embrace, and I’m not sure why I didn’t back away. I should have. Then, he held me tightly as if he had missed me, which is impossible. “I’m honestly sorry for what you’re going through. I shouldn’t have been a jerk to you in the school. I’m protective of Parker.”
“I understand,” I told him.
“Maybe I’ll see you around sometime,” he continued.
I shrugged rather than offering a response. “If you lose the beard, maybe.” It was a joke, but in all seriousness, that thing scratched the hell out of my neck as he hugged me for an awkwardly long minute.
“My beard?” he questioned, pulling away as if I made a derogatory comment. He ran his fingers down the side of his facial hair, causing my lip to perk into a snarl. It’s gross. I hate thick beards.
“It’s not the best look,” I told him, being honest, as I always have been.
“On the contrary, it is the best look,” he argued.
