CHAPTER TWENTY
Smith
I lefther in my bed. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but I need this job. I love this job, and I know when I'm on air today, I'm going to have the biggest fucking grin on my face, even when I'm interviewing the sorry shit who just wrote a tell-all about his time with one of the most influential women in Hollywood.
You never sell out a woman you've fucked, dude. That's going to be my off the record advice for the douche.
I even gave Arthur a pat on the shoulder today when he opened the car door and handed me a steaming hot cup of Roasting Point's premium blend. The look of confusion on his face said it all. I'm not the nicest guy first thing in the morning. We both know it.
I plug my phone into my laptop as I settle in. The battery died sometime between my impromptu visit with Gramps and this morning. Normally, I'd be in full panic mode about the calls, emails and text messages I missed, but not today. Nothing on earth could have taken me away from Brynn last night.
My phone lights up like a goddamn Christmas tree. I scroll through the text messages, all from the same person. Julian.
Where the hell are you?
You can't just drop a bombshell like that on me and then vanish.
She's my sister, you asshole.
Is she all right? Tell me she's all right.
I type out a quick text in response even though I know he's fast asleep. The last text message he sent me is time stamped three hours ago.
She's fine, Julian. I've got her.
I drop my phone in my lap and take a long sip of coffee. I haven't felt this good in years, maybe ever.
I jump when I hear the chime of my phone. I drop my gaze.
You're in love with her, aren't you?
Surprise, surprise. Brynn's brother is wide awake.
I text back a response. It's short, sweet and sums everything in one word.
Yes.
Those three little dots jump on the screen as he types back a response. I don't give a shit if he has a problem with this or not. Brynn is all grown-up and what happened last night is just the beginning.
It's about time you realized it.
I laugh so hard that Arthur tips back his chin to look at me in the rear view mirror.
What the fuck does that mean?
I press send.
"Is everything all right, sir?" Arthur asks, his eyes darting between the mirror and the road.
"Couldn't be better." I toss him a wink.
I was in the doorway of the kitchen that night. I saw her try to kiss you. I know it killed you inside not to.
Who the fuck knew Julian was so stealthy? I don't think twice before I thumb out a response.
I couldn't touch her back then. She was young and I didn't want you to beat the shit out of me.
At least two minutes pass before my phone chimes again.
