I know I shouldn’t, but I find it endearing that Cole and Anthony defended me that way.Family.
Getting the idea, everyone starts making their way out of the house or helping with cleanup. Cole and Anthony don’t come back inside, and something tells me I don’t want to know where they are taking Connor.
Turning to me, Tyler’s jaw flexes as he eyes me up and down. “Are you okay?”
“Tyler.” I grab his arm, leading the way out of the living room, up the stairs, to the hallway, removing him from the situation. “What the hell is going on?” I confront him. I already know the answer to that question.You like me, Tyler.
The hallway is dark, and it creates shadows on his already darkened face. But his eyes are fire as they look down at me. “You think we would just sit there and let him do that to you?”
“I can handle myself. I don’t need you, or Cole or Anthony to protect me.”
He laughs but there isn’t anything humorous in it. “You think that they will just stand by? Sunny, they will protect you upon instinct. You mean something to them. To all of us. They are your family now. Even if you push them out, they won’t go far.They’d sit outside your apartment if it meant your safety. They’ve done it for Sam. They’ve done it for Macey. They’d do it for you.”
My heart feels heavy and airy all at once. The knot that’s been sitting in my throat grows thicker, forcing me to try and swallow down the tears threatening my eyes.
“A man doesn’t treat a woman that way. Any sane person would know that,” he adds.
“Why does it concern you?” I ask, taking a step closer to him.
“It just does, Sunny,” he says, walking away, towards the stairs, leaving me in the dark hallway.
“I’m not your mother, Tyler. I am notyoursto protect,” I snap.
Stopping in his tracks, he looks at the railing his fingers dance along. For someone who is so big, he looks so small right now.
“You’re right. You aren’t my mother.” He turns to face me. “Because you actually left.”
I blink at his response, my mouth opening then closing shut.
“When Connor touched you, it’s like I had a preview of the sheer panicheput you through, and I…I couldn’t stand it. I had to do something, yet all I could do was be a barrier for you.”
“Again, why does it bother you?”
“It’s what I do, Sunny. I protect those I love. There isn’t a line I wouldn’t cross for you.”
He walks out of the hallway, back downstairs. Of all the words he spoke, one replays through my mind.
Love.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
SUNNY
The night carriedon with no more friction, thankfully. Everyone found their rooms to sleep off the alcohol and turkey that was consumed.
Tyler hadn’t said anything else after the hallway intervention. No one really said anything to one another after the fact. Even after all the guests who aren’t family left.
As usual, I share a room with Mace and Sam. Regardless of the fact we are all cuddled in bed, I stare at the ceiling wide awake with the events of the night playing over and over.
Of tonight.
Of the night at the brewery.
Of our kiss.
Of Halloween.
All of it.
