The tone was harsher—Keegan’s—and filled with concern.
“Either you come out or we’re comin’ in.”
Oh, crap. She could actually picture them busting down the door. Then she’d have just one more thing that needed to be replaced in this house, and on top of everything else, she—
Bristol shrieked, jumping nearly a foot off the ground when a fist started pounding on the door.
“You can do this,” she told her reflection. “You can.”
She took a deep breath and turned around, reaching for the doorknob. A small smile formed when she realized she hadn’t even locked it. They could’ve simply turned the knob and walked in on her.
Bristol shoved her hair back from her face, straightened her spine, and opened the door.
“Sorry about that,” she said without looking at either of them. “I had to pee.”
“Do you always talk to yourself when you pee?” Keegan asked, clearly skeptical.
“Only sometimes. When I’ve had too much—” Nope. Not going to lie.
For one, it was wrong. And two, if they honestly believed it, they could use it against her later.
Without looking back at them, she headed for the front door.
“Thanks again for bringin’ me home. If you can’t figure out what’s wrong with the car, I’ll just have someone else pick it up.” She opened the door, stood there staring out into the night. No way would she risk looking at either one of them. “Just let me know.”
Silence.
No footsteps, no nothing. Their response was complete silence.
Which meant she had to look back to see what they were doing.
When she did, she saw them standing nearly shoulder to shoulder, arms crossed over their chests, watching her as though she might break into a million tiny pieces.
Truth was, she wasn’t so sure she wouldn’t.
Kaden dropped his arms and moved toward her. Rather than back away from him, Bristol stood her ground, focused on her breathing. She could probably face off with Keegan with less risk of falling apart because with him she could draw from the well of anger that boiled inside her. Unfortunately, he remained where he was.
She lowered her gaze, studying the hideous mauve carpet.
“Bristol…”
“Hmm?”
Kaden’s warm hand curled around her cheek, his thumb sliding beneath her chin, gently tipping her head back.
It was a childish move, but she closed her eyes so she didn’t have to look at him. Only way to save herself.
“Talk to us. Did somethin’ happen?”
“No. Of course not. I’m just tired.” That much was true. She was exhausted. Both mentally and physically.
His fingers brushed her cheek. Just a light graze that made her chest clench painfully tight.
Do not fall apart. Do not fall apart.
“You should really…” Bristol breathed in and out a few times, slow and steady. Holding back the sobs although they tore at her chest. “You should go.”
His hand firmed on her cheek and she opened her eyes.
