“I …” She slowly takes her phone, looking at it as if she’s confused. “I deleted the app.”
On instinct, I grab the phone from her. As though keeping her from it will protect her somehow. “So, he decided to find you on Instagram?”
“What the fuck?” Gavin says and peers at the phone again. “Who?”
“What’s your passcode?” I ask, glancing at her.
Her eyes are glossy. I let my rage simmer just enough to redirect my response.
I set the phone down and take her hand in mine. With the other hand, I guide her chin so that she looks up at me.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay. Is this the first time he’s messaged you on here?” I ask, somehow keeping my tone light enough to help ease the worry that’s clear in her eyes.
She nods.
“All right.” I glance at my brother. My gut tells me this isn’t good, but my head tells me that whatever happens from here isn’t my choice.
“What do you want to do about it, Books?”
She takes a deep breath.
“I’ve had guys struggle to take no for an answer online before. He’ll get bored and move on, so let’s do the same.”
“What guys don’t accept no?” Gavin chimes in. He stole my next question.
“Anyone from here in town?” I add. “Tell me who.”
“No one from here. I don’t date locals.”
She grabs her phone and puts it in the small crossbody purse I didn’t know she was wearing and then stands up a little straighter.
“Let’s just focus on the festival right now.”
Her sapphire gaze sweeps to mine, and even though my thoughts are screaming not to let this go, I do because it’s what she wants.
Fuck.
I’m going to look into this guy more later.
I share a look with Gavin, and I know we are on the same page.
The hand that had been holding Brooke drops and moves to her lower back, where I rub small circles in hopes that it can signal to her that I’m here for her.
But again, I catch my brother staring at me.
He mouthsjust a friendand shakes his head as he and Layla leave the bakery.
“Is everything okay?” Brooke asks.
“Everything is fine,” I say and let myself steal one more look at her.
At those lips.
Fuck.
They’re a great distraction from what just happened.
“I should be asking you if you’re okay.”
