Page 134

He nodded.

“We should help him not be an idiot about this,” I said.

Brashe’s grin turned wicked. “You want to meddle in your brother’s love life.”

“It’s not meddling if it’s helping.”

“That’s exactly what meddling is.”

“He meddled in ours.”

“Good point.” Brashe kissed the freckle on my temple. “But maybe we let him figure this one out on his own. He’s earned it.”

He was right. It was time Crim let himself want something without apologizing for it first.

Still. I was absolutely going to meddle.

Just…subtly.

“I told him he was being ridiculous,” Brashe said. “I also told him if a broken goalie who thought he was only worth what he did in the net could convince someone like you to love him, he could at least talk to her.”

My eyes burned. I blinked fast. “You’re not broken any longer.”

“I was.” His voice softened. “You helped me see I was more than that.”

“You did the work.”

“We did the work.”

He was right. We had. Together.

“So what did Crim say?” I asked.

“He told me to shut up and mind my own business.”

“Classic.”

“But I saw his face when he mentioned her. He’s interested.”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yes.”

“This is going to be a disaster.”

“Probably.”

My phone buzzed with a text from Patty. Conference abstract approved! We’re presenting in March!

I showed Brashe the screen.

“That’s incredible,” he said. “I’m proud of you.”

Warmth spread across my ribs.

Six months ago I’d been ready to run to Denver. Now I couldn’t imagine waking up anywhere but here.

I’d chosen myself first, but I’d gotten everything else too.