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He’s trying to play it off, act like it’s no big deal, but those shadows under his eyes tell a different story. Wyatt’s brave enough to take on Fallon McGraw. Maybe he already has. One thing’s for certain—my little brother’s gonna fuck up what he never had before he even has it.
Which surprises me. Ever since I can remember, Wyatt’s been wild, free. No strings. Maybe he finally found the one girl who won’t give him the time of day. Because Fallon McGraw hates his guts and he’s still working for it.
“Listen.” I fold my arms across my chest, sit back in my chair. “If you’re lookin’ for a one-night rodeo, don’t do it with Fallon McGraw. She’s like a little sister to me. Not to mention, she’s my responsibility. I promised Stede I’d look out for her, and that includes when it comes to you, too.”
Wyatt glowers, straightens up. Defiance flashes in his blue eyes. “Yeah, but she’s my—”
“What?” I look at him hard. “She’s what?”
A muscle in his jaw works. “Nothing.”
“You finish that sentence, you mean it.” I reach over and pour myself a shot so I’m on the same footing as my brother. “Don’t fuck with her heart. Because I won’t hesitate to kick your ass.”
Wyatt flinches. “I swear, you always think the worst of me, man.” He twists his hands in his hair, keeps them there. “I’m never gonna be like you. I’m not perfect.”
Fuck.
The lecture I was about to deliver falls out of my mind. I see that little kid from Wildheart, running across the field to me because he had fallen from his horse. And I picked him up, and I told him it would all be okay.
I’m still that brother.
“I’m far from perfect.” I clear my throat and exhale. “And you’re right. I don’t give you enough credit, Wyatt. You’re not me and I’m not you. And I’m sorry for last year. Not believing you with the Wolfingtons.” It’s an apology that’s long overdue.
“Hell.” Wyatt looks stunned. “You hit your head last night?”
“No,” I grunt. “I didn’t.”
I look toward the window, at the sky that’s turning pink and purple with the sunrise. Then, I say, “I love you, Wy. And I’m proud of you.”
Wyatt’s mouth falls open.
A chuckle rumbles out of me. “That shuts you up?” He says nothing and I go on. “I’ve been looking out for you since you were yay-high,” I say dryly. “You gonna listen to me or not?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Do I know everything about women? No. I can’t pretend that I do. But I know about not taking the chance when you have it. I did that with Dakota. I fucked up when I let her go. Six years of agony. I don’t want that for you, Wyatt.”
He nods, and I can see the pain break in his eyes all over again.
“But I also know that you have no right to ask Fallon to sit it out if you won’t commit.” I hold his cloudy gaze, making sure he understands. “You can get jealous all you want, but asking a woman to wait around for you when you ain’t ready…you got no claim. Simple as that.”
Wyatt takes a heavy breath. “I know,” he croaks. “I’d play her game if I thought I could win.”
I give him a look. “Who says you can’t? You’re no quitter.”
He grins and sits up, caps the whiskey. “You’re a damn good brother. Even if you are a bossy bastard.”
Snorting, I reach out and loop an arm around his shoulder.
Wyatt tenses. “What is this?”
“I’m hugging you, asshole.”
“Oh.” He awkwardly pats my arm. “Thanks, man.”
I bark a laugh. “Eat a fucking sandwich and sober up. You gotta ride tomorrow.”
With that, I exit the Bullshit Box, looking toward Ford’s shop.
