Ellie groans, tossing her head back. “Grow up, Shane.”
This feels like a conversation I shouldn’t be partaking in, no matter how badly I want to defend myself. Shane seems to be under the impression I did something to hurt his sister, and it couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Shane drops the whisk into the pot, causing a loud clang. “Just gonna stand there and not say anything?” He turns to face me, and even though we’re on opposite ends of the kitchen, I have a feeling he’d reach me before I could get very far. “Always knew you were a bitch.”
Well, now I’m getting pissed.
Ellie walks over to me, grabbing me by the arm, and starts dragging me out of the kitchen. “And we’re leaving.” She looks back over her shoulder at her brother. “I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but knock it off.”
We’re not even fully out of the kitchen before she starts trying to apologize.
“Hey, it’s fine.”
“It’s not fine. He’s being a dick. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”
I expected hostility from Ethan or Gavin, definitely not Shane. Of the three brothers, he’s always been more of a goof off.
Ellie looks taken aback by Shane’s outburst, and Iwish I could touch her to offer some comfort, but I don’t think it’d be welcomed.
“He’s protective of you. That’s not a bad thing.”
She shakes her head, her right hand rubbing at the center of her chest, like she’s trying to soothe herself. “I’ll talk to him.”
“Don’t. Let him be mad at me. I’d rather earn his respect. I’m not going to come between you and your family.”
Her eyes squint, lips curling slightly. “I hate it when you do that.”
I smile. “Do what?”
She cocks her head, barely holding back a grin. “Say all the right things.”
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance at it and curse under my breath. Vorheis just called an emergency meeting.
“I have to go. Something came up at work.”
Ellie’s lashes flutter as she blinks, her expression almost imperceptible. “Oh, right. Of course.” Disappointment settles across her face.
For the first time in my entire career, I want to forget about my responsibilities. Even though I’m sure this has something to do with the Delmar case.
“If I didn’t think it was something big, I’d probably ignore it.”
Her eyes meet mine, so beautifully clear it almost hurts to stare into them. “Does that happen a lot? Getting called in for work.”
This is the first time she’s truly asked about my job. She almost looks worried, and it does something to my chest.
“No. We just have a big case at the moment.”
She nods, chewing on her bottom lip. “Well, be careful.”
What I wouldn’t give to at least be able to kiss her goodbye. Anything to keep that look off herface.
“I’m always careful. Try not to miss me too much.” I wink at her, trying to lighten the mood.
A hint of a smile plays on her lips. “Go…and thanks for helping.
“Give me your phone.” I reach my hand out.
Her brows furrow. “Why?”
