“I figured. I can tell you can’t help it either.”
“Some things can’t be helped.”
“Yeah, I know, but I had to say something.” He looks past me out the window. “I’ll leave it with this one last thing. I know you’re not one of those women interested in commitment, mostly because 95% of men are terrified of you and bore you to tears.”
I laugh. “Now you’re just trying to get on my good side.”
“Maybe a little, but it’s still true.” His silver eyes, so much like our father’s, darken. “But if you ever fall for a guy, you grew up in a loving, supportive household and have a strong foundation to show you the way. Charlie doesn’t talk about it, so I can’t be sure, but I don’t think he had that.”
The assertion hits like the truth, and it causes a sliver of unease. I try to reassure my brother, who is caught between a rock and a hard place and attempting to do the right thing. “I think it’s premature to be worried about something that probably won’t even happen.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” But his expression doesn’t clear.
I swallow hard. Now that the edge of my anger has worn away, I am able to see Ryder’s point of view, and this isn’t what I want, for any of us. “I’m sorry Charlie and I are attracted to each other.”
He shrugs. “I’m not entirely surprised.”
I raise a brow. “No?”
He wraps his large hands around the mug. “It makes karmic sense that the two most commitment-phobic people I know can’t stay away from each other.”
“We’ve stayed away from each other all week.”
“Yeah, and it’s been torture for everyone.”
I laugh, and all the normal fondness I feel toward my brother returns in one big rush of gratitude. “Thank you for forcing the conversation.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You’re a good brother, and I don’t hate seeing you.”
“I’m glad.” He tilts his head toward the hallway leading to the front door. “Now I’m going to Charlie’s.”
“Oh.” I blink, and a flush spreads over my cheeks from out of nowhere.
He points at me, his eyes going wide. “Oh my god, please don’t tell me it’s that bad.”
I straighten my shoulders, retrieve my cup, and sniff. “Of course not.”
It’s not bad. It’s a thousand times worse.
Jessica
RYDER IS ON THE WAY.
Charlie
I’m aware.
Jessica
We had a talk.
Charlie
And?
Jessica
