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I jerked back from Carson, expecting to see my brother. Instead, Boone was standing there, looking at us as if he’d been struck. I squeezed my eyes shut briefly. This was not good.

“How did I not see it before now?” Boone mused.

“See what?” Carson angled himself so he was standing in front of me.

“All this time…” Boone blinked a few times as if the fog had been lifted, then he looked at me. “You’re KT, aren’t you?”

The air had been sucked from my lungs. I was frozen—unable to move or speak. I didn’t know what to say, but I could tell Boone was upset.

“Boone—” Carson started to explain, but Boone sliced a hand through the air.

“I wish you’d just told me. I would’ve been happy for you. Instead…” His expression hardened. “You lied to me. You let me make a fool of myself, time and time again.”

I swallowed hard, wishing we’d told everyone sooner. “It’s my fault. I’m the one who wanted to keep this a secret.”

Boone shook his head, his attention on Carson. “You’re my teammate, and I thought you were my friend.” His shoulders slumped. “I guess I was wrong.” And then he turned to leave.

Carson started to go after him, but before he could, Levi stepped onto the porch, a bored expression on his face. Levi clapped a hand on Boone’s shoulder, and I wondered how much of the conversation my brother had heard. I wondered what he’d pieced together.

“Sorry you were fooled, man,” Levi said in a cool tone that belied the hardness of his gaze. “Kovi tends to have that effect on people.”

Boone’s fists were clenched at his sides, and I braced myself, trying to anticipate what might happen next.

“Whatever kinky game you were playing,” Boone scoffed, “I’m done.” He turned and walked away, leaving Carson and me alone with my brother.

I didn’t know what to do, what to say. Boone, my brother, Carson, all of it felt like a twisted-up mess of emotions.

Levi surprised me by extending his hand to me. “Come on, Lo. Let’s go.”

I didn’t want to disappoint or hurt my brother, but I couldn’t lie anymore. I couldn’t keep this secret anymore. “Lee⁠—”

“No.” The word sliced through me. His refusal to even hear me out. He shook his head, his voice softer but still lethal when he repeated, “No.”

I took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

Suddenly, he was drawn up tight. “Nothing happened,” he gritted out. “You had too much to drink, got caught up in the celebration for one of your best friends, and now it’s time to go.”

It was almost as if he’d fabricated this little story, hoping I’d go along with it. I could tell from the pleading look in his eyes that he was praying it was true. Or even just hoping I might pretend it was for his sake. For the sake of our relationship.

It was tempting. It would be so easy.

But I couldn’t.

I took a deep breath, knowing that the next words out of my mouth would change everything.

“No.” I stepped forward, lacing my fingers with Carson’s. “I’m not sorry that this happened. I’m sorry that this is how you found out that Carson and I are in a relationship.”

“Right.” Levi laughed, though the sound was forced. “Good one. You don’t do relationships.”

“Sometimes you meet the right person⁠—”

“Stop.” Levi held up his hand. “Just stop.” He shook his head, dropping it to his chest. “‘The right person’?” He barked out a laugh. “You’re going to stand here and tell me that he is the right person?”

The bridge of my nose stung, but I refused to cry. Carson squeezed my hand, giving me strength. I sniffed and lifted my chin, unwilling to cower. To back down.

“I know you and Carson have a history, but⁠—”

“Do you even know why we’re no longer friends?” Levi glared at Carson now, a threat in his eyes. “Did he tell you?”