AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Colton grinned. “I mean, a big wet spot appeared in his pants and ran down his leg before puddling around his shoe.”
My mouth fell open. “Holy shit.”
“Yeah. It was pretty epic. The only bright spot of that whole day. And I mean, big wet, bright spot.”
When he fell serious and somber, I said, “Well, it’s nice to know one good thing came from all this. Can’t say I’m going to miss Shauny boy.”
“Amen.” He silently handed me the cup, and I took a sip before giving it back. Then I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, content, cuddling my cheek to the cloth of his coat and happier than I could possibly express, glad I was here with him and nowhere else.
This was the kind of relationship I’d always wanted and I hadn’t even known it.
Something about the word relationship popped open a memory into my head, though. And I found myself saying, “You didn’t fail me.”
Colton jolted and looked down at me. “What?”
I smiled up into his eyes. “Once upon a time you told me it was just as well we weren’t in a relationship, otherwise you would fail me.”
Unease darkened his eyes. “But it’s my fault—”
“No.” I tightened my fingers around his. “It’s the monster’s fault I was taken. It’s your fault I’ve been able to recover from that. I wouldn’t have been able to do all this today if it weren’t for you. Your steady, unfailing presence at my side, your patience and understanding, your wit and smile. You’ve healed me more than anyone else. So, no, you’ve never failed me. You saved me. Thank you for that.”
Face filling with emotion, he shook his head trying to deny it, but then he swallowed and leaned in to kiss me. Our lips touched and I smiled against his mouth until someone spoke his name.
Colton tensed against me and muttered, “Dammit.”
“Wha…?” I lifted my head, wondering what was wrong, only to spot his brother with a book bag slung over his shoulder heading our way to intercept us.
“Hey,” Brandt said in guarded greeting, smiling and yet hesitant as if he wasn’t sure if he was welcome among us or not.
Though I was the one he looked at, Colton answered for us. “Hey,” he said stiffly. “How’s the big bad graduate student today?”
Brandt flicked him a grateful glance. “Barely keeping my head above water.” And then he settled his gaze on me again. “How’re you doing?”
I sank closer to Colton, hating that question. But when he squeezed my fingers supportively, I nodded. “Better.”
“Good.” Brandt ran his hand through his hair as if still distressed, though. “Look, I owe you a huge apology, Juli. I was a complete ass when I found out about you and Colton.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “You were.”
He winced. “I’m sorry. I have no excuse for the way I behaved. It just caught me off guard and seemed so suspect because you two had purposely kept it from me. But still, I don’t know why I ever thought you might have settled for him for even a minute. Hell, he’s my brother; I know as well as anyone it’s impossible not to love the little shit.”
“Gee, thanks,” Colton said dryly.
Brandt and I shared our first grin in weeks.
Still smiling, I looked up at my boyfriend and squeezed his arm. “He’s right, though. You are impossible not to love.”
Much more pleased by my answer, Colton leaned down to press his lips to mine. “I know,” he murmured into my ear, forcing me to grin and punch his shoulder lightly to help him tame his ego. Except I kind of liked his ego, and I think he knew that.
Shaking his head at us, Brandt merely let out an amused chuckle before lifting his hand to wave. “You two have definitely proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that what’s between you is real and has nothing to do with me. So I’m glad you’re happy.”
When Colton and I glanced at each other, Brandt added, “Let me know if you guys ever need anything.”
He took off, patting Colton’s arm companionably as he passed. I glanced after him, trying to remember the crush I’d had on him but not really able to stir up the emotions. Then I looked up at Colton, and a rush of feelings flooded me. Yeah, what I felt for him had nothing at all to do with his brother.
This man right here had saved me in all kinds of ways. He’d taught me to be happy with myself and not care so much about other opinions, to give first impressions—especially the cocky egomaniac ones—a second chance, and to recognize a true relationship when I entered one. They weren’t just two people who looked good together but two people who worked well together.
He lifted his eyebrows, waiting for my reaction to the encounter we’d just had. I shrugged, not able to hate
