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“Dad didn’t want me to unless I had to. We didn’t want you to worry.”
I stare at him for a few seconds. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
He sighs. “I know, but dad was adamant.”
“Do I need to get tested?”
He shakes his head no. “Dad had you tested when you were a teenager. You don’t have it.”
I sigh and move my head under his chin to hug him. “I’m glad you’re ok.”
“Just give me a cold beer and I’ll be perfect.” He hugs me tight. I know he’s trying to downplay it.
I frown at him, but he only laughs. He takes my hands and stands like he wasn’t passed out a few minutes ago. His smile is reassuring, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “It’s ok Liv. I’ve been dealing with this for over half my life.”
My brother has never lied to me before, but something doesn’t feel right. He releases me and we follow him out back.
The guys all cheer when he comes out with obnoxious hoots and whistles. He chuckles and runs to the grill with a curse. “Don’t worry, got you covered.” Mark says and John relaxes. Luke grips my shoulders from behind and squeezes.
“You ok?”
I turn to him and let him envelope me with his arms. “Yea. I’m sorry about Jeremy.”
“It’s not your fault. I’d be desperate to get you back too if I lost you.”
I smirk. “Good thing you’re stuck with me then.”
“It’s a wonderful thing.” He smiles and kisses me, and I sigh as the tension I was holding leaves my body. We take our seats and I catch Luke giving a subtle nod to Mark, who pulls out his phone. I already know they’re making sure Jeremy won’t be a problem again. I can’t help the relief I feel knowing that Luke has everything under control. It’s enough to get me to relax and I accept the beer that Jackson hands me and focus on my friends.
Jordy, Skye, and Vera arrive a little later, and we eat. Sylvie stays close to John the whole night, even though he doesn’t speak to her much. I catch the looks he gives her, though. He enjoys having her around. And I do too, especially since she’ll be able to help him with his condition.
The guys don’t talk about it, but I can tell it rattled them. As time goes on, I admit how rattled I was too. John was terrifying. Almost a different person than the guy who sits in a lounger next to Sylvie and gives a big belly laugh to something Jackson says.
I float on a pool noodle and smile when Luke slips into the pool and submerges to swim over to me. He surfaces and runs his hands through his wet hair, bringing my shameless attention to his impressive biceps. He smirks at my blatant ogling but otherwise ignores it.
I let go of the pool noodle and wrap my legs around him as he pulls me close, snaking his arms around me. “Are you ok? I know that was pretty intense earlier,” he asks.
“Yea, I’m just pissed he never told me.”
“I’m sure he was doing what he thought was best.”
Water drips from his hair down his temple, reminding me of the day we met.
“Your brother will be fine. It sounds like he’s got a handle on it.”
I nod and look over at John behind Luke’s shoulder. “Thank you for helping him. I couldn’t have handled that on my own.”
He smiles and rests his forehead against mine. “He’s your brother, which makes him ours, too. We look out for our family. I’ll see what else we can do for him to make things easier.”
My lip wobbles and my eyes water at his offer. I didn’t think about it, but I’m sure he has access to top doctors and specialists. It’s the most meaningful thing he’s ever offered me, and I’m too stunned to speak.
He cups my face and runs his thumb over my cheekbone. “I love you so much,” he says, just above a whisper. It’s the first time he’s said it out loud, but I’ve always felt it.
A tiny tear squeezes out, and he wipes it away with a gentle swipe of his thumb.
“I love you too. You make me so happy.”
He rewards me with a dazzling smile before he kisses me.
