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“There’s been enough.”
His friend continued to demand answers. Accountability. How dare Blake ignore the most sacred rule between guys. But it was all white noise as the truth kept reverberating in Blake’s head.
“I like her,” he finally muttered, then lifted his head and said it louder. “You hear me, James? I tried like hell not to, but I really like your sister. It’s not just sex, so fuck the Bro Code.”
That shut his friend up for a moment. James stared at him, his mouth a grim line of frustration.
Realization sank in that he’d yelled that last part. He should’ve admitted that to Kristen, not her brother. But it was impossible she hadn’t heard it.
He went back to the bedroom to find her, and the door was open. The room empty.
“Kristen?”
No reply.
Panic gripped him as he moved through the apartment, though he knew the only way she could’ve gone past him unseen was through the front door.
Blake’s chest went tight, and the blood in his veins pounded harder.
He had to go after her.
“Let her go.” James must’ve read his thoughts. “If I know my sister, she’s going to need some time.”
They didn’t have time. Damn it, she left on Sunday.
“She’ll be at the barbecue.”
Yes, she needed space, but Blake couldn’t let her think he wasn’t concerned about what had just happened. He sent a quick text.
We need to talk. Can we grab a few minutes alone at the barbeque on Friday?
He waited for her to reply, becoming more certain that she would just ignore him. If she did, he’d just have to go find her.
Then it appeared. One word.
Okay.
It was enough to give him a bit of relief. And the space and time she needed.
*
“Have you heardfrom her?”
One hour into the barbecue Friday afternoon and there was no sign of Kristen.
Blake’s stomach twisted as he waited for James to answer.
His friend gave him a sharp look. “Who?”
“Your sister.” Blake watched his friend relax slightly before shaking his head.
“No. I texted her this morning and haven’t heard back.”
Moving to lean against the counter, Blake gave his friend a considering look. “Who did you I think I was asking about?”
James shrugged and closed the fridge.
Something was off.
