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“Peyton, I—”
“What’s taking so long?” Cameron’s voice boomed, too fucking close. We jerked apart right as he entered the kitchen.
“Just getting a beer,” I said, hoping he didn’t notice the roughness to my voice.
Peyton grabbed a bowl and started pouring in the bag of chips she’d gotten out of the cabinet. “Snacks.” She whirled around and flashed my brother a warm smile, ducking around him to disappear into the hall.
His brows knitted. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”
“Look, Xander, I know things haven’t been—”
“Let’s not do this.” I stepped forward. “Not today. It’s Christmas. Merry Christmas, Brother.”
“Merry Christmas. I’m glad you’re here.” He squeezed my shoulder, and for a second, I was just an eleven-year-old with no one but my big brother to protect me.
But we’re older now. Separated by years of disappointment and shame and harsh words. And I didn’t doubt for a second that if he knew what he’d really walked in on…
He would never forgive me.
