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“Do you really mean it?”
My body goes still at the sound of Max’s voice. He’s close enough that I know he can see my lips pressed against Finn’s. His words tell me he heard our entire conversation.
Pulling away, Finn and I both turn our heads in Max’s direction to find him standing only a few feet away. Arms crossed over his chest. Lips pinched in a firm line.
“I do.” Finn’s voice is strong, firm.
“How long?” Max asks. His voice is laced with anger and something else I can’t put my finger on.
“I’ve loved her for years.”
When Max looks in my direction, I echo Finn’s words.
“How long have you been lying to me?” This time I can clearly identify what his voice has been trying to mask. Hurt, betrayal.
Yes, he’s angry. I’m sure this isn’t what he expected to find when he came down here. Or to hear for that matter. This isn’t how we wanted to tell him. I had my speech all planned out.
Maxy, my favorite brother, I’d start. Buttering him up a bit before dropping the hammer. Then I’d take Finn’s hand in mine.I’m in love with your best friend and he’s in love with me. We’ve been in love with each other for a long time and we don’t want to hide it anymore. If you love me, you’ll accept this.
Those daydreams always ended with us hugging and Max accepting Finn as my boyfriend.
The nightmares weren’t as pleasant. Nothing compared to the kinds of terror Finn has been dreaming about, but fists always flew, and Finn always walked away bloody and bruised.
We’re about to find out if I’m living a daydream or a nightmare.
“Since Dad died,” I offer before Finn can answer. “The funeral.”
“You’ve been sneaking around for over a month? Lying to me and everyone else every day? Pretending nothing is going on when I’m around?” When neither of us reply, Max continues, a slow smirk spreading across his face as he does, shocking the hell out of me. “That’s all?”
“What do you meanthat’s all?” I practically shout, pushing off the ground.
“You two have been in love with each other for years. I assumed you were sneaking around a lot longer than that. I’m surprised it took you this long to stop fighting your feelings.”
I feel my mouth drop as I stare at my brother. He knew. This whole time, he knew we loved each other. He never said a word. Never tried to keep us apart.
When I feel Finn’s arms snake around my waist, I let my body slump against his.
“Does this mean you’re not going to try and drown me?” Finn asks from behind me.
I can’t see his face, but I can hear the smile in his voice.
“Not today.”
“You’re not going to hit me?” Finn asks, needing confirmation that his life isn’t in danger.
“Depends on if you fuck this up or not. Hurt her and I’ll reconsider both options. You’ll never even see me coming.”
“If he hurts me, I’ll drown him myself,” I state, standing up a little taller, my head brushing against Finn’s chin.
Damn him for being so tall. Though, I do fit perfectly against his body.
“I’d pay to see that.” Max laughs, stepping forward and extending his fist to Finn. I watch in awe as they bump, a heavy sigh leaving me only after Max turns and walks back to the party.
“That went better than I thought it would,” Finn says after Max disappears out of sight.
“Is that your way of saying you’re happy you get to keep your dick?” I joke. His body stiffens against mine. “Kidding. Calm down. It was never in danger and we both know it.”
“If you say so.”
