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“And you clearly have been enjoying yourself. Making out with Scooby-Doo.”
“Which you interrupted.”
“You’re welcome. Do you even know her?”
“Not really. I’d like to, but you scared her off.”
She scowled. “Too bad. I have to look after you. Now get your arse back to my apartment and make yourself some chicken soup.”
“Chicken soup? It’s brain cancer, not a cold.”
Tilly’s eyes widened, and her face bleached white. “So you do have brain cancer?” Tears filled her eyes, and she shook her head. “No, you’re not allowed to have brain cancer. I won’t let—”
“No, no.” Shit. He grabbed her arms and gave her a warm smile. “I mean, I might have brain cancer. I don’t know yet.”
His sister stared at him. Around them, the partygoers continued to dance to the music. “You’re not lying to me?”
“I’m not.” He pulled her into his body and gave her a hug, rubbing his chin on the top of her head. “I promise. I didn’t mean to scare you. I misspoke. But, Ro—” he pulled away, holding her arms gently as he looked into her eyes, “—it’s going to be okay. And until I get the results, I’m going to live every moment to its fullest. Do you know what I mean?”
She bit her lip, a tear spilling over her lashes to trickle down her cheek. “I do. But aren’t you scared?”
“Would Dad have wanted us to live life in fear?”
She shook her head.
He tapped her nose. “So I’m not.”
“And does living every moment to its fullest involve Scooby-Doo?”
“It might.” His chest tightened at the thought of Bria. Why had she taken off? And would he be able to find her again? The party was packed, spread over the entire apartment complex’s rooftop. If nothing else, he’d like to find her so he could maybe go somewhere quiet and…
What? Chat? Isn’t it merely lust you’re feeling for her?
Lust. Interest. Carnal attraction. Mental attraction. All of the above. Did it really matter?
Tilly narrowed her eyes. “Hmmm. Okay. But I’m giving you a curfew. And if she hurts you, I won’t be responsible for what I do. I’m a microbiologist, remember. I’m pretty certain I can infect her with bacteria that’ll devour her from the inside out.”
He chuckled. “You have no idea how scary you can be, Tilly.”
She beamed. “Yes, I do. Now go. Be home by eleven.”
“Eleven?”
“Eleven. And don’t worry. I’ll text Mum now and tell her you’re in my kitchen eating Vegemite on toast. How’s that sound?”
He laughed.
She plucked at the stingray on his chest. “And maybe ditch the stingray. Unless it worked for her.”
“It did.”
Tilly snorted. “Someone else who has your weird sense of humor? Maybe she’s a keeper?”
He grinned. “She’s definitely a kisser.”
“And I’m out.” Tilly turned away. “Remember, eleven p.m. A minute later, and I’m calling Mum and Mick.”
Owen laughed. “Bye, sis. See you tomorrow.”
