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I let his hand go and flop back into the couch, thinking about how this affects me. My remaining few weeks here in San Francisco will be without my brother. I’ll have no reason to come visit this city anymore, no reason unless…
No. I can’t let my mind wander there. It will only lead to disappointment. Chase has never said anything to me to make me think that his feelings run deeper than the two of us having a good time and enjoying each other’s company.
“Which is why I wanted to make sure I came over here tonight to offer my apology in person.”
I frown. “Apology? For what? I’m the one who was lying to you about Chase.”
“For being so overprotective that you felt like you couldn’t tell me in the first place.”
“Miles—”
He raises his hand. “Let me just get this out. I’ve always felt like it’s my job to look out for you since I’m six years older, especially after you got sick when we were young. But I never wanted to do it at the expense of us being able to be open and honest with each other.”
My shoulders slump.
“I can see now that I need to let you live your life however you want to live it and just be a safe place for you to land if things go to shit. Not constantly trying to make sure you don’t make any mistakes in the first place. I’m sorry if I’ve been overbearing at times.”
My chest warms. I’m so lucky to have a brother who cares as much as he does, even if he doesn’t know the best way to show it sometimes. “It’s not just that I didn’t want to tell you because I thought you’d be mad, Miles. I didn’t know what to tell you. I don’t know what any of this with Chase means. I have to return to my life in Connecticut in a few weeks.”
“I can’t say I know where Chase’s head is at, but I can tell you this—I’ve never seen him spend any time or attention on a woman. Sure, I know he’s had hookups over the years, but he never really talks about those women. I’ve certainly never seen him look the way he does when he talks about you.”
“Which is how?” I hold my breath as I wait for him to answer.
“Like a man who’s falling in love with a woman.”
It’s the answer I wanted to hear, but it doesn’t fill me with the joy I thought it would since it’s not coming from Chase.
“I don’t know about that,” I say quietly.
“I just know what I saw, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you two to figure it out. I’ve already threatened him within an inch of his life that I’ll bury him if he hurts you.”
I chuckle. “You sure you’re okay backing off on the protective big brother bit?”
He smiles and stands, holding his arms out to me for a hug. “That was my final duty before retirement.”
I stand and hug him. “I hope everything works out for you in Chicago.”
He pulls away and musses my hair. “Seems as good a place as any to finish out my career.”
“I’ll come visit once you’re settled.”
He nods. “I have some calls to make, so I gotta get going.”
“Yeah, of course.” I can’t imagine how many people he wants to talk to before he goes, all the arrangements that need to be made. “If you need me to do anything at your place, just let me know. I still have my key.”
I walk him to the door, and he gives me one last hug before he starts down the hall.
It’s so weird to think that tomorrow he’ll be in a different city and playing for a different team.
I watch until he gets into the elevator. He gives me a small wave before the doors close. After dipping inside my condo to grab my key, I lock up the place then knock on Chase’s door.
The door whips open and a flood of emotions washes over me. I wrap my arms around Chase. One of his hands lands on the back of my head while the other gently rubs my back.
“How are you?” His deep voice rumbles in his chest against my ear.
“Sad, stressed for my brother, relieved the two of you made up.”
“So a little of everything then?”
