by S. M. West
“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do? I fucking can’t even… I can’t… you…” He grapples for words, shaking his head. “I thought you were better than this. I thought you had integrity. I thought you had my back.”
The horror of that would-be crime is tangled and weighted in not only the act itself but also the betrayal. It was someone Finn had trusted. Finn feels responsible. And he can’t see past that betrayal to see this is nothing like that night.
Finn takes to the stairs, looking back at us. “Cassandra, Pippa, we’re leaving. Now.”
He stomps upstairs, and Cass waits until he’s out of sight to speak.
“Let me talk to him.” She follows the same path he took with tears glistening in her eyes.
“Fuck,” Drew mutters under his breath, hanging his head low.
“I’m sorry.” I rest my hand on his arm. “We knew this would be hard, but he’ll come around. He needs time.”
“He’s right. I should have said something sooner. I was a fucking coward. I didn’t know how to tell him, how to explain this was nothing like Claire. It’s plain to see the two don’t compare.”
I nod, feeling like a troll for not being more patient with him. This has been hard on all of us, and selfishly, all I wanted was for him to tell everyone how he felt about me.
In minutes, Finn dashes down the stairs. “Pippa, get in the car.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I say calmly. “Paige will pick me up on Sunday.”
Finn’s reaction to our news isn’t about Drew or me, and I don’t want to fight with him. I want to give him space. Claire may have no memory of what happened, but he hasn’t gotten over it. He’s still guilt-ridden for bringing Jordan into our house. Tormented by the what-ifs and if-onlys. I don’t think he’s ever moved past that night.
He storms out the door but not without throwing a hateful look at Drew.
“He’ll come around,” Cass says, pulling me in for a hug, then Drew, before she’s gone.
We listen to the car doors shut, the engine start, and it isn’t until the humming of the car is no longer audible that Drew breaks the silence.
“I meant what I said. I love you.” He takes my hand and pulls me into the living room. “Finn is important to me. He’s my best friend, and I’ll work hard to help him through this. We can’t shove us in his face. Not now, not yet.”
I nod, nibbling on my lip to keep my smile from popping. Even upset that my brother is hurting, I can’t contain my happiness. We can be there for Finn but we can’t fix him.
“I’ll help him. We both will. I love Finn, and eventually, he’ll understand.” Taking both of Drew’s hands in mine, I beam up at him. “Say it again.”
I'm selfish, pushing us past Finn and those troubles. My heart has been shelved long enough and I want to focus on us, even if only for our time here at the cottage.
We will have many more conversations with Finn, and I’ll do everything in my power to help my brother come to terms with the past and the fact that Drew and I are together.
Finn will come around. He has to because I can’t imagine what that would mean otherwise.
Drew crinkles his brow in confusion, but he doesn’t say a word.
“Do you know how long I’ve wanted to hear you say those words? Say it again!” I bounce impatiently on the balls of my feet.
“I love you?” An adorable smile flirts with his mouth.
“Not like that.” I bat at his shoulder, giggling. “Like you mean it.”
“I love you.” He grins and I jump up, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“I love you more.”
He laughs. “Not a chance.”
“I’ve loved you the longest.”
“No—” He pauses, pulling back to stare down at me tenderly.
“You know it.”
“Well, it depends.” His arms circle my waist. “Love is love. I’ve loved you since the day you were born. I loved you like—”
“Don’t say it!” I slap my hand over his mouth. I don’t want to hear friend or sister even if he’s joking.
The vibrations of his laughter rumble through my hand, and he tightens his hold, leaning toward me.
Unable to resist the kiss his full lips promise, I drop my hand from his face and his mouth covers mine.
His kiss is gentle and firm and for the first time in forever, my future with Drew is no longer a dream. It’s as real as our kiss.
Note to Readers
Want more of Drew and Pippa?
Check out this bonus epilogue. You’ll get a taste of how Finn’s dealing (or not) with his sister and best friend dating, as well as see what sexy times these two are up to!
Click here
Other Books by S.M. West
Love in Color Series
Red
Blue
Green
Standalones:
Made to Love
Clutch
Prophet
About the Author
S.M. West writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and whatever her heart desires. She's a self-professed junkie of many things and is always planning her next adventure!
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