“Braxton, get the hell out of here,” Shannon yells.
“Sweetie, let’s go,” Cara prompts and then tosses me an “I’m sorry” look.
“I trusted you,” Braxton says, defeated.
“I know. But I didn’t mean to fall so hard for her.” Even though I’ve cared for her for years. That information I’ll keep locked down tight.
Cara tugs his arm, but he shakes her off. “We just talked about this, and you didn’t say a thing. I sat there explaining her surgery to Cara, and you didn’t say a word.”
“What do you mean you explained my surgery to Cara?” Shannon asks.
Braxton shuts his eyes, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I messed up and mentioned your surgeries in front of her.”
“How does that accidentally slip out, Gee-Gee?”
“It was an accident. More my fault than anything.” I step beside her, and Braxton stiffens. Yeah, this is going to take some time.
“He didn’t mean to,” Cara backs my claim. “It was rather sweet. I’m sorry I found out, though.”
Shannon lets out a frustrated sigh. “It’s fine. You’re practically family, but I don’t want to be treated differently.” She gives Braxton a stern look. “I have enough protectors.”
Cara nods and places her hand on Braxton’s forearm. “Babe, let’s go.”
Braxton shoots me a glare, which draws a laugh from Shannon.
“Just go Gee-Gee. I’m quite capable of sleeping with whoever I want.”
His head snaps to hers with a blank expression, but he remains quiet. She’s right. She is an adult and quite capable of sleeping with whoever she wants. As long as the whoever is me.
When the door closes behind them, we let out a collective sigh.
“That went well.”
Shannon lets out a laugh. She turns to me and winces. “I can’t believe he hit you. Are you okay?”
She reaches toward me, but I brush her hand away. “I’m fine. It’s not like I didn’t deserve it.”
“You don’t deserve it at all.”
“He’s your brother, my best friend, and a teammate. I disrespected him by not telling him.”
“He’s not my keeper. I know he’s always wanted to protect me, but I’m a big girl. I don’t need his constant hovering.”
I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close to me. “I don’t want things to change between us.” Even though I’m pretty sure they will.
“Nothing is going to change. He’ll calm down and realize there isn’t anyone else he’d rather have with his sister.”
Somehow, I don’t think he’ll come to that conclusion.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Shannon
My feet pound against the cinder track. Each step taken is a step closer to clearing my mind. I’ve been in such a petulant mood the past two days. Anger is the only thing driving me lately.
“Whoa, what’s in you today?” Dalton asks as he keeps time with me. I had zoned him out while replaying the awful argument between Noah and Braxton. I can’t believe Braxton hit him.
“My brother. I’m so mad at him.” I kick the pace up a notch. “What gives him the right to dictate who I see? He certainly did what he wanted. He defied our father by settling with a girlfriend and turning down the draft. He has absolutely no say over who I date.”
“Yeah, I kind of figured.”
“How are things going between them?” It’s only been a couple days, but Noah won’t talk about Braxton. He keeps telling me Braxton will come around. And by Dalton’s slow response, I guess my brother hasn’t accepted the fact we’re dating yet.
“They’re not talking to each other. There is so much tension in the house. It’s like walking on eggshells. I’m afraid to light a match in fear the place will explode.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want that to happen.”
“It’s not your fault. And you’re right. You’re free to date whoever you want.”
“He better not have ruined this relationship for me.” That’s my biggest fear—Noah pulling away. He stayed with me after Braxton left and just held me for a few hours. We didn’t say much. I think the shock needed to settle. After he left, we’ve texted but haven’t seen each other yet. Noah thought things should settle first. Fair enough as long as this doesn’t make him pull away permanently.
“Nah, that won’t happen. Noah cares too much for you. I’m sure Braxton will come around.”
“You don’t know how stubborn my brother can be. Other than having to fight for Cara, everything else has come easy to him. He has gotten his way ever since he was born. He’s smart, good-looking, talented— a Goddamn trifecta of goodness. Me? I’ve struggled just to live.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing. I’m exaggerating.” Sort of. The various surgeries were necessary to keep me alive.
“At least, Braxton hasn’t found out about your training for the color run.”
“Thank God. He can’t ever find out. He’ll never approve.” I give Dalton a side glance. Instead of the scowl I anticipate seeing, he’s smirking.
“If he finds out, he’ll be pissed at me, too.”
“True. Gee, I know how to make living conditions wonderful.” A pain shoots across my side. I immediately come to a stop and hunch over.
“What’s the matter? Everything okay?” Dalton flanks my side, placing a hand on my back.
“Yeah, I just have a sharp pain in my side.” I slip my fingers across my carotid artery and take my pulse just in case something is off. One hundred and twenty-six beats. Considering my pace, that’s pretty good. I straighten to stand and stumble as black dots fill my eyes.
“Whoa, let’s take a breather.” His hands steady me as my surroundings come back into focus.
“I’m fine. Just a little lightheaded.”
“Drink some water. You may be a little dehydrated. We’ll walk the rest of the way until you feel better.”
“I forgot my water bottle.”
“Again?” He gives me a stern look I return with a shrug as he removes his water bottle from his running belt. “Here, drink.”
“Thanks.” I take a sip, embarrassed I forgot to bring my drink. I’ve been so absentminded lately. I forgot to hydrate correctly. I haven’t had much to eat today at all. Having your brother punch your boyfriend makes you lose your appetite.
“Would you believe I followed a girl?”
My head snaps toward his. That’s the last thing I ever thought he’d say. “What? You?”
“Yep.” He shrugs. “I know one of your secrets. It’s only fair I share one of mine. That’s the whole reason behind me picking this school and getting redshirted. It’s all over a girl.”
“Wow! So, what happened? You’re obviously not together.”
“No, we’re definitely not together. Things just didn’t work out, that’s all.” By the pained expression crossing his face, I’d say there’s a lot more to that story.
I nudge his shoulder. “You little romantic, you. I can’t believe you changed schools and risked being redshirted over some girl. Who knew a romantic guy existed under this rough, bad boy exterior?”
“Tell anyone, and I’ll personally beat you.”
I laugh. “Sorry things didn’t work out. At least you came to a winning baseball program.”
“College World Series champions, baby.” He smiles, but there’s a distance in his eyes.
“If you get drafted this year, will you go?” I ask, knowing full well the answer.
“Whatever team picks me, I’m gone.”
“There’s no doubt in my mind you will, but I’m going to miss you.” Sadness creeps in. I’m not looking forward to having all my friends gone. And I hate not knowing about Noah’s future. If he doesn’t get picked, then, who knows where he’ll end up. I’m sure my dad could use his connections to find him a job, but baseball is all he ever wanted to do. He’ll be crushed if he gets bypassed again this year.
“You feel better?”
>
“Good enough.” I force a smile and shake off the uneasiness settling in my stomach. Noah and I will be fine. We have to be.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Noah
“Hey, Miller. You want some fresh water?” I fill up Miller’s bowl and rub behind his russet-colored ears. He lets out a low, appreciative bark. We haven’t seen too much of the guy. I’ve missed having him around, and to be honest, I could use the extra puppy love especially since today marks Dad’s fifty-sixth birthday. How different would life be if he was still around?
“Life isn’t fair, is it, buddy?” His answering woof brings a small smile to my lips. “All right. I get you. You’re one of the luckier ones. You found a good home.”
After another quick ruffle of his fur, I wash my hands and then grab the eggs from the refrigerator. Pulling the pan out to make scrambled eggs sparks the memory of Shannon in the kitchen, wearing nothing but my jersey. She looked so fucking gorgeous that morning with her hair up in a messy bun and flushed cheeks. The only time she looks better is lying beneath me. My fantasy cuts short when Braxton walks into the room, followed by Garret.
Garret frowns at the glare Braxton directs toward me. The tension in the household has been thick. Everyone is walking on eggshells waiting for Braxton to explode. Even Miller’s affected. He lets out a low whine, proving my point. I meet Garret’s weary look.
“You two need to clear the air. We can’t carry this tension into the season, or it will kill us. Don’t forget, you two are best friends.”
“Things he should’ve thought of before fucking my sister,” Braxton mumbles.
I grit my teeth and crack open the eggs. Lashing out at him won’t do any of us any good. He may be right, but I have apologized. There isn’t anything else I can do besides wait until he calms down—if he ever will.
“Think about it, Smith. Who else would you rather see your sister with? Noah’s a good guy.”
“Is he? How many girlfriends have you seen him with?”
“How many did you have before Cara?”
He grunts and looks away. “She’s my sister.”
“We didn’t plan this,” I say, knowing Garret’s right. Braxton and I need to air our differences. We can’t go into the season hating each other. “I know you don’t trust me, but the more we hung around each other, the harder it was to stay away. Believe me, I tried.”
I feel his glare at my back.
“You should’ve tried harder.”
Maybe, he’s right, and I should’ve tried harder, but Shannon’s everything to me. I’m not going to feel bad for falling for someone so incredible. I’ve known from the time she gave me that bracelet after Dad died she was special. I may not have realized what I felt back then, but I do now.
“Did you ever stop to think maybe there’s a reason I’ve never had any girlfriends? That maybe it’s because none of those girls were Shannon?”
Braxton’s hands clench. “Don’t stand there and pretend you’ve always liked her. You’ve never mentioned one word before.”
I think back to when she treated the cut above my eye and placed the bandages on my forehead. We were young, but I remember the way her delicate fingers worked and the concentration on her face. I wanted to draw her into a kiss but knew that wasn’t a possibility. My dick was hard, and I remember thinking she’d be mortified if she knew how she gave me a stiffy from working on my forehead. Yeah, I’ve always liked Shannon.
“There’s a reason I never said anything before. I knew you wouldn’t approve. That I wasn’t good enough.”
He shakes his head. “Damn right, you’re not good enough. You and I both know how this will end. And it doesn’t bode well for my sister.”
His words have more truth behind them than I’d like to admit but not for the reasons he’s guessing. I glance down at my hands. I haven’t had any more twitching episodes, but that doesn’t mean I’m in the clear. My future scares me more than anything, but a future without Shannon is even scarier.
I turn off the stove and scoop the eggs onto a plate. Grabbing the fork and plate, I take a step toward the living room with every intent to eat in my bedroom. My presence isn’t wanted. “If I break her heart, it wouldn’t be intentional. I love her.”
Braxton and Dalton are momentarily stunned into silence.
Before I slip away, Braxton speaks. “Whatever you do, don’t use my sister.”
The stare down between us isn’t filled with the past week’s worth of tension. He’s genuinely concerned, and I know things will get back to normal between us.
“I don’t plan to. Like I said, I love her. I’m not going anywhere.”
At least any time soon.
But when I get to my room and log on to my email, the protective bubble I’ve been living under pops.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Noah
“Things are finally looking up for the first time all semester.” Shannon turns her bright eyes toward me. Her confidence shines as bright as the neon lights from the diner’s marquee. There’s nothing sexier than a confident woman.
“Why’s that?” I’m pretty sure I know, but seeing that glow in her eyes and that widening smile is worth the risk of me sounding dumb.
“Well, I got an A on my quiz. I actually got a compliment on my design work for Glamour Project. Oh, and I think Braxton has finally come around.” She gleams at me. “Things are looking good for our future.”
I can’t help but smile back. She makes it too damn easy to share in her enthusiasm. I’d be sitting right next to her on cloud nine if it wasn’t for my doctor keeping me grounded. I thought a simple genetic test would give me straight answers. You go in, give some blood, and wait for the results. Easy, right? Not so much.
I knew test results could be inconclusive under age eighteen, which is why I haven’t been tested before now. What I didn’t realize are the unguaranteed results. Turns out, the inherited gene can mutate later in life. They don’t usually test until signs or symptoms appear. Fair enough. My hand tremors are enough to warrant testing, but it’s not cut and dry. The hang-up is consoling Mom. I need to know if Dad had been tested after his diagnosis for the specific mutated gene. That’s what they’ll run the test for. I do not want to drudge up those memories for her. She’s been better these past few years.
Our Uber driver pulls right behind a red Mercedes. As we step toward the car, I realize I haven’t answered her, but I don’t get the chance. A man, who appears to be in his late thirties, lifts an elderly gentleman out of a wheelchair and pivots him to sit him in the passenger seat. The elderly guy’s body starts shaking.
“Come on, Dad. Help me out here. Lift your leg.”
The older man answers with a grunt. He’s clearly not in a good way.
“Do you need help?” I ask as I approach the Mercedes.
“Thanks, I’m having trouble. Can you swing his leg over the floorboard? Dad doesn’t have much strength left anymore.”
“I’m fine. Damn doctors don’t know how to fix anything.” The gruffness to the man’s voice brings a bittersweet smile to my face. My dad used to say the same thing.
“Go tell the driver I’ll be right there,” I tell Shannon as I bend down to help lift the guy’s legs over the floorboard. The son pivots the guy into the passenger seat.
“You should just put me down. That’s what they do to lame horses.”
“They’d turn you away, old man.”
The guy harrumphs. But his irritability rings loud in my ear. I try to push away the negative thoughts infiltrating my mind. I flex my hands as I stand back up. Tonight’s been fun and relaxing. I don’t want to stain our evening by thinking this may be me in twenty to thirty years.
“Thanks for helping. I appreciate it.” The son shoots me a weary smile that doesn’t reach his droopy eyelids. I know that look. It’s a look that screams exhaustion. It’s a look my mother wore well.
“No problem.” I scurry to the Uber car, wondering if he has help back at his ho
use. Or maybe he’s taking him to a nursing home. When Dad got to be too much for Mom, she hired nursing care. She wasn’t about to place her forty-five-year-old husband in a home. Fortunately, we had the money to cover the expenses. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have had the choice.
My mood turns somber by the time I hop in the back seat. “Sorry about that,” I tell the driver. He nods and pulls into traffic.
“That was nice of you.”
“It’s nothing.” Wanting to shove the image from my brain, I change the subject. “I was thinking about renting a car to drive myself back for Thanksgiving.”
Shannon whips her head to me. “What? Why? Braxton’s coming along.”
“Things are better, but being compacted in the truck may make things awkward. I’m driving my car back, too.” I grab her hand and raise it to my lips. With a soft kiss, I murmur, “I’ve never had a reason to have my car before, but the thought of taking an Uber everywhere for our dates sounds dreadful.”
She smiles. “No matter how good Braxton is with us together, I doubt he’ll lend us his truck ever again.”
“Yeah, I think those days are long gone. You can always ride with me instead. Cara’s driving back with you guys again this year, right?”
“Yeah. She’s going to brave it again. God, Dad made it so awkward last year. He’s finally grasped the concept that Braxton has a girlfriend, so it should be less hectic in the house this time around.” She rolls her eyes.
“Yeah, the Smith men sure don’t like it when they don’t get their way.” I wonder what he’s going to think about me dating his daughter. He knows what my mom went through taking care of Dad. Will he have the same fear as me? My stomach lurches.
“Which is another reason Braxton shouldn’t be holding a grudge against you. He ended up with Cara despite Dad’s adversity, and look at them now. They’re totally happy.”
Behind the Count: Cessna U Wildcats Book Two Page 20