“That’s not the point, and you damned well know it. I have a wonderful life. Carrie, Evan, you, the guys, my job. You all make me happy, but don’t I deserve to have love in my life, too?” As he started to speak, I held up a hand. “Yes, I know you all love me, but you know that’s not the same as having an intimate relationship and being in love with someone. Why would you take that chance away from me?” I asked, the tears finally escaping and dripping like rainfall from my eyes.

Beau stood and came around the bar, turning my chair so that he could hold me. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing. I just couldn’t bear to see you hurt. Please don’t cry.”

“I fucking hate you right now,” I sobbed against his chest even as I clung to him.

“I know. I just wanted to protect you.” I could hear the pain in his voice. He kissed the top of my head several times, holding me until my tear well ran dry. My brother… the protector. That’s what he had always been. Big and gruff but with a heart the size of Texas.

Beau tugged on a brass, star-shaped drawer handle and pulled out a pristine white dish towel, using it to dab at my face. “I still don’t like the way Broxton talked to you that night,” he said huskily.

“Well, you have to admit that was a lot to drop on a guy who was barely more than an overgrown kid. I honestly freaked out when I first found out, too. But then I had two days to get used to it before I told Ax because of all the graduation shit going on. I gave him—what?—fourteen hours to process, and then we were gone. I should have stayed and talked to him before I just left.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Beau grudgingly agreed.

“I’m going over there now,” I said as I stood.

He looked simultaneously relieved that I wasn’t yelling at him anymore and displeased at my destination. “Okay, but take things slow. Don’t let that fucker get in your pants.”

Been there, done that, big brother… twice. And I’ve got the sore vagina to prove it.

I slugged my brother in the arm before hugging him and yelling goodbye to Cam before practically sprinting out to my SUV. I texted Axel with shaking fingers once I got in the car.

Blaire: You at home?

Axel: Yes.

Blaire: Can I come over? I want to talk.

Axel: Fuck yes.

Blaire: Want me to pick up dinner?

Axel: I’ll order us something. Italian or Chinese or something else?

Blaire: Chinese sounds good.

Axel: Ok. I know what you like.

Blaire: You sure as hell do.

Axel: Are we still talking about food here?

Blaire: Nope.