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“Will do,” Michael agrees.
“On three,” Kaleb warns.
“Wait,” Michael rushes. “I can’t.” He shakes his head. “I . . .” His words trail off, his voice shaky.
Tilting my head, I witness the look that passes between the two brothers. Neither says anything more, but a second later, Kaleb replaces Michael.
I miss Michael’s body instantly. It’s irrational and mental even, but I can’t help but feel disappointed when Kaleb’s left hand grips my right. His other hand slides to my lower back, ready to support me.
Unlike Michael, he stays outside the car instead of leaning in to help.
Catching his brother’s eye, Kaleb starts the countdown again. “One.” My stomach clenches. “Two.” My breath puffs out fast and loud. “Three.” My eyes squeeze close as I maneuver into a sitting position. A yelp escapes my mouth as Michael curses behind me.
Nausea floods me, and my head spins, but I sit up with both arms down and my hands in my lap. I blow out a slow breath, mimicking Kaleb, who now crouches in front of me. At least until Michael comes behind him. He grips Kaleb’s shoulder and tips him backward out of the way to replace him.
“You did so good, princess,” he praises, brushing stray curls from my face.
I give him a watery smile, and my eyes flick behind him to where Kaleb is spread out on his back.
“You’re okay,” he whispers in a way that makes me think he’s trying to reassure both of us. “You’re okay,” he repeats, bringing my focus back to him. I nod, wanting to calm him too, something he senses. “Tell Kaleb how hard his car hit the tree. It’ll make me feel better.”
My wide eyes flit between the two men.
“Go on, it’ll make you feel good too.” Michael encourages with a grin, as Kaleb climbs to his feet.
Huh,I guess Kaleb isn’t the only playful brother.
“Oh yeah.” I smile. “We bounced off that thing.”
Kaleb groans, bends over, and braces himself against his knees.
Michael’s right. I do feel better. The man in front of me knocks under my chin and chuckles.
Still laughing, he says, “Let’s get you in the bath, princess.” His hands rub the outside of my thighs.
My body heats at the firm touches, but he’s quick to move away the minute I lift my own hands.
“Kaleb . . .” The name comes out as a plea, one I don’t understand until Kaleb steps forward to wrap his arm around my waist and help me out of the car.
I hop awkwardly a few times, trying not to aggravate my ankle even more. Kaleb taps my side and lifts me easily into his arms, my injured shoulder safely tucked into his chest.
After a few steps, he asks, “So why are you outside, again?”
“Your crazy sister left me out here. I tried to go in, but I couldn’t make it.”
“Name-calling isn’t very nice,” Kaleb reprimands, looking down at me.
“Neither is your sister’s driving,” I sass.
“I’m going to kill her,” Michael snaps. “What the fuck was she thinking?”
“She wasn’t. She was just super mad, I think. I almost opened the door, tucked, and rolled at one point.”
“Fawn, you’re not athletic enough to pull that off. Besides, Sam’s not that bad of a driver . . . I taught her myself,” Kaleb boasts.
“Not that bad? Not that bad?” I screech. I have to force myself to take a deep breath, but my inner thoughts still slip out. “I will stab you,” I tell him, straight-faced. I feel all self-doubt leave my body . . . I can take him.
A chuckle, sharp and short, bursts out of Michael.
