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He chuckles—despite himself, I think.
I knock my foot into his calf. “You like Rowan as a friend, right? Like, he’s always been a good guy to you?”
“Until now.”
I roll my eyes. “If I wasn’t your sister, what would you tell him?”
“I don’t want to play these games.”
“Just tell me.”
He seems to think about it for a beat. “I’d probably think it was cool how you guys got together. That he found someone, if that’s what he wanted.”
“And if he wasn’t your best friend, and you never played hockey with him?”
“I get it, okay? I get it, but I still don’t like it.”
I stand, pick up my chair, and put it right in front of him. “Look at me.”
His gaze floats up to meet mine. Finally.
“I’m all grown up, Conor. You can’t protect me from everything. I’m going to make mistakes. I don’t think Rowan is one of those, but if something changes, and he breaks my heart, I’ll put on my big girl pants and deal. Sure, it will hurt and that will suck, but I’ll get through it. You don’t have to worry about me. But this thing between you and Rowan is not only ruining our sibling relationship, it’s ruining a friendship between the two of youanddestroying your entire team. Is it really worth that?”
He sighs and lets his head rock back before meeting my gaze again. “He’s good to you?”
There’s so much worry in his eyes that it melts away some of the irritation I’ve been feeling toward him.
I nod. “The best.”
“And you’re good?”
I laugh. “The best, and I’m not buying a bar, so you can relax about that too.”
He lets out a big breath. “It will take some getting used to.”
“I know.”
“But I’m kind of sick of being mad all the time.” I laugh, and he tips his head back. “Call the bastard in here.”
I stand and hold out my hands. “Not until we hug this out.”
He stands, and I press my cheek to his chest, wrapping my arms around him although he’s still wearing his pads.
“I love you, Conor. Stay out of my personal life.”
He chuckles. “Point made.”
I pull back and cross the room, sticking my head out into the hall when I open the door. Rowan is leaning against the wall, and I tell him to come in.
He walks in, and Conor stands and puts out his hand to him. “You hurt her, and I give you two black eyes and a knee to the crotch.”
“What do I get if I don’t hurt her?” Rowan asks.
My brother looks at me when he answers. “An amazing woman to love.”
Tears well in my eyes.
“Deal.” Rowan shakes Conor’s hand, and they both kind of crack a smile.
