Page 43 of Pretend it’s Forever

She studied my face, her eyes covering every inch, before she nodded tightly, her throat moving as she swallowed hard. “Fine. Thank you for reading to the girls.”

And with that, she moved towards her bedroom, ignoring her brothers completely. I didn’t glance at them as I went to the pantry, and was grateful that I happened to find the broom as nobody had pointed the damn thing out to me. James was already on the ground, picking up the large pieces and using a paper towel. We each worked to clean up my mess, at least this part of it.

“Why don’t you walk outside with me once you find your damn shirt,” Flynn said softly.

“Flynn—” James began.

“No, that’s fine. I’ll meet you outside.”

“If you kill each other, it will only make things worse.” James shook his head and helped me take care of the rest of the broken glass.

“I’m not going to kill him. I like your brother, contrary to what it may be looking like at this moment.”

“You didn’t like me enough to stay away from my sister.”

“I wasn’t aware I was warned off from her. Next time maybe you should be a little more territorial when it comes to your family. Then again, I never did like rules.”

“You are not this much of a psychopathic asshole,” James said with a dramatic sigh. “Go put on your shirt, get your things, and talk calmly to Flynn. Neither one of you are going to hurt one another. That would just harm Sophia and the rest of this family. However, we both know that you being in this house right now isn’t going to help anything. Especially since Sophia seems to have already said her goodbyes.”

With a glance at both of them, I moved back to the bedroom, knowing that tonight hadn’t ended how I wanted, but perhaps it was for the best. Sophia stood there now, in soft linen pants and a tank top, her arms folded underneath her breasts. She’d put her hair up in a bun. “I’m sorry about them.”

“Don’t be. It’s good you have people in your corner.”

“You say that, and yet, I’m not used to people walking into my house to be so growly and protective.”

I reached forward and cupped her face. “It’s okay that you do.”

“I…” She blushed. “I had a lovely time tonight. If we ignore the whole brawl that was about to happen in my kitchen.”

I leaned forward and took her lips with mine. Just a gentle kiss, a caress, a goodbye. “I had a good time tonight too, Sophia. I’ll never forget.”

She studied my face but I couldn’t read her eyes. Maybe that was for the best. “Considering you are so entwined with my family, I don’t think I’m going to be able to forget either.”

I let my thumb glide over her lower lip, loving the way her mouth parted.

“Thank you. For tonight. For sharing yourself and part of your evening with me. Those little girls are amazing.”

Sophia’s entire face brightened. “They really are, aren’t they? I just… I’m not good at this.”

“Neither am I. I’ll fix this with your brothers. They’re not going to hurt you.”

“They never would. I just don’t want them to hurt you.” She hooked her fingers into my belt loops, and I leaned down, pressing my forehead against hers.

“It was a pretty damn good evening even if it was just for one night.”

“I guess you’re right about that. I’ll see you around, Carson Woods.”

I kissed her again, because I couldn’t help it.

“You too, Sophia Cage.” And then I shifted back and grabbed my clothes. I quickly dressed as I walked out through the kitchen, and then to the porch. James had clearly stayed in the house to grill Sophia, or maybe just to comfort her since I was leaving like the recluse that I was.

Flynn stood by my car, arms folded over his chest much like Sophia’s had been.

“Are you fucking kidding me? You slept with her?”

“We both wanted each other, and we both said it would be just for one night. There were no broken or hurt feelings until you walked in and embarrassed your sister.” The snap in my voice increased, and I realized that’s why I was angry. Or at least part of why.

Yes, I would regret walking away, but it was the smart choice.