Page 117 of Protecting Love

“Nope. But you walked right into that. You’ve been moody and pacing all morning because he’s not here yet. I’m trying to help you. It’s working. And as a bonus, I find out Mr. Stone has range.”

She dropped into her chair and covered her face for a second. “Why are you torturing me like this?”

“Because you need someone to drag it out of you. I can get more when you’re vulnerable, which you rarely show anyone.” London perched on the edge of the desk. “You like him. Be honest. This shit happening to you, you hate it, but deep down it brought you to this place of vulnerability with a guy you really like. A place you couldn’t get to on your own. So you’re really torn.”

She lowered her hands slowly. “Yes. Ugh. I’m a horrible person for saying that. You suck.”

Her sister wasn’t wrong. That had always been her problem with men. She’d kept that calm and composed shell in place, letting no one in fully.

London blinked. “No. You’re not horrible. You’re human. Just like him. Remember that. It sounds like maybe this thing could be wrapping up. And if that is the case, then you can just enjoy having a man in your life.”

“I guess. But it’s new. It’s slow. There is so much in the air. And if this is over soon...”

“It’s not going to be with you two. Don’t think that.”

Her head went back and forth. “I hate these feelings. All of them. But at least fear isn’t leading the pack right now.”

“See. That is huge,” London said.

“Why?”

“Because you hate that you can’t handle this on your own. You hate that he’s the reason fear isn’t there. That you trust he is going to take care of it,” London added gently. “And my sister is worse than me when it comes to handing over the reins to anyone.”

She exhaled. “Yes.”

London studied her for a moment. Then the teasing grin crept back in. “But you don’t hate the other parts.”

She grabbed a pen and threw it at her. London caught it midair.

“You’re horrible.”

“You’re shining,” London countered. “Even stressed out, you’re shining. That man did something to you.” London dodged another pen flying her way. “Come on. You gave me a hard time about Spencer.”

“Not like this.”

And she was regretting teasing her sister so much now.

“Well, we aren’t alike. I’m always over the top. You didn’t expect any differently now, did you?”

“I guess not.”

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “He makes me feel steady. There. I’m going to be serious now. I always felt it before, then I didn’t and now, knowing he’s on this, I do.” Her sister’s lips twitched. “Don’t say anything about him being on it.”

“You’re no fun,” London said.

“That’s not a small thing. I’m being honest. Without jokes. I can be the bigger person. You wanted something and I gave it to you.”

“You did.” London picked up the pen from the floor and put it on the desk with the one she’d caught minutes ago. “For what it’s worth? I like him. He doesn’t fawn over you. He doesn’t shrink around you like other men have. And he doesn’t kiss up.”

“He is his own man. He definitely doesn’t shrink at anything.”

London laughed. “Oh, I bet he doesn’t.”

“London!”

“Okay, okay.” She lifted her hands in surrender. “I’ll behave. That one was just too good to pass up. And now, look at the mood I put you in. Aren’t I a good older sister?”

She shook her head, but the swirling in her gut had eased substantially.