Page 136 of The Best Thing He Never Wanted

“Come here.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to say to you, too.”

“What?”

She looked up at him, and for one stupid second it wasn't her face he could see looking up at him from under his arm, but Bea's. He pushed the thought away. He’d text her later. Or email her. Their messages had already started getting too long to fit into texts anyway.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Especially since Crete.”

Brooke’s expression changed. “Come sit down. Pizza’s in the oven.”

He followed her into the living room and sat down beside her on the sofa.

“What have you been thinking about?”

“That I never told you how sorry I am.”

Her brows drew together. “Sorry for what, Blane?”

“For not coming home after Mom and Dad died.” He stared down at his hands for a moment. “I thought I was doing right by you, Brookie, and I’ve only figured out lately that I did the worst thing I could’ve done.”

“Oh, Blane.”

He lifted a shoulder. “I know. It was stupid.”

“No. I didn’t say that.”

“I always had it in my head that I’d die young, and with the kind of work I did…” He blew out a breath. “You took it so hard when Mom and Dad died. I didn’t want you to ever feel like that again. Especially not because of me.”

Brooke leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Maybe in hindsight it wasn’t the best plan,” she said softly. “But I turned out okay, didn’t I?”

“You turned out amazing, kiddo.” He wrapped his arm around her. “I don’t tell you enough, but I’m damn proud of you.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Blane. I love hearing that. Probably means more because you don’t say things like that very often.”

“I don’t, do I?” He frowned. “I’m sorry. I love you, Brooke.”

She rubbed her thumbs under her eyes and stared at him. “Oh my God, Blane. What is going on with you? You’re starting to scare me.”

He let out a short laugh. “There’s nothing to be scared of. I’ve just been doing a lot of thinking. I did things wrong with you, and I’m sorry. That’s all.”

She slipped her arm through his and gave it a squeeze. “I’m glad you feel like you can talk to me now. Not just think of me as your kid sister.”

He nodded slowly. “Yeah. I’m sorry for that, too. You’ve been your own person for years, and I still treated you like a kid.”

“You used to.” She smiled. “I don’t think you do anymore. And if you try it again, you’ll be in trouble.”

He chuckled. “Yeah. Okay.”

“Mind if I ask you something?”

“It’s only fair. Go ahead.”

“Is this because of this Bea woman?”

His eyebrows drew together. “What do you mean?”

“Hey, don’t get defensive.” Brooke held up a hand. “I only mean, are you thinking about how you feel about things now in a way you never really did before because…” She hesitated. “Because you feel something for her that you haven’t felt before?”