The WRONG Brother (Love You Forever #1) - Alexis Winter Page 0,32

table. “I’ll talk to you later, man.”

I offer a wave as I bring my own bottle to my lips.

He turns. “I’m serious. If you like her—like, really like her—then go for it. She deserves a good guy like you. But you’d better treat her right. Don’t be stupid like me.”

“Thanks, man.” I sit back and watch him leave, getting up to lock the door behind him.

Now that I’m alone, I can’t do anything but think of every moment I’ve shared with her. I see us playing football in the open field behind my parents’ house. I see all the Halloweens we went trick-or-treating together. I see us growing up. I wonder if she’s ever looked at me the way she looks at Preston. I wonder if she’ll ever be able to look at me that way.

I push all thoughts from my mind and go for a shower before bed. I easily find sleep, but it’s not dreamless. Behind my lids, I see memories of her. Even in my sleep, she haunts me.

I give it a few days to let things cool off before I text her.

I’m really sorry about the other night. Forgive me? I hit SEND and lay the phone on my desk as I turn back to my work. Truth is, I haven’t been able to focus on anything since that night. I haven’t been able to do anything but think of her and how good she felt pressed against me.

My phone dings and I quickly pick it up to read what she sent.

I don’t know why I expected you to treat me any differently than Preston. You did the exact same thing he did. You kissed me and ran away. I guess it runs in the family, huh?

Anger fills my chest. How could she even compare me with Preston? We’re different in every way possible. I start typing.

Are you serious? You’re comparing me with him? I left before things could get too serious. Things you may have woken up to regret. I’m not Preston, Piper. I never will be.

I don’t bother setting the phone down. I keep it in my hands and my eyes don’t leave the screen as I wait for her reply. I watch as the bubbles dance while she types.

You ever think maybe I kissed you because I like that you’re not Preston? That I realized you’re the one who has always been there for me? I didn’t kiss you because I was drunk or because Preston turned me down. I kissed you because I wanted to kiss you. YOU. Not him. But you ran off just like him, leaving me feeling even more ashamed.

My fingers type quickly. I didn’t ask you to kiss me. I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were okay. If you’re feeling ashamed, that’s all on you.

Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have sent that, but fuck, she can get me angry like no one else. She kisses me then blames me for feeling ashamed . . . and all because I felt it was bad timing? Doesn’t she see that I’ve always been there for a reason? I’m nothing like my brother. Comparing me with him only angers me.

I push away from my desk and leave the office for the day. I leave everything behind but my phone and keys, knowing I’m too strung up to do anything else. Instead of getting in the car and driving home to marinate in my anger, I walk outside and breathe in the fresh air. I inhale deeply, letting it calm me and take away my frustration.

I walk for at least an hour before I sit on a park bench and type out another message.

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Take a walk with me. Let’s start over.

I wait and wait for a reply but nothing comes in. Just as I’m about to give up, my phone dings.

Where are you?

I smile as I send her my location.

Okay, be there in 20.

I can’t force the smile off my face as I sit on the bench and watch everyone walking and riding bikes around me. It feels like no time has passed when a cab stops in front of me and she climbs out. The wind blows her long skirt around her. Her blonde hair is curled like always, hanging halfway down her back, and she’s wearing a white T-shirt with a jean jacket over it.

She comes to sit at my side and neither of us talks for a moment