Page 67 of Truck Up
“Lia, please!” Tanner calls out. He rushes past me and blocks my cart. “Why him? Of all the people you could date. Why did it have to be him?”
“I’m not explaining myself to you.” I shove my cart forward, but he grabs it with his hands and holds it still.
“Please.” His eyes are filled with pain. Out of all my brothers, he’s the one that hates Christian the most. They were in the same grade in school and always gave each other the most shit about the feud. It also doesn’t help that Christian is the one with the most troubled past.
I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. “It’s not like I set out to fall in love with a Mutter. It just happened.”
“But how?” He demands. “Did he approach you? Or was it the other way around? I don’t understand how you two could even connect.”
Anxiety fills me as the memory of that dreadful night rushes to the front of my mind. The horrible night that bonded me to Christian Mutter forever. My breathing turns shallow, and I feel my legs tremble. The world around me spins as darkness consumes me.
The next thing I know, Jason has his arms wrapped around me and my face is buried in his chest. “Breathe, Lia. Just Breathe.”
He takes in slow, even breaths. I clear my mind and focus on that, doing my best to match his breathing. It takes me a few minutes, but once I get it under control, my head clears.
“I’m fine.” I pat his chest and pull back. “Just got dizzy.”
He frowns. “Is it the baby?”
The worried look on his face makes me smile. “No, just the stress from my unsupportive family.” When I look at Tanner, my smile fades. “If you don’t mind, I have more shopping to do.”
“You sure you’re okay?” Jason asks again.
I nod. “Promise.” Then I point at Tanner. “Can you get this one out of here so I can finish? I’m going to run out of time if I don’t get back soon.”
Jason stares at me for a moment like he doesn’t want to comply. My fainting spell has him worried. I have to give Tanner credit too. Even he looks worried now. Whatever anger or hurt he showed a moment ago is gone.
“If you’re sure,” he says, clearly not wanting to leave me alone.
“Yes.” I give him a reassuring smile. “I just need to eat. I’m still adjusting to the pregnancy. That’s all.”
The lie slips out so easily, and I hope the stress of the situation hides the conflict on my face. I’m not a good liar and it often shows in my eyes.
“Okay.” Jason pulls me in for a tight hug and kisses the top of my head. “I’m here for you if you need anything. No judgement.”
“I know.” I hug him back. I needed this hug more than I realized.
“Love you, sis.” His words cause my eyes to sting with tears.
God, why can’t all my family be like this?
“Love you too.” My voice cracks as my emotions run away from me. This entire encounter has been too much. I squeeze my eyes closed and take a few deep breaths. Thankfully, that’s enough to stop the tears.
“Hey,” Tanner calls out. I look up and meet his gaze. He looks remorseful. “I just want to know how this happened. You’re telling us nothing.”
Before I can answer him, he turns and follows Jason out of the store.
Unfortunately, there’s not an easy answer to that question. I’d have to tell them what Badger did before they’d understand.
And that’s not a story I’m ready to tell.
Chapter 14
A perfect fit.
Christian
As soon as I open the front door, I freeze. A delicious smell fills my nose, and I groan. Whatever Grams is cooking tonight smells amazing.