Page 41 of Just Our Secret
“Love you too, Mom.”
She slipped out the door, shutting it gently behind her. Just the thought of Andi being out there made my pulse pick up. Now that I knew she was here, I had to see her. Ihadto. If anything clarified my entire life, it was falling through that fucking building into a literal pit of flames and thinking I’d never see her again. That we’d never get to be a real family.
Nothing else mattered. Not Connor’s disappointment or anger, however much it made my heart sink. Not our young ages and the thought that we should be together longer, that we should be older before we made promises.
Fuck all that noise. I knew what I wanted—had always wanted. If she’d have me, my life would be made.
“Hey.” Connor peeked his head through the door, eyes cagey enough to tell me he wasn’t sure I’d let him in.
I nodded, still feeling the weight of exhaustion dragging on me until I saw Andi follow him inside. My heart kicked, recognizing its partner, its home.
She slipped around Connor and rushed to me, practically diving into my arms and clutching me close. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
I held her tight, maybe a little too tight, but having her in my arms after the last however many hours felt like finally taking a full breath. “Thanks for coming. Are you okay? Is Liam okay?”
She pulled back and smiled with tears in her eyes spilling over. “AmIokay? You’re the one who fell through the roof of a burning building, and you’re asking about me?”
Connor chuckled behind her, and my throat constricted at the sight of them both here, both smiling and relieved.
“You had us worried, man. Our parents came up and are taking Liam to school, then they’ll probably be over, too.” He stepped closer and cleared his throat.
Andi squeezed my hand. “I’m going to give them a call and let them know you’re awake. I’ll give you two a minute.” She leaned down and brushed her lips over my cheek, then my lips.
I would’ve told her I loved her the second I saw her if we’d been alone. But without knowing where Connor and I stood, I wasn’t about to let him have a front-row seat to that moment in our relationship.
“I’m sorry,” he said as soon as the door shut behind Andi.
I just looked at him. Right about now, I didn’t feel like apologizing to him, though I did owe him one for lying. Not for loving his sister, not ever, but I would make the lying right once he had his say.
He ran his hands through his hair, then pulled a chair over to the bedside and sat. “I was an ass, okay?”
A small, humorless laugh escaped me. “Yeah, I know.”
He blew out a breath. “I went right back to Chad and all of that. I was right back there, hearing he’d gotten with her and then didn’t care about the consequences. Realizing he really wasn’t going to step up and be a part of his own kid’s life. Facing the fact that one of my best friends had not only slept with my younger sister but was a garbage human being.”
I nodded, familiar with the story and sentiment.
“But that’s not you.”
“No. It’s not.” Andthatwas why all of this shit had hurt so damned much. I knew he’d be upset. We’d lied, and he’d obviously built up reasons for why no one should be with Andi, and especially not one of his friends. But his insistence that I was horrible because of it, and the fact that his silence had lasted so long, cut deep.
Connor swallowed and ducked his head, gathering himself. “I knew almost immediately that the problem wasn’t you being with her, as weird as it is when I think about it. Buttrustme, I’m doing my best not to think about it.”
He shot me a disturbed look, and I had to laugh and shake my head at his antics. “Right.”
“You guys are good together. You’ve always been great friends, and you’ve been more of a figure in Liam’s life than anyone other than me. I— I’m sorry I got caught up in the drama ofmy best friend is dating my sisterbullshit.”
I nodded, that cinched-tight knot in my gut finally loosening after too long at odds with him. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you in a better way. Honestly, we tried, and either you or Liam derailed us. But that’s an excuse. I’ve loved her since we were practically kids, man, and I plan on loving her the rest of our lives.”
His furrowed brow made him look stern, but he nodded in approval. “Good. That’s good.”
“I agree,” I said, holding out a hand to him.
He took it in a rough shake, then leaned down for an awkward side-of-the-bed hug and patted my back. “Glad you didn’t die. And glad you’re in love with my sister and not just hooking up, because I really would’ve had to murder you then.”
I flipped him off, and he beamed. The sight of his broad smile and the easy exchange loosened the knot completely. One thing was left, though. “Have you apologized to her yet?”
His eyes darkened a shade. “I did. And I will again, on and off until I feel like she knows I’m the asshole and she did nothing wrong.”