“She’s spooked, and she wants to keep it between us. She doubts my feelings, but I’m going after what’s mine. Ever since I’ve first laid eyes on her dark curly head...” Dec shook his head, smiling.
“Damn, is it even possible to find the love of your life when you’re just eight?” Declan asked.
Brennan slapped Dec’s back. “I’m rooting for you, bro.”
“Thanks,” Declan said as they walked over to the booths where the rest of the Mills brothers and cousins sat. Errin’s sisters Kate and Kayla were there, and the three Ryan sisters: Fianna, Caitlin, and Bree.
He’d brought Bree home after she’d gotten sick at his place. At first, she’d told him she didn’t want to give him the same bug, so she didn’t want him to come over. Although a bit bummed out she wouldn’t let him in to take care of her, he gave her some space for a few days.
Of course he’d kept in touch with Gwenn. But it wasn’t the same. He wanted to be there for her. But Bree refused.
She had shot even his offer to drive her tonight down. He leaned in over the table and watched how Bree laughed at some joke from Errin. Bree turned her head from him the moment their eyes met.
He scooted from the booth and walked over to the bar. After ordering himself a beer, Declan had the feeling he was being watched. Goosebumps traveled over his spine. He looked up and in the mirror's reflection behind the bartender; he held Bree’s eyes.
He saluted Bree with his beer bottle, and she gave him a half smile. Not wanting to look too eager and talk to her in front of all their family and friends, he stayed put. He looked down to his beer bottle and peeled on the label.
“Hi,” Bree said as she placed her hand on Dec’s shoulder.
“Hey, Love.”
“Since when do you call me that?” Bree asked as she took the stool next to Declan.
He turned on his stool. “Since you told me to never call you Squirt ever again,” he said. “So I won’t.” He peered into her eyes and she blushed.
“Dec, I know I’ve come off like a crazy person these last couple months. Gwenn said it’s been unfair of me to not return any of your calls. And she’s right. I know she is. It’s just that—”
“Well, if it isn’t G.I. Joe and his Squirt. Are we finally getting to see some action, G.I. Joe?” Ronan said in his loud voice. Bree winced before she narrowed her eyes at Declan’s twin. He knew she could handle Ro. But Declan wouldn’t let things slide.
“We’re in the middle of something here, Ro.”
Ronan bumped his shoulder to Dec’s as he wormed himself in between Declan and Bree. He turned his back to Dec. “So, Bree. Are ye still in love with my brother?”
Before Bree could answer him, Declan stood from his stool and pushed his twin out of Bree’s way.
“Back the fuck off, Ro.”
Ronan whirled around and held himself steady by gripping the bar. He almost accidently pushed Bree from her stool, but she’d jumped before he could do so. She stood with a hand on her stomach and one against her chest.
Before Declan could ask her if she was okay, Ronan spat at him, “Always letting her come between us. I’m sick of it, bro.”
Never once had Ronan hinted about his feelings. His sneer blindsided Declan. When they were kids, it had always been Ro, Dec and Bree hanging out.
Sure, when they got older, they hadn’t been the three Musketeers anymore. Ro hung out with a different crowd. He was on a warpath all the time. Fighting, smoking, and underage drinking. Not the people Dec wanted to sniff around Bree.
So they kept their distance whenever Ro was with those other people. Declan always thought that Ro hadn’t mind. That he broke up the three Musketeers because they hadn’t been cool enough, anyway.
After Ro’s dark period, he grew closer again with his twin. But Dec never knew about Ro’s feelings. He wished Ro had said something to him.
Bree laid a hand on Ro’s arm. “I’m sorry you feel this way, Ro. I really am. We could have all been friends. You and I werefriends for a long time.”
Ro swallowed his first response.
“Yes,” he said, after a beat. “Before the whole Fi situation.”
“Well, she’s my sister, Ro. I don’t expect you to choose me over your brother. Not if I ever hurt your brother. I’m sorry, but you hurt our friendship by cheating on Fi. I was so damn angry with you.”
Ronan’s shoulders slumped, and he looked over at Declan. They shared a long look, and it let Ro know he was in the wrong.