“Or you can stay with Beckett and me,” Addie cut in. “We have plenty of room for you and Jack.”
Cora hugged her son to her chest. “I’ll press charges. There’s a chance he’ll go to jail, right?”
“I think it’s very likely. I’ll call the prosecutor as soon as I take your statement, and I’ll send deputies to arrest Brandon.”
Tears filled Cora’s eyes. “He won’t be able to hurt me anymore.”
A muscle in Hayes’ jaw ticked. “No, he won’t.”
“You’re in love with her.”
I choked on the sip of coffee I’d just taken. Coughing, I reached for my water bottle and took a swig. “Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
I glared at my brother. He’d spent the last hour talking to Cora while Addie had gone back to work. Brandon was sitting in lockup at the sheriff’s station while he awaited a bail hearing, but it wouldn’t happen until tomorrow.
Hayes crossed to one of the empty chairs opposite my desk. “I don’t hear you denying it.”
“Am I in love with Dolores? Yes, you caught me.”
Hayes snorted. “Don’t be a smartass.”
I leaned back in my chair, eyeing my brother. “I’ve only known her a few months.” The words felt like a lie. Technically, they were the truth. I shouldn’t be able to feel what I did for Addie. It was too soon. Yet, it didn’t change the fact that I was falling for her. It had started the moment I saw her. And I fell a little bit harder with each new piece of herself she revealed.
Hayes studied me carefully. “I’ve never seen you like this with someone. Your eyes track her wherever she goes. You barely let her walk two blocks back to work on her own in broad daylight.”
I scowled at him. “Did you forget the Molotov cocktail thrown through our front window, or the threats from her dad and Brandon? How about Walter Crichet getting out on bail?”
“I haven’t. I’m just saying this is different for you.”
“I know.” It was a completely foreign sensation, and it honestly terrified me. “I told her I might screw this up.”
> Hayes’ eyes flared. “So, you’re what? Dating?”
I made a face. “I’m not sixteen, Hayes. I didn’t give her my letterman jacket and ask her to go steady.”
“But…”
“But we care about each other. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever known.”
“Shit,” Hayes muttered. “Everly’s going to freak.”
I shot my brother a grin. “Have fun explaining me to your overprotective fiancée.”
Hayes grimaced as he pushed to his feet. “You’re an ass.”
“You love me.”
“I should’ve convinced Mom and Dad to put you up for adoption.”
I chuckled. “You would’ve missed me if I was gone.”
Hayes turned, meeting my gaze. “I did miss you. I’m damn glad you’re back, brother. We’re all lucky to have you. That includes Addie.”
A spot in my chest burned, and I fought the urge to rub at it. “I’m glad I’m back, too.” For the first time, that wasn’t a lie.
33
ADDIE