"You didn't have to do that, you know?" I shout at Brooks as we stand in Clay's driveway, but he gives me a perplexed look.
"You're seriously yelling at me right now? Really? After I just stuck up for you?"
"I didn't ask you to, Brooks," I say, and his jaw drops like he can't believe my words. "Don't look at me like that when you know I'm right."
He shakes his head, disappointed with my ingratitude. "You know, a 'thank you' would suffice."
"A 'thank you'? For what, Brooks? For something I didn't ask for?"
He looks down at the floor and lets out a chuckle. "You don't have to be so noble all the time, you know? It's okay to be a little helpless."
I shake my head, fully in disagreement. "And where would that get me, Brooks?"
"You have it so twisted, Remi," he scoffs.
"Yeah, well you know shit about me, Brooks. You don't know what I'm going through."
He surprises me when he walks up to me and takes my hand in his; the tone in his voice also changing to something softer. "So, why don't you let me in? I'm here, Remi, I'm right here." I don't know why but my eyes start to tear. I've never had someone say that to me before. Hold it in, Remi, girl, hold it in. Don't let him see you break. "What are you so afraid of?"
I take a massive gulp, looking intently at Brooks, then sniffle my nose. "Go inside, Brooks," I say, but he reaches for my arm.
"Remi, I didn't mean to..."
"No," I cut him off, dropping my shoulder down so that his hand is forced to fall from my body. "Just go inside."
YOU ARE READING
Under the Stars (Sequel to Across the Pond)
Romance*The sequel to Across the Pond* Brooks Caldwell is the bane of my existence. Has been ever since I've known him. And, of course, luck would have it that I'm forced to spend my entire summer in his presence when I'm offered a job at the posh country...
