Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews(6)
Author: Piper Rayne

 

Chuckles ring through the crowd.

 

“I’m so happy this woman agreed to marry me when I asked,” Brady says. “And I’m even more happy that all of you get to be a part of this and, of course, our big day.” Brady carries on, talking about how much Violet means to him.

 

I grow bored listening to this bullshit and look around at everyone else to see if they feel the same. But everyone is smiling and seemingly enjoying this long-winded speech as Brady extols the virtues of his bride-to-be. Then my gaze snags on one person in particular.

 

Twyla stands near the back of the crowd, and though I can tell she’s trying her best to smile at the happy couple, it comes off as more of a grimace. She’s fiddling with her hands in front of her, and her full lips are pressed into a thin line.

 

I frown.

 

She dips her head and disappears down the hall that leads to the bedrooms.

 

I don’t know what possesses me to follow her, but I do. And when I get to the end of the hallway and find her at the far end with her back to me, trying to wiggle the locked door handle of my second spare bedroom, I react without thinking.

 

“What the hell are you doing?” I bark, eating up the distance between us in a few strides.

 

She startles, her shoulders practically going up to her ears, and spins around. “I was looking for the bathroom.”

 

I’ve never felt like a bigger asshole and that’s saying something. I’ve had more than my fair share of asshole moments in my lifetime, but this is the biggest.

 

Tears track down her face and she quickly swipes at them with her small hands. Then she tilts her head up as if daring me to comment.

 

“Bathroom’s through here.” I motion to the door just behind me to my right.

 

“Great, thanks.” She pushes past me and disappears into the bathroom, shutting the door.

 

Great. Now what do I do? Pretend I don’t know that she’s upset and move on with my night or wait here until she emerges so I can see what the problem is?

 

I am not the man to console an upset woman. I’m an only child with hardly any extended family, and I grew up on a ranch in Montana, spending most of my time alone. I’m not exactly well versed in feelings and interpersonal relationships.

 

“Fuck,” I mutter and push my hand through my hair. I start back down the hall to go listen to Brady drone on some more, but something stops me in my tracks.

 

Something about letting her come out of that bathroom and finding me long gone, not giving a shit about how upset she is, doesn’t sit right, so I spin around and lean against the wall opposite the bathroom door, waiting with my arms crossed.

 

I probably look more like a bouncer at a nightclub than a confidant, but it’s the best I can do. I’m certainly not going to wrap her up in a bear hug and let her cry on my shoulder. It’s what a woman like Twyla deserves, but I’m not the guy to give it to her. Not just because her older brother is one of my best friends, but because I’d like having her body that close to me too much. There’s no sense in getting dumb ideas about things that can never be reality.

 

The door opens and Twyla stops in the doorway of the bathroom, her jaw open as she stares at me.

 

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

 

She shakes her head but stares at the floor. “Nothing. I just had a moment. I’m fine.”

 

“Bullshit. You ran out crying. Just tell me what’s wrong.”

 

She sighs and her shoulders sag. “Ever since Mathew called off our engagement… I don’t know. Sometimes it’s hard to see other couples so happy. It’s hard not to think back to my own engagement party and how happy and hopeful I was and now… well, let’s say I never thought it’d turn out like this.” She brings her hands up to cover her face. “I feel horrible saying that.”

 

“Don’t.” I pull her hands away from her face. “Own how you feel. Don’t apologize for it.”

 

“I’m really happy for Violet and Brady, I am.” She sounds as if she’s trying to convince me or something.

 

“Twyla, I don’t care whether you are or you’re not. That asswipe Mathew”—Jesus, I hate even saying that guy’s name—“did you wrong. It’s okay to be pissed about it and feel whatever else you’re feeling.”

 

The look of concern on her face morphs into a small smile. Though it’s a little sadder than her usual smile, I almost rub my chest from the warm feeling of being the one to put it there.

 

“Thanks,” she says. “For not judging me.”

 

I raise my hands. “Judgment-free zone.”

 

She meets my gaze and I can’t for the life of me strip it away. “Good to know.”

 

“There you are,” Bryce says from the entrance to the hallway. “I’ve been looking for you.”

 

I’m starting to understand why Miles finds this woman so irritating. Her timing sucks.

 

“I was just using the bathroom.” Twyla thumbs behind her.

 

“Shayna, Violet, and I are going to go out next week and you have to come.” She loops her arm through Twyla’s and drags her down the hallway back toward the party.

 

Since I’m unable to divert my attention, I catch when Twyla looks back over her shoulder at me. There’s that damn feeling in my chest again.

 

Fucking heartburn.

 

 

 

 

 

Five

 

 

 

 

 

Twyla

 

 

 

 

 

The day after the engagement party, my brother calls to ask if I want to meet up with him. He’s totally doing a welfare check on me, but I agree because I love hanging out with Miles.

 

I love the outdoors, but I’m not a big fan of the cold. Living in Connecticut meant I spent the majority of the year inside. Since it’s a beautiful September day, I suggest that we meet at Golden Gate Park. Miles agrees, and after some snuggles with Kiwi, I head out.

 

I spot my brother a few minutes after I arrive, his baseball cap and sunglasses in place. This is pretty typical if we’re going to be lingering in public. It’s not like he’s the world’s biggest movie star, but fans do recognize him, especially during football season.

 

“Warding off all your adoring fans?” I ask with humor.