He kissed her in response. It was the only rational thing to do, and thankfully, she didn’t pull away. He held her to his chest, lingering over her mouth allowing himself to let go. Finally, he pulled away, and he heard Leah gasp.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “Do what you need to do.”
“What about us?”
“I’ll be here.”
“Cole,”—
“I’ll be here in any form you want me.” With that, he stepped away, leaving her alone in the kitchen and proceeded to the front door. Once inside his truck, he released a deep breath. He backed out of the driveway, dreading the approaching conversation with his brother.
****
Cole walked into Seth’s house. He rubbed at his face and eyes. He and Leah could work things out. Surely, she wouldn’t rekindle with her ex-boyfriend. Not after he abandoned her for his career. Dragging his footsteps, he rehearsed his words in his mind. More important matters were at hand than Leah’s ex-almost fiancé.
He found Seth sitting on the couch, arms crossed over his chest. The light from the television glowed from his face, but judging by his brother’s grim expression, Seth didn’t care for what he was watching.
“Hey,” Cole said. “You got a minute?”
Seth muted the TV but avoided eye contact. “What’s going on?”
“I need to tell you something about… Leah and me.”
Seth turned his face toward him. His eyes narrowed. “What about you two?”
“Well… I have feelings for her and I—”
Seth dismissed his comment with a wave. He jumped upright and paced past Cole. Still, Cole followed him.
Minutely shaking his head, Cole asked, “You won’t hear me out at least?”
“Hear what?” His brother cracked his knuckles. “How you went behind my back? How you stole the only woman I’ve ever loved?”
“I didn’t go behind your back.”
“Do you know how it felt to see you kissing her?”
Cole’s nostrils flared. “How do you think I’ve felt all this time? Do you know what it felt like to have her choose you over me in high school? Besides, you left her.”
“What?” Seth shuffled back a step.
“I’ve always cared about her, but she chose you. I got stuck in the friend zone never getting a fair shot.”
His brother pointed at him. “It’s not my fault you said nothing!”
“I know, but I’m not backing down now.”
“So, you steal her away? I’m your brother!”
Cole’s pulse sped, his heart pounding. “This is why I can’t talk to you! You’ve never cared how I felt. It was always about you. Your career. Your football dreams. When was the last ti
me you supported me? All you care about is you. You don’t deserve her!”
His brother’s expression grew tighter. “Is that what this is about? I didn’t cheer for you so you get your revenge by using Leah. That’s low Cole. Even for you.”
“I’m not using her! I love her!” Like a blast from a horn, his words boomed from his mouth.
Seth crossed his arms across his chest. “At least that’s something we have in common, but I’m not apologizing. You didn’t tell me.”