Choose Me (The Archer Brothers 2)

“We’re twins, and you just made the other me very happy.” Where do I come up with this crap? We’re twins? And why do I care if he’s happy? I want her for myself. Maybe she’ll see just how much of a douche Evan can be and I can console her.

She clears her throat and faces the front. I want her to turn and stare at me so I can form the perfect picture tonight before going to bed. I want to memorize every inch of her porcelain face and hold her delicate hands in mine. I want to protect her from the world.

I turn away when she glances at me. I shouldn’t have these feelings but I can’t help it. Evan’s right, she’s an angel. But if she’s the angel, he most certainly is the devil and I know I’ll have to bide my time until he’s moved on. I’ll be there to mend her broken heart even if the wait kills me.

Evan texts back asking me if I’m serious. I could lie, but that will only work until he sees her himself. She’s new; everyone will be talking about her. I can’t hide her as much as I’d love to.

“Evan has been pacing by the phone waiting for you to call. He’s going to be outside that door when the bell rings now that he knows you’re here.”

She looks at the door and back at me. Her expression is stoic. Her hands clutch the end of her desk, and her knuckles turn white.

“What was your name again?” I ask my tongue thick in my throat.

“Ryley Clarke.” Her voice is barely above a whisper but it’s enough to make the hairs on my arm stand tall.

“What’s yours?”

I like that she cares even if she’s just returning the gesture.

“Nate. Nate Archer.” This is my opportunity to touch her so I extend my hand for her to shake. I feel my eyes go wide when we shake hands. “Like I said, Evan will be very happy to see you.” I want to add that she should run in the opposite direction and that I’ll be there to meet her. I’m the good one of the both of us. Not him.

My heart races the closer the second hand gets to the bell. I wish I had never sent that text and just talked to her myself. What harm would that have done? I could’ve easily told Evan I forgot what she looked like. He wouldn’t have bought it since he spent the night reciting everything that he loved about her. I know once he gets her into the backseat of his car he’ll be done with her. I won’t mind. I can’t fight what my heart wants.

The bell signals the end of class and Mr. Reed throws his pen onto his desk and waves the students out. It’s only the first day and he already looks flustered. I gather my things slowly and walk down the aisle staying one step behind Ryley. I’m trying not to watch her, but I can’t help it.

I let her go in front of me and as soon as we’re both facing the door, I see Evan. His head is bent slightly and he’s watching her like a hawk watches his prey. When Donna, his weekly “friend” walks by, I expect he’ll start watching her, but her presence doesn’t faze him. That doesn’t bode well for me.

I hate my brother right now. The coolness oozes off him. I didn’t get the sex appeal gene. I got the brains. Why can’t I have both? He beckons her with his finger and she goes, just like every other girl in this school. He looks up, catches me watching and shakes his head. He’s telling me she’s off limits.

I don’t wait to see what happens next. I put my head down and walk to my locker, letting the regret build with each step I take.

I should’ve never texted him.

Footsteps bound up the front porch steps. I place my beer on the table and smile at the memory of the first day I met Ryley. Everything could’ve been different but like I predicted, I was here to pick up the pieces when Evan died. It’s not how I wanted things to be with us, but I’ll take whatever I can get.

The front door opens and Ryley walks in. She’s laughing and looking behind her. She doesn’t know I’m here, reminding me that we need to talk about security and her being cautious when I’m not home. I see the top of EJ’s head, knowing instantly that someone is carrying him. He’s being held too high up for it to be Lois holding him.

They step in and all eyes are on me. My throat closes as we stand there, staring at each other. I blink, closing my eyes tightly and pray that when I open them again all I will see are Ryley and EJ standing before me.

When I open them my worst nightmare has come true. A ghost is holding my son – the boy I’ve raised. A man I buried years ago stands before me, having just been laughing with my fiancée a moment ago.

I look from him to Ryley and back. I don’t even want to think about what’s been going on or how the hell he ended up in our living room.

“Daddy!” EJ exclaims, and the only solace I feel right now is running toward me after being set down. I scoop him up and look at my dead brother as he eyes me with his newly found possession.

“How are you here?” I ask, clearly in shock.

“Ah, don’t act so surprised little brother. It’s not like you didn’t know I was alive.”

I didn’t.

I HAVEN’T SEEN MY brother in six years. We haven’t spoken or emailed. It’s not because we were angry at each other – although he might be now that I’m standing in front of him – it’s because I’ve been fighting against an enemy that may or may not be some type of cover up. Little did I know that I’d also be fighting to get my family back from the one person I trusted to keep them safe.

He stands here, holding my son in his arms as if nothing has happened. As if I’m the one who doesn’t belong here in my own home. The one I bought with Ryley and we had planned to fix up together. He’s said nothing to combat the accusation that I believe is true – he knew what was going on. Instead, he ignores me and doesn’t even seem shocked that I’ve miraculously “come back from the dead”.

Nate sets EJ down and kisses him on top of his head. “Go upstairs, EJ. I need to talk to Mommy about work stuff.”

“But what about yous tellin’ me about your trip?”