Not My Hero

As long as I live, I’ll never forget the past two weeks, even if the worst happens, and we go our separate ways. Cassie and Colton will always be the first people who loved me.

The first I loved.COLTONAfter we carry everything into the house, I go get my toolkit and get started on putting the shelves up.

I position the first one and glance over my shoulder at Brie. “Is it good here, or do you want it higher?”

She walks closer. “A little lower, or I won’t be able to reach it.”

My eyes dart between her and the wall, and then I mutter, “True.” I glance at the other wall. “And you want the dreamcatcher on that wall, right?”

“Please.” I grin at her happy face, and while I’m drilling holes in the wall, Brie goes to get the vacuum cleaner so she can clean the mess I’m making.

Mom comes into the room and says, “Brie, I’m going to wash your new bedding. Okay?”

“Let me help.” Brie drops the vacuum cleaner and goes to help remove everything from the packaging before she comes back to continue cleaning.

When I’m done, and the dreamcatcher and all the shelves are up, I assemble the dressing table and stool. It’s already past seven when I’m done.

I go wash my hands, and as I pass Brie’s room, I say, “Come on. Time to make dinner.”

“Huh?” She catches up to me as I walk down the hallway. “You know I can’t cook.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m giving you your first lesson tonight.”

“Really?” A wide smile stretches over her face. “What are you going to make?”

“Nachos.”

Brie’s eyes shine with excitement as we walk into the kitchen. “Get the cheddar and Colby Jack cheese from the fridge.”

I open the bag of tortilla chips and empty it on a baking tray. When Brie comes to stand next to me, I say, “I got these at the local store because they’re fried-in-house. They’re thicker and sturdier.”

I keep explaining what I’m doing as I place the chips in the oven so they can pre-bake while I prepare the ground beef, beans, and jalapenos for toppings.

Once we’re done, and the nachos are back in the oven so the cheese can melt, I grin at Brie. “How was your first cooking lesson.”

“Information overload,” the words pop from her. “I need to write it all down.”

I let out a chuckle. “You’ll get the hang of it.”

“How did you learn to cook?” Brie asks.

My smile wavers. To keep busy, I pour us each a glass of coke while I say, “After we moved here, it was either I learn how to cook or live off fast food.”

Her eyes dart up to mine, and a sad expression tightens her features. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. I’ll learn how to cook quickly, so I can help with dinner.”

She’s so damn adorable. I want to squeeze her tightly, but instead, keep still and say, “You did great with breakfast this morning. I’m sure you’ll learn fast.”

A grin spreads over her face, and again I’m filled with the urge to hug the hell out of her.

Trying to keep my cool, I ask, “How’s your birthday so far?”

Her grin widens, and a light of happiness makes her eyes shine so clear, I can only stare.

God, can I fall any deeper for her?

“It’s amazing.” She lets out an excited squeak and suddenly darts forward, throwing her arms around my neck. There’s zero hesitation on my part, and I wrap her up in a tight hug, lifting her off her feet. Then she whispers, “Thank you so much.” I feel her words in the deepest part of me.

“You’re welcome,” I murmur before setting her back on her feet.

Turning to the oven, I remove the nachos. “Let’s eat.”Chapter 21BRIEDear Diary

Hey

Dear me,

Happy birthday! You made it to eighteen.

Today was unforgettable. Not because of all the gifts I got, but because of Colton and Cassie. I’m so lucky to have met them.

And Colton. I’m so in love with him. My heart keeps beating out of my chest, and I get all sweaty. Whenever I’m near him, it feels like my stomach is going to will explode from all the flutters.

He’s my first love. Even though I hope he’ll return my feelings one day, I’ll still love him if he doesn’t.

Anyway, I just wanted to write down how I feel because I can’t share it with him. Yet. Maybe one day.

B.Every day I wake up and see the shelves and dreamcatcher Colton put up, I smile.

I never thought life could be so good.

Since my room was redecorated, I only get to sleep on the couch with Colton on Friday and Saturday nights. We usually watch a movie before talking until we fall asleep.

Where I used to dread weekends, I now live for them.

Unfortunately, it’s only Thursday. After getting ready for school, I go down to the kitchen, where I find Cassie preparing oatmeal for us.