Page 38 of Don't Fall For Your Brother's Best Friend

I sit next to him, handing him a bottle of water. “I can’t believe you were arrested. I think instead of being pissed your sister knows, you should tell me what the hell is going on with you.”

He shakes his head, staring at the dark TV in front of us. “I was out with friends. Why do you assume it means something is going on? I was looking for some fun. Looking for some pussy.”

“Watch your damn mouth,” I hiss.

“Stop acting like you’re better than me, Griff. I hear the way you and my brothers talk and tease each other. Pussy is not the worst thing I could say.”

He’s not wrong.

“That group you were with, do you hang out with them a lot?”

“Why?”

There’s my answer.

“They’re trouble, Tripp. Why the hell do you want to get mixed up with that crowd?”

“They are fun and people judge them for having fun.”

“They all ran and let you take the fall tonight. None of them came looking for you at the police station. I bet none of them have even texted to check if you’re good. These aren’t the people you used to hang out with. What happened to those guys?”

He sighs and rests his head against the back of the couch. “I fucked up tonight, I get it. But there’s no deep meaning here, Griff. Just let it go.”

“There are other ways to escape things, Tripp. Alcohol and the wrong crowd aren’t the way. I had to escape shit and I can help you, but you need to fucking be honest with me.”

He turns his head and looks at me. For a minute I can see I’ve gotten through to him, but it disappears quickly. “Not escaping anything, Griff. Please let me get some sleep. I feel like shit.”

I laugh and stand up. “You sleep tonight, little man, because tomorrow you’re going to wish you had the alcohol blocking out what I’m saying. This little jail pick up is not a favor. You’ll be working it off. Long nights with me by your side. You’ll be so tired of looking at my face that you’ll wish you called someone else.” I go to the bathroom closet and grab some extra blankets and a pillow, tossing them on him. “Sleep well.”

When I get into bed I think of the look on Tripp’s face. Something is bothering him and I’m determined to figure it out.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand and I pick it up.

Anya: Just checking in.

He’s ready to serve his sentence with Warden Cole starting tomorrow.

Anya: LOL good! Don’t go easy on him.

I told you I’ve got this, don’t worry.

Anya: It’s hard not to worry when we picked up my little brother from the police station.

I know, but you aren’t alone. We’ll do this together.

Anya: Thank you, Griffin.

Always.

Anya: I can’t stop thinking about that kiss.

Fuck. I close my eyes, relieved and turned on. My body hardens at the thought.

Me either. Come over for dinner Monday night. Let’s talk.

Anya: Okay.

She agreed. I’m not pressing my luck. I put my phone down and smile.