Page 77

When the round ended, I checked my phone, hoping for an explanatory text, disappointed when there was nothing to clue me in. I pushed to my feet to turn in our answers, ignoring the light-headed sensation as I glanced across the bar to see Andi laughing with the mystery man. Too much beer, not enough food.Not enough Andi, the last functioning part of my brain whispered.

I nodded to Jimmy, who was turning in the Reject’s answer sheet, and bit back my questions about their new team member. Talking to Andi had to take priority. I turned on my heel, heading for their table, only to spot her disappear into the hall.

I could work with that. Many of our meaningful moments had happened in the halls of Haven. What was one more?

I trailed her across the floor, pausing when one of the Smarty Pints team asked me if we had the cat answer. After extricating myself as quickly as possible, I made my way to the hall.

To see Andi, snuggled in the embrace of the mystery man from their team.

My breath seized in my chest, and I leaned against the opposite wall.

Andi with another man.

My moment of truth. I could believe in our past, our present, and our future. Believe in us. Or I could yield to the fears that haunted me after Jess. My competitive side awakened. I was better than that.Wewere better together. Andi had always been trustworthy, and I needed to let the ghosts of the past fade if I wanted them to quit haunting me. We had a brilliant future. Together. And I wouldn’t let anyone, not even myself, get in the way of that.

I pushed away the dark whispers, focusing instead on my love for Andi. My confidence in us.

“Hey, who’s your friend?” I asked lightly, applauding myself for my nonchalant tone.

Andi gasped, glancing up from where she’d pushed the vaguely familiar man away from her.

“Ty. It’s not what it looks like.”

Her pleading eyes reached straight into my gut, squeezing in an iron-tight grip.

“I know.”

Something about my confidence rebuilt hers, and she scowled at the man in front of her.

“Zander, be glad it’s my boyfriend who saw you, and not my brother.”

The name was vaguely familiar, memory scratching at the back of my brain. I’d heard of Zander. But what context?

“Yeah, what would your brother do?” the man slurred. “He’s my bro too now, you know.”

I held back my groan as comprehension hit me. Melena. Zander had to be one of her brothers. Suddenly, Andi’s long-suffering but patient expression made more sense. Up close, he appeared more miserable than horny. I resisted the urge to forcibly remove him from her presence and Haven. Booting him out on his ass would be satisfying, but unnecessary. Proving Andi’s faith in my cool was more important.

“Jimmy would probably do something really immature, like give you a wedgie,” Andi admitted with a small smile. “You’re lucky you’re technically family and he loves your sister enough not to rearrange your pretty face.”

“What? I’m sad. In my family, we hug when we’re sad. I couldn’t help myself,” he protested. Zander caressed his chin, a dreamy expression in place. “You think I have a pretty face, Andi?” He slumped against the wall, a pout in place. “Then why doesn’t Gwen think so?”

Rolling her eyes over her charge, who slumped against the wall, she turned to me beseechingly. “Zander is visiting Melena and Jimmy. Hemightbe a little depressed. Maybe not the best time to load him up with beer. Apparently, making bold decisions under the influence runs in the family, whether you’re a Torres by blood or marriage.”

I could think of at least one bold Torres move I was thankful for. If Andi hadn’t approached me that night at Haven, would I have ever shaken out of my funk and pursued her?

“She said she never wants to see me again,” Zander mumbled morosely.

I shared a glance with Andi, joining in a secret smile. Maybe we weren’t the only lovesick ones. Sounded like Zander had it bad.

Yes, Andi was extended family.Notan excuse to grope her in the hallway. Even if it looked more like she was propping him up. Before I could scold him for his ham-handed hug, Andi threw herself into my arms. I clasped her to me, enjoying the warm weight of her breasts crushed against my chest. Her dark eyes sparkled as she stared up at me.

In the background, Zander moaned softly, shaking his head over our embrace before heading back toward the bar.

“You had me worried, there, champ,” she admitted.

“Yeah, Sunshine?”

Her lips twitched, and I loved the zing of pure happiness that arrowed through me. Love shone in her expression, and I wondered how I’d missed it before.