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Chapter twenty-eight

Evie

In no time at all, I’m at the front door of Rhett’s apartment, waiting for my brother to arrive. Kai’s on his way over to pick me up, and we’re heading straight to the airport, to see if we can get on an earlier flight than the one we booked that doesn’t take off for several hours.

After holding me for several minutes, helping me get my emotions slightly more under control, Rhett helped me pack. I’ve got one of his hoodies and a T-shirt to sleep in. Although, how I’ll keep that from my brother, I’m not sure. It feels comforting to have something of his with me, though.

“Make sure you let me know how your grandmother is.” He kisses my forehead again, then my lips. “Ruthie and I will be waiting to hear from you when you land.”

I look up into his face. This man, who is so calm, so steady, so present for me, as I feel like I’m falling apart. “I wish you were coming with us,” I say impulsively, burrowing back into his strong embrace as my heart races to catch up to what I just said.

I never wanted to feel dependent on someone who could so easily break my heart, but in this moment, I need Rhett. I need his strength and his warmth; I need him .

My phone dings with an incoming text before he can respond, and Rhett pulls it out of my back pocket, handing it to me.

KAI: I’m parked out front.

“He’s here.” I pocket my phone and look up at Rhett.

He gives me a slow nod and an easy smile. “I’ll see you in a few days. Your grandma’s gonna be fine.”

“I hope so,” I whisper, letting him guide me in for a soft kiss. “Bye.”

“Bye.” Another kiss, then another. Then he opens the door, passing me the handle for my suitcase.

I move to the hallway, pausing at the elevator to look back at him. He’s leaning in the doorway, one hand on Ruthie’s collar as she whines, wanting to follow me. I give him a small smile, then step into the elevator.

Kai hugs me when I reach his car, helping me load my suitcase in the trunk. “Here’s hoping for an earlier flight.”

I nod in agreement, sliding into the passenger seat. The drive is silent, both of us lost in our own thoughts, I suppose.

I can’t stop thinking about Rhett. About how he made me feel so comforted, even in the midst of receiving such terrible news. How he took care of me automatically, comforting me and helping me pack. And how it didn’t feel wrong letting him do that. It felt good, not being alone, being supported and cared for.

I’ve spent so long trying to prove my independence that I never stopped to think about how good it can feel to have a partner in the hard times.

At the airport, Kai lifts my suitcase out of the trunk, and I take both his and mine to the sidewalk as he pays the valet to deal with his car.

“C’mon, let’s see about that earlier flight”

I nod and follow my brother inside. Unfortunately the flight before ours is full, so we go through security, and find one of the bars to settle in for a long wait. Kai orders some food, but I opt for only a drink.

“I have to say, traveling with you is convenient,” I say lightly, trying to brighten the mood.

Kai snorts. “Yeah? Shorter security lines are a perk, I guess.”

We smile at each other, but the smiles fade quickly. Kai tugs his baseball hat down lower. “Fuck, Gigi. What if Oba-chan isn’t okay.”

I swallow, my drink suddenly turning to dust in my mouth. “She has to be.”

He leans forward, covering my hand with his. “She will be.”

A long moment passes, and I wonder if he’s trying to picture life without our grandmother in it the same way I am.

His phone rings, and my gaze flies to it as he snatches it up.

“Mom? Hey. Yeah, we’re both here, we’re at the airport. Our flight doesn’t leave for a few hours.”

I bite my lips as I watch his face, hoping to see some indication of what Mom’s saying. When his eyes widen and he exhales, I fight to not get my hopes up.

“Really? That’s fucking awesome.” He winces. “Sorry. Yeah, I’ll tell her.” He gives me a thumbs-up that has me filling with relief, but then his face falls again. “I get it. Yeah. We’ll see you soon. Love you, Mom.”

He hangs up and I gesture wildly at him. “Well? What’s going on?”

“The doctors think Oba-chan will be okay, but it’s still early. Mom said she’s improving with the antibiotics, but she’s not out of the woods.”

I sag back into my seat, feeling like I’m on a ride that I really want to get off. “So it’s good news? Or not good.”

“A bit of both, I guess.”

“Okay.”

We fall silent again. Until Kai straightens in his seat, staring at something behind me. “What the fuck?”

I turn, and my hand flies up to cover the gasp that escapes me.

“Rhett?” On trembling legs, I push up to stand.

“Dude, what the hell are you doing here?” Kai grins, arms open wide. Shoot. He thinks Rhett is here for him?

Rhett sidesteps him, ignoring my brother, staring only at me.

“Did you mean it? That you wished I was comin’ with you?”

My mouth falls open, even as I nod. “I mean, yes. But —” My gaze darts over to Kai, who’s now frowning, arms folded across his chest as his gaze bounces between the two of us.

Rhett takes a step forward, taking my hands in his. That’s when I register the suitcase at his side. “If you want me, if you need me, then I’m here, honey.”

“Honey?” Kai growls, but both of us ignore him.

It’s my turn to take a step forward, and then I’m back in Rhett’s arms. He’s holding me tightly, kissing the top of my head. And the knot in my stomach loosens.

“Okay, seriously. What the actual fuck is going on? ”

Kai’s hand is on my shoulder, forcing me to let Rhett go and turn to face my brother. But Rhett doesn’t let me go far, shifting so that his arms hold me from behind.

“Evie and I are together, Yami. I care about her a hell of a lot. And not like a sister.”

Kai’s jaw clenches so hard I can see the muscles bunch under his skin. “How long.”

“Kai,” I start, but he holds up his hand, and that’s when I realize he’s glaring at Rhett.

“How long, Darling? How long have you wanted my baby sister?”

“I’ve thought she was beautiful for years. I’m not gonna lie to you about that. But I swear on my mama’s heart, nothin’ happened between us until recently.”

He doesn’t mention my attempt at kissing him all those years ago, and I’m grateful. Because when I see Kai’s face relax, I realize where his anger was coming from.

This time, when I go to speak, neither one of them stops me.

“Kai. I’m an adult. And I get that you think I’m your baby sister, and that you have to protect me from everything, but you don’t. And you certainly don’t have to protect me from Rhett.” I lean back into his chest, tilting my head up to smile at him. “You of all people should know the kind of man he is.”

Rhett’s answering smile is soft and full of emotion. But it’s Kai who draws my attention. When I look back at him, his shoulders have dropped, and he’s scrubbing his hands up and down his face.

“Jesus, you guys, because I didn’t have enough going on with Oba-chan being sick, now I gotta deal with you two being all…” He waves his hands at us, grimacing slightly. “Whatever this is.”

Rhett’s chuckle vibrates through my body. “We’re together. Deal with it, Yami.”

“Fuck,” Kai groans, but he sinks back into his seat. “Fine. Sit. I’m starving.”

Rhett pulls out my chair before sitting down beside me, his arm coming around my back. The waitress arrives at that moment with our orders. Her eyes widen as she takes in Rhett, but I have to give her credit, she just sets down our dishes before looking back at him.

“Can I get you anything?”

“Just some water, thank you darlin’.” Rhett gives her a smile and she walks away.

“What the fuck was that smile for? You can’t call her darlin’, my sister’s right there.” Kai’s defense of me is sweet, but not necessary. I want to laugh, only then I look at Rhett, and realize he looks completely freaked out.

“Evie, I wasn’t flirting, I swear.”

I pat his arm reassuringly before glaring at my brother. “I know you weren’t. You call everyone darlin’. You were just being yourself.” I lean in and kiss his cheek. “Southern charmer and all.”

Relief covers his face as he leans in as well, cupping my chin. “Exactly. But only you are my honey.”

“Gross. No, stop. Right the fuck now, stop.”

We pull apart and look at Kai, who’s grimacing again, his hand lifting to cover his eyes.

He peeks between his fingers, and I giggle. “You’re gonna have to get used to it, Kai. I happen to quite enjoy kissing him. ”

Kai pretends to retch, and I turn to Rhett, shaking my head. “Can you believe they worry about my maturity when he acts like this?”

Rhett’s fighting back a smile as he strokes his fingers across my shoulder. “No surprise to me.” He leans in and kisses me, keeping it soft and short for my poor brother, who I have to admit is actually taking this better than I expected.

When we face him again, Kai’s beer is empty and the frown is gone from his face. “Fine. This is happening. I can deal.” He turns to Rhett and leans forward. “But my sister is never to be discussed in the fucking locker room. Am I clear?”

Rhett gives him a firm nod. “Crystal.”

Kai leans back. “And if you hurt her, I will end you. Sisters before misters and all that shit.”

“I’m not entirely sure this is the right use of that phrase,” I interject, but Kai holds up his hand in a stop sign at me.

“Doesn’t matter. I mean it. He fucks up, he’s dead to me.”

“Kai,” I start to try and reason with him, but Rhett’s hand on my arm stops me.

“No, Evie, he’s right. You come first. I’d expect nothin’ less.” He reaches a hand across to Kai, who slowly takes it in a firm handshake. “She’s safe with me, Yami.”

They stare at each other for a tense moment before my brother finally smiles. “I know she is, Darling. If it had to be any guy from the team, I’m glad it’s you. But you might not be so safe when my mom hears about this.”

Rhett scoffs. “Your mom loves me.”

Kai’s smile turns positively wicked. “Exactly. Get ready to state your intentions for my little sister, dude. Because she’s the baby of the family. The Yamakis are gonna be ruthless.”