The Brother I Shouldn’t Want
It felt strange how natural it was, like we had known each other longer than we had, like this wasn’t something that had started by accident.
The fire burned steadily between us, and for a moment, I forgot everything else. Forgot the weight of being needed by someone who would never choose me.
My phone rang, the sound cut through the quietness that had settled between us.
I froze when I saw Eric’s name on the screen, the calm shattering instantly. My chest tightened before I even answered.
“What is it?” Frank asked, his voice alert now.
I hesitated, then answered. “Eric?”
His voice was rushed, tight with panic. “Tim, something happened. Laura fell into the water.”