Page 33 of Always Love You More

I dip my chin. “I won’t.”

“Why didn’t you just come to me if you were this upset?”

“I didn’t want to be another thing you had to deal with.”

He pulls his head back. “You’re notsomething I have to deal with,” he says, like the idea is ridiculous. “You’re my sister. I’ll always be here for you.”

I clear my throat. “I know.”

He stares back at me. “No, I don’t think you do.” He leans forward. “You’re not a burden. You’re not something I have to deal with. And you sure as fuck are not alone. You understand me?”

“Yes,” I answer, my voice just above a whisper.

“Good.” Pointing to the street, he adds, “And don’t you ever let me find you out here at night again.”

“You won’t.”

He nods then throws the car into drive and peels away from the curb.

“Thank you,” I tell him, pulling my knees up to my chest. “For picking me up and … and for everything you said.”

“Of course,” he answers. “Tomorrow will be better.”

He says it with such certainty that I actually believe him.

Chapter 10

Jameson

“CanItalktoyou about something?” Johnny asks.

“Course,” Luke answers, sliding out from underneath the Camry we’re working on.

Johnny leans against the doorframe, crossing one foot over the other. “My sister … you remember her from a few weeks ago?”

My head jerks up as Luke nods.

“I was wondering if you had any work for her here? Cleaning or working the front desk? Anything really.”

“I don’t—”

“You wouldn’t even have to pay her, if you can’t swing it,” Johnny cuts in. “I just want to get her out of the house. Give her something to do.”

“How old is she?”

“Fifteen.”

Luke wipes the grease from his hands. “I guess I can set her up at the front desk.” He pauses, thinking to himself. “It’ll free me up to get more repairs done.”

Sam … working here?

Johnny lets out a breath. “Thanks, Luke. I really appreciate it.”

“I’m not letting her work for free, though.”

“You don’t—”

“Five dollars an hour is the best I can do.”