Broken(8)

“So busy you’ve been brushing that same spot. At the rate you’re going, you’re about to brush a hole into Sugar’s coat.”

Cade moved to another spot on the horse. “Satisfied?”

Stone grasped his shoulder. “We’re concerned, Cade.”

Cade shrugged off the hand and tossed the brush aside, giving up all pretense of grooming the mare. “I don’t have to stand here and listen to this shit.” When he attempted to walk away, Stone moved in front of him, blocking his way. “Move before I knock you on your ass.”

“Try it, little brother, and you just might get the whuppin’ you sorely deserve. Now would you hold up for a minute and give me a chance to speak before you storm away in a huff?”

Cade leaned against a rail in defeat. “Do I have much of a choice?”

“Nope.”

“Then get it over with,” Cade growled.

“Like I said before, we’re worried. You can’t go around pretending she’s not here. Sooner or later your paths will cross.”

There was something in the way Stone said that last statement that made Cade straighten up. Why did he get the distinct impression his brother wasn’t telling him something? “Is there something you’re not telling me that I should be aware of?”

Stone scratched the back of his head, breaking eye contact. Now Cade knew something was up. “Spill it, Stone.”

“Uh, actually, it’ll be much sooner rather than later.”

“Meaning?”

“Aunt Earlene is throwing a little dinner party in Jocelyn’s honor.”

Cade folded his arms across his chest, clenching his teeth together. He knew what was coming and he was having none of it. “Good for Aunt Earlene. So what does that have to do with me?”

Stone rolled his eyes heavenward. It was obvious he was annoyed, but Cade didn’t give a damn. So was he. He didn’t initiate this conversation nor did he want to have it. “She wants all of us there.”

“Then I’ll send my regrets. Is that all?” He made another attempt to leave, but Stone stood in his way. Cade debated on giving his brother a shove, but knew the other man wouldn’t budge without a fight. Tussling with one of his brothers never inspired much fear in him, but he wasn’t in the mood to be bothered. Besides, if he gave reign to his temper, it would only give his brothers something else to be “concerned” about. Jocelyn wasn’t worth fighting for as far as he was concerned.

“No, and you damn well know it. Would you stop being such a stubborn cuss? You frustrate the hell out of me sometimes.”

Cade snorted. “If you find me so difficult, then why not leave me alone and go nag someone else? Actually, I’d prefer it.”

“Because the good Lord decided to play a prank on me and made you my little brother. And whether you want to hear it or not, I’m nagging you, as you put it, because I love you.”

“Look, I appreciate the kind words, but I don’t care to participate in this Hallmark moment. So if you expect me to break down or share my feelings because it’s supposed to make me feel better then forget it. I have a lot of work to do which you’re preventing me from doing.”

Stone didn’t reply right away. Instead he gave him an impenetrable stare that made most people quake in their boots. Stone could outstare a mountain lion when he set his mind to it, but Cade wouldn’t back down. Returning the determined stare with one of his own Cade entered a silent battle of wills with his brother.

After the quiet stretched to an eerie amount of time, Stone finally sighed, breaking eye contact. “This is f*cking ridiculous. You’re eventually going to have to let go of all that anger you’re carrying. Maybe once you see Jocelyn, you’ll be able to get over her.”