Free Wrapped in You by Jules Bennett

suicide.
    Zach eased forward on the end of his chair. He grabbed the poker from the edge of the pit and prodded the wood, sending orange sparks flying.
    â€œYou know I never want a relationship, let alone something long-term. So, whatever Sophie does or doesn’t do with her life is none of my business.”
    â€œWhy don’t you make it your business? Maybe she’s unsure because of you. Did you ever think of that? Maybe she doesn’t want long-term, or maybe she could be the one to change your mind on relationships.”
    Resting his elbows on his knees, Zach shook his head. “You’re not making sense and your babbling is giving me a headache.”
    â€œMaybe I’m wrong,” Braxton went on, obviously not caring about the headache. “Maybe she does pick up on your vibes. What if she reads through your gruff attitude and sees the truth?” Braxton paused, really letting the words sink in before he continued. “Can you blame her for not wanting to confront you about her feelings? You’ve not exactly been easy to be around.”
    Zach gritted his teeth, willing Braxton to shut the hell up. The last thing Zach wanted was to think about what Sophie might or might not feel toward him. The last thing he needed was false hope where she was concerned. Opening his heart to bleed out again wasn’t an option or a risk he was willing to take.
    â€œI can’t,” he muttered.
    Braxton came to his feet, staring down until Zach glanced up. “You mean you won’t,” Braxton corrected. “Live your life miserably if you want. But one day you’re going to wake up and wonder why the hell you didn’t grow a set and just take a chance.”

Chapter Five
    Braxton entered Sophie’s office Friday afternoon. She’d been eagerly waiting all day. She’d had a closing that morning, but had told her assistant if any of the Monroe boys called to make sure to get ahold of her. For several reasons, Chelsea’s property was taking top priority.
    Sophie wasn’t a bit surprised the middleman of the trio had been the one sent to deliver the message.
    Braxton eased his tall, broad frame into the same seat he’d sat in last Friday. The dark jeans and pale blue button-up showcased his tanned skin, his broad shoulders, and masculine physique. Today he wore his glasses, which only made him look more studious. No doubt the young girls on the campus were halfway in love with him.
    â€œSo, what did you decide?” she asked, lacing her fingers together and resting them on her desk. “And please, tell me you all came to a mutual agreement without black eyes and busted knuckles.”
    His rich laughter filled the office. Of the three brothers, Braxton was the most free with his emotions. Liam and Zach, on the other hand . . . she wasn’t even sure they had emotions other than anger and bitterness. Well, Liam only had anger toward Zach. Zach, on the other hand, seemed to be angry with the world.
    â€œSort of,” Braxton replied, crossing one ankle over his knee.
    A knot settled in her stomach. “Sort of? You either do or don’t want to sell.”
    â€œWe don’t.”
    As Martin’s girlfriend, she was a little upset at the decision. But, as Chelsea’s best friend and someone close to the Monroe clan, Sophie was elated.
    She wondered what Zach had decided to do regarding Chelsea’s vision, but since he’d asked her not to say anything, she’d keep that to herself.
    â€œSo where does the ‘sort of’ come into play?” she asked.
    Braxton eased back into his seat, crossing his arms over his chest as he drew out a sigh. “Zach and I are going to buy Liam out so the house will just be mine and Zach’s.”
    Sophie nodded. “I’m not surprised. Now both your brothers got their way.”
    â€œAs an added bonus, I didn’t have to break up a fight,” he told her with a sideways