Free Edge of Love by E. L. Todd Page A

now.”
    I heard Janice over the phone. “We
don’t have to sleep.”
    I laughed. “Uh, I’ll let you
go.”
    I heard the sound of Ryan moaning
before the phone hung up. I started laughing as I dropped the phone
on the bed. It was a little awkward knowing that my brother was
having sex with my best friend, but we’ve always been open about
our personal relationships. I would never give out the details of
my intimate moments with Sean, but I wouldn’t hide the fact that I
was having sex with him either. I pulled a pillow to my chest and
stared out the window. Talking to my brother had calmed my nerves
substantially. Between Ryan and Sean, I had everything I ever
needed in a family.
    The bedroom door opened and Sean
walked into the room. “Hey. Are you okay?” He shut the door behind
him then lied next to me on the bed. “What’s wrong?”
    “ I just need a break. I’m
fine now.”
    He kissed my neck. “Are you
sure?”
    I nodded. “How’s the game?”
    “ Giants are
winning.”
    “ How’s your
brother?”
    He shrugged. “We haven’t looked at
each other once.”
    “ I’m sorry,
Sean.”
    “ I’m not. I would kill
that bastard if I could.”
    “ Please don’t say
that.”
    “ You’re taking his
side?”
    “ No, of course not. I just
think you should work it out.”
    He sighed. “I tried.”
    I turned on my side then looked at
him. He pressed his nose against mine and looked into my
eyes.
    “ How did the wedding
planning go?” he asked.
    I sighed. “A nightmare.”
    He laughed. “I heard weddings were
stressful.”
    I rolled my eyes. “You have no
idea.”
    “ Did everything go okay
with my mom?”
    I stared at him for a moment. “Why
don’t you just tell her about Penelope?”
    His eyes narrowed. “Did she ask about
her? Are you fucking kidding me?”
    I didn’t want to start more drama in
the house. I regretted my words. “I’m just saying you should tell
them the truth. Why are you hiding it?”
    “ Scarlet, I asked you a
question.”
    I sighed. Instead of answering his
question, I grabbed his face and kissed him. But my clever idea
didn’t work. He pushed me back.
    “ Scar.”
    “ Yes,” I said reluctantly.
“She asked me.”
    Sean averted his gaze and looked out
the window. He clenched his fists at his side. “I can’t believe she
would talk about her when we’re planning our wedding. It’s
bullshit.”
    “ Don’t get
angry.”
    “ Too late. What did she
say?”
    “ She asked me to tell her
why you broke up.”
    “ And what did you say?” I
could see the anger in his eyes.
    “ I kept your secret,” I
said. “Just tell her, Sean. Then they won’t even care about
Penelope anymore. They’ll realize how good I am for
you.”
    “ I shouldn’t have to. They
should realize you are perfect for me anyway.”
    “ Babe, tell
me.”
    He shook his head.
    “ Why won’t you tell
me?”
    He sighed. “You’ll get
mad.”
    “ I’m always
mad.”
    He laughed. “You have a
point.”
    “ Now tell me.”
    He looked at me for a moment. “I don’t
want them to hate Penelope. My parents are very influential and
well known. They’ll bad mouth her all over town. She’ll never find
another job or another spouse.”
    My eyes softened. “I can’t believe
you.”
    “ I knew you would be
mad.”
    “ I’m not.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “You’re
not?”
    “ No,” I said. “You’re such
a great guy, Sean. I can’t think of anyone else who would do
that.”
    He shrugged. “I couldn’t care less
about her, but what happened in our relationship shouldn’t ruin her
whole life. I’m not that petty.”
    I smiled. “I think I love you even
more.”
    He sighed. “I was not expecting this
reaction.”
    I rubbed my nose against his. “I think
you should still tell your mother something. Say she broke up with
you but didn’t say why.”
    “ I don’t want to
lie.”
    “ Well, your mother is
going to snoop around until she finds the truth.”
    “ I know,” he said.