Chapter 12

Griffin

I grin, squeezing her hand at her request, knowing she's joking but I almost feel the same. What the hell is Tripp thinking? "I'll do my best."

We climb out of the truck and make our way into the police station. I hold the door open for Anya and the bright lights hit us as soon as we enter.

"My stomach is in knots and I haven't done anything, but walking in the police station makes me feel like I'm in trouble for something," she whispers.

I grab her hand and squeeze, letting her know I'm right here. "You've done nothing wrong."

I'm not even sure if I'm trying to convince her or myself. That kiss has my head all messed up. Not because it wasn't amazing, but because it was amazing and she doesn't appear to see it like I do. At this point, I don't know if I keep trying to prove I wanted the kiss or if I just let it go and remember the promise I made to Callum.

"Griffin, Anya."

We turn and Sheriff Brown is standing there with his big arms crossed. I haven't seen this man in a hot minute.

"Sheriff, it's great to see you. Wish it was under different circumstances. What happened?" I ask.

"It's great to see you two," he says, grinning as his eyes bounce between us. We're still holding hands and this looks like much more than what it really is. He clears his throat as he shakes his head, his bushy eyebrows raising as he stares at us. "We got a call about a party at an abandoned house. When we arrived, everyone ran, but Tripp was too drunk to make it out as fast as everyone else."

"During the day?" Anya questions.

"Yeah, apparently they've been there since last night partying."

"So, what happens now?" I ask.

"I should keep him until he's sober, but as I told him, he's lucky I've known him since he was in diapers. I allowed him to make a phone call." He chuckles, adjusting his heavy belt. "I shouldn't be surprised he called you instead of his parents, or brothers."

"Yeah, he thinks calling me will keep him out of trouble, but I'll make sure he's punished in my own way."

He nods. "The crew he was hanging out with are known to us. He's going to end up getting himself in real trouble if he keeps hanging out with them."

"This is unbelievable. He knows better," Anya says, shaking her head, clearly upset.

"He's young and dumb. Hopefully, this has scared him enough to see things differently," I say, hoping to ease her concerns.

"Let's hope so," Sheriff Brown says.

"What do we do now?" Anya asks.

"We aren't hitting him with any charges, this time. So, you guys are free to take him home. I'll go back and get him out of the holding cell."

"Thanks," she whispers.

"I'll take him to my place tonight so he can sober up," I say, staring at the door Sheriff Brown just entered.

"What the hell is wrong with him? Doesn't he realize how fortunate he is? When he finishes high school he doesn't even need to bust his ass in college because his future is set at the brewery. He's being selfish."

"I know it feels that way, but that's not how he sees it. He's young and he's trying to find out who he is. He might not be trying to escape a bad situation, but he's trying to escape something," I explain.

I did everything I could to escape my home life at Tripp's age. Even spent a few nights here and there in an abandoned house when the Atwood's were out of town. I'm not sure what Tripp is trying to escape from because his family life couldn't be more perfect. But there's something going on and I'm going to find out what it is.

"What could he be trying to escape?" Anya asks with a shaky voice.

The need to wrap her into my arms overpowers me, and I stuff my hands into my pockets so I won't touch her. Even though I'm slowly dying inside.

"Maybe he had his heart broken."

It's not a bad guess. Heartbreak does make people do crazy things.

Her eyes bounce between mine as she visibly swallows. "Have you ever had your heart broken?"

The need overwhelms me and I reach out, touching her cheek, but before I can say anything, the heavy door slams, causing her to jump.

"Tripp Nolan Atwood," Anya says, moving toward him with a raised finger pointing at him.

Tripp's eyes snap to mine and narrow. "Thanks for keeping this between us."

"Oh no, you don't get to be pissed at anyone when we're here picking you up from jail," Anya hisses.

"Anya, it's not a big deal," he says, shoving his hands into his pockets with a shrug of his shoulder.

She gives a humorless laugh, pinning him with her angry gaze. "Not a big deal? Really? How about I have Sheriff Brown put your ungrateful ass back in the cell with all the other criminals? You can take a piss with everyone staring at you."

Sheriff Brown lightly chuckles beside me and I slap his back. "Sheriff, can we keep this between us? I'd rather not get the Atwoods involved. I'll handle Tripp."

His brown eyes lift to mine and he nods. "I won't say anything, but I'm not sure your girlfriend will be able to keep the same promise."

"Oh, she's not my girlfriend."

"Really? It sure looked that way."

My heart squeezes as I look back at Anya as she yells at Tripp. "Yeah, we're just friends," I whisper.

"Griffin, you're a good man. Don't let the past interfere with that fact." Before I can say anything, he walks over to Tripp and grabs his shoulder. "I don't want to see you in here again. You understand me?" His voice is foreboding. Authoritative. Scary as fuck.

"Yes, sir," Tripp says.

"You won't see him again. If you do, you have my permission to use your nightstick," Anya rushes out.

"Am I free to go?" Tripp asks.

"Yes," Sheriff Brown says.

Tripp keeps his eyes locked on mine as he moves toward me. He knocks into my shoulder as he passes and I clench my fists.

Time to get him alone.

"Come on, Anya." She storms after him and I run my hand through my hair. "Thanks again, Sheriff."

"Good luck with both of them. You know how stubborn the Atwoods can be," he says, chuckling as he walks away.

When I get outside, Anya and Tripp are yelling at each other by my truck.

"You're out of control, Tripp. Get your shit together."

"Shut the fuck up," he yells at her.

I rush over and slam him against the truck, getting right in his face. "Don't ever talk to your sister like that again. You want to be a disrespectful little shit I'll leave you right here while I call your parents."

"Get off me," he growls, pushing at me but making zero progress.

"If I ever hear you talk to her like that again, I promise you will regret it," I hiss, pushing off of him.

He straightens his shirt as I unlock the door. We all climb in and when I start the truck Tripp leans his body on the center console and looks between us. "So, are you two dating or something?"

"No, of course not," Anya rushes out.

It shouldn't hurt like it does, because we aren't dating, but the way she rushed it out feels like I'm a toxic plague.

"So that show of force was for no reason?" he pushes.

I reach over and shove him back into his seat. "That show of force was me reminding you to respect your sister and all women. You never speak to them like that. It's disgusting behavior and makes you look like an asshole."

The number of times I wanted to pin my father against a wall for speaking to my mother like that is countless. Hearing Tripp speak to Anya like that brought my past into my present and I couldn't help myself. I'll be damned if I'm going to allow someone who's like a brother to me, act like that man.

"I'm sorry, Anya," he whispers.

"You need to sober up and get your shit together," she says, crossing her arms.

Even though Tripp has questioned this situation, it doesn't stop me from reaching over and resting my hand on her knee. I can feel her eyes on me as I drive toward the ranch and I grin. "I've got this."

I keep my hand on her until we pull up next to her car. This isn't how I saw this night ending, but life is constantly throwing curve balls that you need to handle.

Anya turns in her seat and looks back at Tripp. "I don't know what is going on with you, Tripp, but I really hope you get it straightened out because I know this isn't the man you are."

With that she opens the door and climbs out of the truck. I rush out to meet her, grabbing her hand before she can open her car door.

"Anya, I'm going to talk to him. Please don't let it consume you."

She smiles and pushes up on her toes, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. "See, you're the fixer."

I want to push her against the car and slam my lips to hers. I want to pick up where we left off in the water. I want to feel her body against mine again and hear the sounds of pleasure that escape her.

But I don't. I simply nod and step back.

I know she feels what I feel, but she's fighting it.

The question is, do I pursue the forbidden or do I let her go before I even have her?

"Thank you, Griffin."

She climbs into her car and I watch her drive off. I glance back at my truck and narrow my eyes. Time to deal with the little jailbird.

The drive to my place is quiet, but when I pull into the driveway, he leans forward. "Why are we at your place?"

"Oh I'm sorry, did you want me to drop you off drunk to your parents and have them question where I picked you up from?" He drops back into the seat and I open my door. "That's what I thought. Let's go."

He follows me inside and falls onto the couch. "I can't believe you brought Anya."

I sit next to him, handing him a bottle of water. "I can't believe you were arrested. I think instead of being pissed your sister knows, you should tell me what the hell is going on with you."

He shakes his head, staring at the dark TV in front of us. "I was out with friends. Why do you assume it means something is going on? I was looking for some fun. Looking for some pussy."

"Watch your damn mouth," I hiss.

"Stop acting like you're better than me, Griff. I hear the way you and my brothers talk and tease each other. Pussy is not the worst thing I could say."

He's not wrong.

"That group you were with, do you hang out with them a lot?"

"Why?"

There's my answer.

"They're trouble, Tripp. Why the hell do you want to get mixed up with that crowd?"

"They are fun and people judge them for having fun."

"They all ran and let you take the fall tonight. None of them came looking for you at the police station. I bet none of them have even texted to check if you're good. These aren't the people you used to hang out with. What happened to those guys?"

He sighs and rests his head against the back of the couch. "I fucked up tonight, I get it. But there's no deep meaning here, Griff. Just let it go."

"There are other ways to escape things, Tripp. Alcohol and the wrong crowd aren't the way. I had to escape shit and I can help you, but you need to fucking be honest with me."

He turns his head and looks at me. For a minute I can see I've gotten through to him, but it disappears quickly. "Not escaping anything, Griff. Please let me get some sleep. I feel like shit."

I laugh and stand up. "You sleep tonight, little man, because tomorrow you're going to wish you had the alcohol blocking out what I'm saying. This little jail pick up is not a favor. You'll be working it off. Long nights with me by your side. You'll be so tired of looking at my face that you'll wish you called someone else." I go to the bathroom closet and grab some extra blankets and a pillow, tossing them on him. "Sleep well."

When I get into bed I think of the look on Tripp's face. Something is bothering him and I'm determined to figure it out.

My phone vibrates on the nightstand and I pick it up.

Anya: Just checking in.

He's ready to serve his sentence with Warden Cole starting tomorrow.

Anya: LOL good! Don't go easy on him.

I told you I've got this, don't worry.

Anya: It's hard not to worry when we picked up my little brother from the police station.

I know, but you aren't alone. We'll do this together.

Anya: Thank you, Griffin.

Always.

Anya: I can't stop thinking about that kiss.

Fuck. I close my eyes, relieved and turned on. My body hardens at the thought.

Me either. Come over for dinner Monday night. Let's talk.

Anya: Okay.

She agreed. I'm not pressing my luck. I put my phone down and smile.

I guess I'm going to pursue the forbidden.