Chapter 44

Danny’s smile faded. “Is that why you fought with Sean—because he was bothering the girls? If it was, I wholeheartedly approve. And I thank you for worrying about Katie.”

Evan sighed. He was tempted to let that explanation stand. But he didn’t want to mislead Danny. “No, I didn’t know about the girls. Sean followed me to the pond when I went looking for you.”

“So do you want to tell me what did happen? Because you scared the hell out of me.” Danny looked truly worried.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let him get to me. But I had problems with Sean as a kid, and he still makes my skin crawl. I was handling it okay until he insulted my mother. I guess I just lost it.”

“I guess you did. Sean limped out of here with his nose bleeding, his jaw swollen and at least one black eye. Maybe both. It was as good as hanging a sign on him that said ‘I’m an asshole—I got what I deserved.’”

“I shouldn’t have done that.” As satisfying as it had been, Evan still felt embarrassed.