"He crossed the bare dirt until he reached the fire. His brother didn't look up as he approached, but he didn't walk away, either. Chase figured that was about as good as it was going to get. He stood there, shifting his weight, then finally cleared his throat. "I'm sorry about before," he said gruffly. "I misread the situation. I can't figure out why I did. I know you wouldn't hurt Phoebe. It's just...I saw her laying there and I reacted." He shrugged. "I'm sorry," he repeated. He knew Zane wasn't going to say anything. Apologizing for screwing up never made it better. His brother looked at him for a long time. Finally Zane tossed the last of his coffee into the fire and rose. "I know I can be a real bastard," Zane said. "And I know why you thought something had happened with Phoebe. It's okay." Chase blinked. He couldn't believe it. "You mean you're not mad?" "It was an honest mistake. One that could have cost you your pretty face, but that's another story." Chase grinned. "You saying you could take me, old man?" "In a heartbeat." Chase knew he was tall, but he hadn't filled out yet. Zane had a couple of inches and about forty pounds of muscle on him. Still, he couldn't help taking a boxer's stance and raising his fists. "When and where," he joked. Zane chuckled. "Get some sleep." Chase nodded. "'Night." He headed to his tent, feeling better than he had in a long time."