Page 37 of 4-Ever

Brodie got up and glanced at the security monitor. “It’s not Holls. It’s Faise. And he’s not alone.”

My body locked up tight, tense as fuck. I stayed in the living room, listening to Brodie greet Faise and whoever it was. I didn’t recognize the third voice and I started to sweat. I wished to hell I’d already had a second drink.

“Come on in. Me and Ro were just having a few drinks, chilling. Holls is on his way.”

“We’ll stay for a bit, but not long. Is that okay, Dean?”

We? Dean?

Brodie stepped into the room and gave me a warning glare. I stood up, wiping my clammy hands on my jeans.

“Hey, Ro,” Faise greeted me like everything was normal. “Sorry about earlier. Dean and I were?—”

“I get it,” I snapped, glancing at the man beside him.

Dean was pretty. If you liked hot guys with big muscles, dark hair, and blue eyes. Instead of telling the guy to get the fuck gone, I put on a good act.

“Ronin Stadler, nice to meet you.”

I offered my hand. Against my better judgement. He took it and I squeezed tight, until he winced, and I dropped his hand like I’d been poisoned.

“Dean Ralston. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Really?” I bit out. “I’ve heard nothing about you.”

Dean flushed and glanced at Faise, who slid his arm around Dean’s waist. I bit down on my inner cheek so hard I tasted blood.

“Well, you can get to know him now,” Faise offered.

“How about a drink?” Brodie asked. “Bourbon? Tequila? Beer?”

“Yes,” I replied at the same time as Faise.

“Just water for me, thanks,” Dean commented with a grimace. “I don’t drink at all. It fucks with your sleep and your stomach. You really should limit yourself. Given the hours you work and all your travel, your sleep is already compromised. Alcohol won’t help.”

“Dean’s a holistic nutritionist.” Faise smiled at him.

“Naturopath,” Dean corrected.

“Sorry,” Faise laughed but it sounded forced. “I keep getting that wrong.”

Wrong was an understatement. I glanced at my best friend, and something was way off. He didn’t date. And he wasn’t gaga over some guy. Any guy. His fake laugh alone had all the warning sounds in my head thrumming louder than my bass line.

I turned to Faise. “Can I talk to you for a sec? In private?”

“Sure.”

He turned to Dean and kissed him.

All the air left my lungs. I wanted to ram my fist into the nearest wall. Or into Dean’s smug fucking face.

“How’s that drink coming?” I reminded Brodie, who was staring at Faise like he’d never seen him before.

You and me both, Dee.

“Uh, yeah.” Brodie shook his head. “Dean, come join me. You can look through my fridge and tell me what I’m eating wrong.”

“If you want a consultation, you’ll need to book a?—”

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