Page 69 of Hard to Take

I’m realizing what a mistake it was to put off telling him the truth.

“She’s had a hard time. You know this more than anyone, yet you’re sliding up next to her like a shoulder to cry on.”

Guilt flares in my gut, even though I know he’s wrong. That’s not what happened.

“I’m sorry for not telling you the truth sooner. We were going to.”

“Oh, you were.”

“We can get past this. For the sake of our friendship. For the team.”

His eyes narrow as he considers. “You want to make this right?” I nod. “Then don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t touch her. Don’t look at her. Get her the hell out of your apartment. Find somewhere else to stick your dick.”

I lean back against the bar and take a slow breath.

He doesn’t know how in this I am, that it isn’t some casual thing.

I didn’t decide one day I’d replace the revolving door of girls with Brooke. I’ve known on some level she was who I wanted for longer than I’m willing to admit.

For some reason, I can’t bring myself to say the words.

That I’m falling for her.

That the idea of her leaving is laughable.

That what’s responsible for me being the player and the man I am lately is Brooke.

“Those are your options, Garrett. You’re going to have to decide what’s important.”

He spits the words before turning on his heel and vanishing, leaving a pit in my stomach and half the Kodiaks team staring after him.

20

BROOKE

Jay and I used to fight a lot as kids. My mom didn’t like it because I was younger and a girl, but he’d still kick my ass.

I’d come right back at him next time with new moves.

But ever since I got the text from Miles, I’ve been on edge.

Miles: Jay knows.

I could reach out to try to fix this, but I’ve done nothing wrong. That’s what I tell myself anyway. I’m a grown woman who can date who she wants.

Tonight though, Mom asked if I could come for dinner, so I head over there as the sun is setting.

Over our grilled salmon, Mom asks, “Have you reached out to Caroline lately?”

“I ran into her shopping before Christmas.”

“If you kept in better touch, you could be a bridesmaid.”

I reach for my water, coughing. She watches in alarm as I chug it.

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