Page 13 of No Going Back

Tyler moved around the table. “Why would I do that?”

“You don’t want to see Mira?”

Tyler took his shot, sunk a ball then straightened. “No.”

“Really? Stop bullshitting.”

“I’m not bullshitting. We’re not dating so drop it.” Tyler took his shot, hitting the cue ball way too hard so it bounced off the table.

“Woah. OK. I’ll shut up.” Dex moved to pick up the ball.

Tyler sighed. “Sorry, didn’t meant to snap.”

“No sweat, forget it. I shouldn’t be prying. I thought that was Mira texting you, making you grin like a Cheshire cat.”

They each took a few shots in silence. Tyler chalked his cue, not able to get his mind off Mira. The woman was inside his head constantly.

“It was Mira,” he said quietly. “On the phone.” No one was paying any attention to them. “I went to see her, to talk.”

Dex sank another couple of balls. “And?”

“And, like I told you, we’re friends, just friends. We both agreed.”

His team leader paused, looked at him, eyebrows raised. “I’m pretty good at reading people. You don’t look very happy about that.” He turned back, taking the shot.

“It’s best. Neither of us are looking for anything serious, anyway.”

Dex walked around the table and stopped beside him. “You keep telling yourself that. Perhaps you’ll believe it someday.”

Fuck, it unnerved him how Dex read him so well. His comment from their last chat about him kidding himself he wouldn’t want more one day had been haunting him. He was starting to think Dex might be right. His head was saying do not get close to anyone, but his heart kept hinting at other ideas. That would be disastrous, Tyler, and you know it.

“I do believe it. I’d rather have Mira as a friend. I’m moving on. My focus is solely on the team.”

It had to be. Raven was the most important thing in his life. If he was honest with himself, he was still a little rattled Dex had to call him out on being distracted. He never got distracted. He was determined it would not happen again.

Tyler watched Dex sink the eight ball. Damn, his game really was off.

“Another?”

Tyler nodded. “Yeah. Make the most of that win, it won’t happen again.”

Tyler made the break, taking a couple of good shots. “So, when’s the next barbecue?” he asked, wanting to change the subject as he missed by a fraction. Dex’s barbecues had become a regular occurrence, getting both teams, and their families, and friends, together. Everyone looked forward to the get-togethers.

“I’m thinking hosting duties should be moved around.” Dex grinned.

“Nope. You started this and its tradition now. Can’t jinx it.”

“At the very least, Liam should take his turn. Alternate between team leaders.”

“Alternate what?” Liam joined them.

“Dex” — Tyler squeezed his shoulder — “is trying to get out of barbecue hosting duties.”

“No can do, Dawson. My place is a condo, the balcony will collapse under the weight.” Liam said, making them laugh. “Anyway, you don’t exactly host. Everyone brings food, Steve always mans the grill, and we all help clean up.”

“He’s got you there.” Tyler raised his bottle, clinking with Liam’s.

“Jeez, so critical.” Dex shook his head, missing his shot.

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