Page 30 of The Keeper

I knew what Bennet meant though. It had nothing to do with football or arguments.

He checked his watch. “Settle up.” He turned to me after Cade walked away. “Everything okay?”

I shrugged.

“That’s not an answer. Tell me what’s going on.”

I almost did. I almost spilled what happened with Victoria. Almost. But that would lead to more questions.

“Nothing,” I sighed, rubbing my thumb along my lip. “Same shit, different day, you know?”

“I know. And I worry, Xavier.”

I bristled at his tone. “And I’ve told you that’s not necessary.”

We stared intently at one another, each trying to convince the other of something.

“Hey, you two look like you’re about to fuck or fight. Which is it?” Cade sat down, folded his arms and stared at us.

“Neither,” I muttered as Bennet relaxed his grip and sat back.

Cade eyed both of us. “The mood got really bloody tense. One of you needs to tell me why.”

Bennet quirked an eyebrow in his posh, matter-of-fact way. Everything about him was so damn prim and proper.

“Nobody needs to tell anybody anything, Gallagher.” Bennet’s tone sharpened.

“Fine. Whatever,” Cade grumbled. “You going to be at the old estate tonight Bennet? I know it’s Sunday but I figured we could hang in our spot. Have a whisky or four.”

Bennet’s fingers tapped on his glass. “Well, I live there you muppet so yeah.” He turned to me. “You plan on coming?”

Tempting. “Think I’m gonna stay here, mate. Not really feeling London tonight. Reckon I should use my house more than the flat.”

“The infamous Maddox stag pad.” Cade rose from his seat, knocking back the rest of his beer. “The stories that place could tell.”

Bennet and I followed him out into the cool late afternoon breeze and said our goodbyes. They finalized their plans for later this evening. Both told me to text them if I changed my mind. Pretty sure I wouldn’t but stranger things have happened.

My phone vibrated the second I climbed into my car. “Cade,” I muttered, looking at his text.

Cade: You really should come. Been a while since we’ve all been there together.

I scrubbed my face with my hands and ran them through my hair. Normally I’d just go. But for some reason I didn’t feel like it this time.

Yes, for some reason.

A reason with silky smooth skin and soft auburn hair. A reason that smells like winter but tastes like spring. I gripped the steering wheel and started to drive.

I can’t have her.

The thought made me flinch.

Maybe I should go down to London. Move on to the next one. There’s always someone willing and able. I am Xavier Fucking Maddox after all.

Shit. I don’t want to be that guy anymore.

I was almost home. Almost.

Don’t give in, don’t turn around, don’t be that guy, I chanted to myself. After a couple minutes I felt a little better.

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