Page 16 of Loving You

BRONX

“You can wipethat look off your face. You won’t be the third wheel tonight.”

Bronx jumped half a foot, almost knocking his head into the shower wall. “Dude. Get the fuck out of the bathroom.” Luckily, there was a large row of towels along the shower door bar that covered his lower half, but he still slapped a hand over his dick, grimacing when he used too much force.

Dallas cackled. “I didn’t see anything. Jesus. Anyway, I’m just saying?—”

“Have I complained even once?” Bronx shouted when Dallas backed away from the door and closed it halfway.

“No, but you look like someone just shoved ginger up your ass and mffpf?—”

Bronx couldn’t see what was happening, but he knew Kylen was there, slapping a hand over his brother’s mouth. Then, after a beat, he heard his voice. “Sorry about that. As you were!”

The door shut with a firm click, and Bronx rolled his eyes, stepping under the spray. The truth was, he had beena little irritated that he’d once again be tagging along on his brother’s date. But it was more than that. Dallas had taken him to Single Dad Club gatherings, hangouts at his friend’s bar, and a barbeque in the hot firefighter’s backyard.

None of those things were couples events, but he still felt like an outsider. Everyone was kind. Everyone was trying to get to know him. Hell, even Adele had a kid around his son’s age, so they could relate on so many things.

But Bronx, somehow, didn’t feel like he fit. Square peg, round hole, the way he’d always been. He didn’t understand why or how to fix it. And he appreciated the effort everyone was making, but he had a feeling they’d get tired eventually.

Everyone always did. He had work friends. He had neighbors back in Tennessee who he could rely on to house-sit and feed the fish. But when Jules left him, he realized he didn’t have anyone besides his brother that he could call to fall apart on.

And he was half-sure it was only because he and Dallas were blood related.

In spite of the fact that Dallas and Ky were bringing along a friend, Bronx still felt like the one tagging along. They’d all have a history together. Inside jokes, shared pasts, plans for the future. How was he supposed to feel like he was part of that?

He scrubbed the last bit of conditioner from his hair, then turned off the water and stepped out. He was going simple tonight—jeans and a button-up. He had no one to impress, and he wanted to save all of his nice clothes for interviewing staff for his new office.

That was slow going too, which was driving him up the wall. There wasn’t a glut of veterinarians in the area andvery few who specialized in exotic pets the way he did. But he also didn’t think there were a bunch of people in the town running around with Fennec foxes or axolotls, so it was very likely he’d be back to cats and dogs.

He didn’t mind that so much. He was a big fan of anything fuzzy or fluffy. If he wasn’t staying at Dallas’s place, he’d probably have a small menagerie by now. Lucas was already bugging him for a cat, and the week before, Bronx had been eyeing a website with rare fish.

God, he was pathetic. What even was his life?

He dressed quickly, then ran the comb through his hair before adding a little gel, then bracing himself for Kylen and Dallas’s judgment. He swept into his bedroom to grab his socks and his phone, but just before he started for the door, it buzzed with a message.

His heart sank when he saw the name on the screen.

Jules: What’s your lawyer’s number?

Don’t do it. Don’t answer him. He’s just trying to get your attention. He just wants to be under your skin. There’s nothing you have that he actually wants.

He cracked.

Bronx: It’s on all the paperwork.

Jules: I don’t have that with me, and I need to send the custody amendment to you.

Bronx did his best not to groan, pinching the bridge of his nose.There’s nothing he can do, he reminded himself. Lucas was a year away from becoming a legal adult. No court was going to take him away from Bronx. Not without very good reason.

But that didn’t get rid of the fear simmering in the pit of his stomach. Still, he wasn’t going to give Jules what he wanted.

Bronx: I’m sure your lawyer can find it. I’m going to block you now. My attorney will contact me if there’s anything pressing.

And he made good on his promise before Jules could respond. He saw the three little reply dots moving, but before his ex could hit Send, Bronx pushed the button to cut him off. Relief settled on his shoulders. It wasn’t enough to chase away the rush of anxiety, but it was enough that he could gather himself and make his way into the living room.

Dallas was pacing when Bronx sat on the sofa, and he fixed a hard gaze on Bronx. “Jules just called my phone.”

Fuck. Bronx had forgotten his ex still had a path of communication. “He’s threatening to have custody amended. I just blocked him, and you should too.”

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