Page 93 of Hook Up

I nod at my friend’s words, but deep down, I have my doubts.

So far, I feel like an utter failure at being a husband. Now there’s the added pressure of figuring out life as a blind man, a newlywed, and a father, all in one fell swoop.

Colton leaves a short time later, and I settle down for a difficult discussion. I’m not sure Greg will forgive me, but I have to try. He’s worth it.

“Ryder, man, how are you? I wanted to call, but—”

“I need to say something, Greg.” With a deep exhalation, I release the anger that’s been building in my body since the accident. “I’m so sorry I thought, for one second, that you had anything to do with the crash. Colton told me it was you who helped solve the mystery.”

I expect my friend to be jovial that I’m no longer angry, but his sigh is heavy with regret. “I solved it, but it was too late. I should have noticed something sooner.”

“How? None of us did.”

“Doesn’t matter, Ryder. I let you down, after I swore I’d protect you. I can’t blame you for thinking I drank that night with the guys, but I didn’t have a drop. In fact, it damn near came to blows when I caught three of the crew in the bar the night before the race, hanging all over your ex.”

That got my attention. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. What?”

“Mandi. I got a text from one of the crew members, saying they were having a drink and I should join them. My only intention was to drag their asses back to their rooms after I shoved some water down their throats to ensure they were sober. When I walked into the bar, Mandi was all snuggled up with three of the guys.” Greg releases a mirthless laugh. “She even tried buttering me up until she discovered I was Greer’s brother. Then she turned into an ice queen. Told me she was going to have an orgy with your pit crew, just to piss you off. I told her you wouldn’t care who she fucked, so long as it wasn’t on the company dime. I also may have mentioned how much you adored your wife, just to twist the knife.”

“Good man,” I concur, taking another sip of my wine. Funny, but the shadows seem sharper tonight, not the fuzzy blur I’ve grown accustomed to these past weeks.

Likely wishful thinking.

“Just so you know, she was full of shit. The guys were all back in their rooms before midnight.”

“How do you know?”

“I played hall monitor and checked on them. I told you, Ryder, I’ve always looked out for you. I had a bad feeling that I couldn’t shake, but I figured it was nerves. I should have listened to my gut. Maybe then, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“You and I both know you had nothing to do with the crash. Let’s not talk about the damn accident anymore. I’m sick of hearing about it. Besides, I hear someone knocked up their old lady.”

“Yeah. Jillian and I are having a kid. Crazy, right?”

“In the best way.” Itisamazing news and it’s also time to make amends. “You still have a job with the team, if you want it. Colton doesn’t plan to bring back the guys who were drinking, but he absolutely wants you as part of the crew.”

“That’s just it, Ryder. I want to be part of your crew. It’s not the same without my brother.”

“Then we have to make sure I come back, don’t we?”

The mattress settles next to me as Greer slides under the covers. She’s been unusually quiet since Colton left, which is surprising. I figured she’d be ecstatic that Greg and I reconciled.

“You okay, Gigi?” Something about her energy makes me nervous, like she’s pulling away, but I’m not sure of the reason.

I really hope she didn’t hear me mention her engagement ring to Colton. I want to surprise her with the six-carat solitaire. If anyone deserves the royal treatment, it’s my wife.

“Just tired.” Her standard response this evening.

“Too bad I don’t believe you.” Pulling her close, I wrap my hand around her waist, resting my forehead against hers.

Greer’s delicate fingers trace the planes of my face, and I lean into her touch, desperate for more. Who the hell am I kidding? I’m always craving this woman’s caress. “I’ve been thinking, about Greg and Jillian. About my Mom.”

“Your Mom? Is she okay?” My brow furrows, realizing I haven’t inquired about her family in weeks.

“Greg says she’s fine, but I worry about her. She’s getting older.”

Smiling, I run my fingers along her arm, cupping her breast and giving her luscious nipple a squeeze. “What did she say when you told her we got married? Was she angry we didn’t have a big wedding?”

I can only imagine Mrs. Hammond’s reaction to the news—a mixture of disbelief and surprise, followed by a shake of her head as she recalls a ten-year-old boy proclaiming that one day, Greer Hammond would be his.

---