Page 38 of Strip Search

For the first time in a really long time, I’m at a loss.

A large part of me is expecting that she won’t show up for work today. I’m waiting for a phone call, a text, something – telling me she won’t be in. But, suffice to say when she walks in a little after nine with Cody, I’m relieved. Before I have a chance to say or do anything, Cody slips into my office and shuts the door, adding to my growing frustration.

“Don’t go out there and pounce on her. She’s upset.”

“No fucking shit. Tell me something I don’t know,” I snap.

“Listen, asshole. You might be my big brother, and you sure as shit may have it in you to whip my ass when it comes down to it, but I’m not the one you want to have this attitude with. You want to be pissed? Fine. But be pissed at the right Goddamn person for once. Yourself.” Cody’s words come flying at me. “She won’t tell me what the hell you did to upset her, but for some reason, that girl out there is madly in love with your stupid ass. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you don’t deserve her, because that’s a lie. I am going to tell you that if you’re not real damn careful, you’re going to push her away for good. So help me God if you cost us an employee, I will take my chances and try to stomp your ass myself.”

“Cody,” I warn.

“Cole, you know damn well I’m not scared of you. So, don’t think your Marine voice is going to stop me from saying what I have to say.”

“Fine,” I relent and sit back in my chair. “Let me know when you’re finished then.” Lord knows I probably deserve the verbal lashing he’s planning to continue to give.

“I got a few questions first.”

I roll my eyes; this fucking kid is more and more like me every day. “Well, go on.”

“Have you been with Jade for the last two days?”

“Fuck no. Is that what she thinks?” I jump up, ready to stomp out there and defend myself.

“No, and sit back down dickhead.” Cody crosses his arms over his chest. Any other time, the gesture would be hysterical because it’s like looking in the mirror, but right now I know he’s pissed. “I wanted to know because if there is any chance at all that you want to make a go of things with Molly, you’ve got to cut Jade loose.”

“I already did. Before all this shit went down and apparently Jade’s with Dallas now. Not that it seems to matter.”

“What the hell does that mean? Of course, it matters. No woman wants to feel like she’s second string to your fuck buddy.”

“Jesus Christ, I do not want to discuss my sex life with you, Cody. I broke things off with Jade, with the intention of setting things right with Molly. Except, I don’t think walking away from Jade was enough. Not when you fuck things up the way I do.”

“I should have got coffee before this.” Cody finally sits down in one of the chairs in front of my desk and rubs his temples. “What did you do?”

As much as I don’t want to confide in my baby brother, deep down I think the kid might be able to help. “The night I came home, and we had an old-school wrestling match because you thought letting Molly work at a strip club was brilliant?”

“Oh, yeah. You slept with Jade that night, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

“Okay. So. When’s the last time you...was it at the club that night?”

“Damn you, Cody, I told you we didn’t have sex that night. The woman deserves a damn Oscar for that performance. But no, we didn’t. The night you and I fought was the very last time we had sex. I’ve talked to her a few times since then on the phone, but that’s it.” Although, Jade’s weird behavior that entire night makes complete sense now. I wonder just how much she really knows about Dallas. Even if we’re through, there is no denying, the woman was a good friend and I look out for those I care about. Fuck, like I really need to be worried about Jade in the middle of trying to make a go of things with Molly.

“Okay. So, what’s the issue? Having second thoughts? Because if that’s the case, I’ll pack Molly’s bags for her and ship her right back to Kansas to get away from you.”

The thought of Molly leaving is enough to rip me in two. “Fuck you.”

“Times a wasting bro. What does that night have to do with right now?”

I scrub my hands over my face, noting that I should probably shave sometime soon too. “That night, before Jade and before I came home to deal with you...Molly kissed me. I let her. And then, I pushed her away. I told her it was a mistake.”

Cody shakes his head. “You’re an absolute moron.”

“Well, this sure has been a productive conversation, Doctor Phil,” I say dryly.

“Molly knows you slept with Jade that night?”

“Yes, Cody. She’s hurt by it. I don’t blame her, but Goddamnit, I don’t know how to fix it. So, unless you have some damn advice, get the fuck out of my office now so I can try to figure this shit out.”

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