Page 58 of Ever With Me

But she hadn’t answered his texts, either.

Or maybe she just sees you like a weak little pussy who almost broke down last night.

He should have known from the way she’d hightailed it out of here so quickly that he’d freaked her out.

He didn’t know why he’d opened his mouth. He’d replayed the scene a thousand times and thought of a thousand different ways he could have handled that situationotherthan telling Maddie about his dad’s suicide.

That she hadn’t come by or texted was the only confirmation he needed that she probably looked at him like some sort of train wreck she didn’t want to be around.

Fuck it.He didn’t want to let it bother him. After this weekend, she’d be out of his life other than when he returned for that concert in a few weeks.

It’s better that way.

But he’d never told anyone about his dad. He’d been too afraid to. Something about Maddie, though, had brought down that wall though.

Stupid, stupid, Brooks.

You knew who she was when she tried to blackmail you.

Even though she’d said all the right things last night, her actions today spoke volumes.

Volumes that made him feel sick to his stomach.

He’d just given her more ammunition. More dirt to use against him.

You’re such a moron.

Her failure to appear meant he’d missed going to the mechanic again, too. He needed his car back. Much as he’d enjoyed spending time with Audrey, he couldn’t help feeling relief at the fact that Kayla would be back in a few days. He was quickly running out of ways to keep Audrey occupied.

“You sure Maddie wasn’t planning on coming over?” Cormac asked more pointedly, bringing him back to their conversation. “Audrey said she stayed for dinner yesterday.”

Leave it to the four-year-old to rat him out.

He just needed to take the edge off again.

Relax, already.

Brooks shrugged, then made his way over to the liquor cabinet near the bar. The rental included all the liquor, of which there was a fantastic selection. “Want a drink?”

Cormac straightened with a frown. “You’re not drinking.”

“Why not?” Brooks gave a taut smile. “I’m fine. I don’t have a real problem. Darren thought ‘sobriety’ would help my image. Lot of fucking good that did.”

Cormac narrowed his eyes. “Is this about Maddie?”

The bottle of bourbon scratched against the marble bar top as Brooks slid it closer. “Maddie who?” He threw a sarcastic smile back.

Cormac set his pool cue on the table, then came closer. “You don’t really want a drink. We’re in our thirties now, man. Alcohol doesn’t go down as smooth as it did when we were younger.”

Brooks raised a brow, then poured the amber liquid into a glass. He set the glass to his lips, the potent scent filling his nostrils. Then he tossed back a mouthful, a warm feeling curling against his tongue as the alcohol evaporated in his mouth. He swallowed and topped off the glass again.

“I don’t think you should drink, Brooks. Stupid idea of Darren’s or not, you’re a better man these days for not drinking.” Cormac gave him a hard look. “I don’t know what’s going on with you and Maddie, but don’t do this because of a woman. You’ve worked too hard.”

“Don’t be absurd. I’ve known her for a few days. Not to mention that she’s a liar and a manipulator.”

Cormac flinched. “I knew you were acting funny. What the hell happened?”

“Nothing happened.”

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