Page 208 of Finding Hope

I look back to Luc. “You’re not dating Bambie?”

“No! I already said that.”

“When did you break up?”

“We never dated!”

“Laine told me that you were dating.”

“Who the hell is Laine?”

Luc’s pained eyes snap to the blonde’s, then back to mine. He rolls his eyes toward her. “Yeah, well,my sisterhas always been a troublemaker. You know girls. Always ganging up on us. She probably said that to mess with you. My sister’s like a bulldog at a bone. She’s mean as a snake if you mess with her friends. You messed with Britt.”

I study the way his jaw ticks. The way his nose flares.

He’s angry.

I’m angrier. “I’m gonna need you to give me straight answers, Luc.”

He sighs with frustration. “What?”

“Are you dating Britt?”

“No.”

“Did you ever?”

“No. She’s just one of my best friends’ baby sisters. I love her, but not like that. She’s my friend.”

“Is she dating anyone else?”

“Fucked if I know!” I press my elbow harder against his throat and watch the blood drain from his face. “No!” He corrects. “I doubt she’s dating. She’s spending all her time with us. With herbrothers,” he clarifies quickly. “She’s moping around all sad and shit and watching us practice. That’s about it.”

“Where is she now?”

“I don’t know! I saw her this morning, but she didn’t say what she was doing today.”

I drop my elbow and let him go, then taking my nieces by the shoulder, I move them toward the door.

“Eat your ice-cream quick. I’m taking you home.”

48

JACK

I KISSED ALEX

Ithink I’m going to be sick.

I’m lightheaded, similar to the way I felt in the hospital.

She’snotdating Luc.

He’s the single only reason I stayed away.

I thought she had a new man. I thought she was happy with him. But she’s not, and if she’s single, then maybe I have a chance. At the very least, I can explain again that I’m sorry.

I can tell her that I love her.

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