Page 14 of Two Minutes for Holding

“How’s Mom?” I asked, wanting to take the focus off me.

“Fine. I think Lorelai and I finally got through to her last night. She’s going to call William once I get home and tell him they are through. I know she was worried about you, after the way you left last night.”

“I keep telling her she doesn’t need to worry about me. Yet, I’m thankful that she’s taking control of her situation,” I said.

“Yeah, I’m glad we finally got through to her, which now we just need to get through to you, but that is a conversation that we’ll have later. I don’t have time to get into things with you right now.”

I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder and glanced up at Knox to see he was smiling.

“Hey, man! What the hell you doing up this early on our day off?” Knox asked.

I whipped around to see Clay standing there.

“Hey!” Clay greeted. “Peyton? What are you doing here?” he questioned. “Heading to breakfast with this dopey brother of yours?”

I looked at him, my stomach in my throat as he waited for my response.

“Didn’t expect to see either of you here this morning,” Clay added when I said nothing.

“No breakfast. I’m just heading home. Spent the night with an old friend.”

Clay smirked in my direction with a bullshit-eating grin. It seemed he was enjoying watching me in discomfort. At least that was the look that was written all over his face. I could only imagine what would happen if Knox caught on.

“I’m here for a breakfast meeting,” Knox added.

“Right! You got breakfast with that rep today, right?”

“Yep, which I got to get going. As much as I’m skeptical of being the face for a skin care line, it may be good for my career.”

“Good luck, man. Anyway, I’ve got to get going as well. I’m heading to the gym. Who did you say you visited, Peyton? Perhaps I know her. I live here, you know.”

I didn’t think it was possible to feel more uncomfortable than I already did, but here we were. I felt like I had an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other.

“Oh, I doubt you know her. She just moved in.” I shrugged.

“Not much goes on in this building that I’m not aware of. I’m good friends with the door guy, plus, I’m always on the lookout for a hot girl to date, or maybe take home for the night,” he added, winking at me.

I swallowed hard as he met my eyes. I needed to get the hell out of here before Knox caught on to the game Clay was playing, at least the game I thought he was playing.

“You should tell him. Clay knows many people in the building.”

“He won’t know her,” I insisted, becoming annoyed with how persistent my brother was being and the smug look on Clay’s face.

“Whatever, Peyton. Look, I’ve got to go, I’m late. See you both later?”

“Yep, see you at practice tomorrow,” Clay added.

Knox nodded and took off toward the restaurant, while I stood there, staring at Clay for a moment. It was a surprise that Knox hadn’t picked up the look on his face.

“Lying to your brother,” Clay said, shaking his head, still wearing that cocky smile that I’d always found so attractive.

“Not lying, just omitting some of the truth is all.” I added, “I spent the night here. That much is true.”

“That’s true. Didn’t want to tell him you were screaming my name all night?” he asked, placing his hand on my lower back and guiding me toward the door.

“What are you doing?” I questioned.

“Do you want Knox to see us standing here talking?” he asked. “Or do you want him to think you went home and I went to the gym? I mean, if you want questions, I’m sure we can make it happen.”

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