Page 93 of Delicate Storm

He laughs before his eyes dart to someone behind me, and I don’t have to turn to guess it’s his friend. I don’t remember her name but I saw them together earlier, and the way he looks at her is possessive.

“No secret babies for me.” He gives a firm shake of his head. “That’s Luke’s thing.”

“Ah, Luke. Who would have thought he’d ever grow up? Not me, that’s for sure.” Although I’m still not entirely convinced that he has.

“I saw it,” Reed confirms, and I don’t doubt his words—he’s one of those optimistic types that sees the good in everyone.“The mature side of him was buried deep, but I knew it was there.”

“You’re a good guy, Reed. Better than most.”

“And you’re not always an asshole yourself,” he adds and I groan.

“I take back my compliment. You’re a dick. I’m out.”

Reed laughs like I’m joking, and he’d be right, but this side of me only comes out for those that deserve it. And in reality…most people don’t.

As if hearing us talking about him, Luke joins the conversation, along with Dylan, and I reluctantly hang around, listening in until Luke opens his mouth.

“Look at us, the support gang hanging out together.”

I groan—out loud—making sure he can hear me over the music, and the guys laugh.

“Easton, my man,” Luke continues, draining the life out of me, “you need to embrace it. We’re here foryou. What do you need?”

“I need for you to shut the fuck up.”

He pretends to zip his lips, put a lock on it, and throw away the key, while I roll my eyes. But it lasts all of two seconds before he’s speaking again. “See, I’m here for you.”

“You just spoke.”

“To tell you that. It doesn’t count.”

I stare at him deadpan and he smirks.

“Okay, you caught me. I assumed you meant that I couldn’t talk about your issues with Zane and your ex. Or the fact that you’ve been hiding your relationship with Keeley. How the fuck didn’t we know she was your sister?”

“Reed, did you hear something?”

“You’re hilarious for an asshole. I hate to break it to you, but Reed and Dylan want to know too.”

Dylan raises his hands in the air. “Don’t bring me into this. I’ve retired.”

“And yet, you’re still in the group chat,” Luke quips back and he has a point. “Reed then?” he asks.

We all turn to Reed as he curls his lips into a very un-Reed-like smirk. “Not going to lie, I’m curious.”

For fuck’s sake.“Why don’t you ask Keeley then?”

“We did. She said to ask you.”

“Uh. If you must know, it was easier that way. I didn’t want anyone to think she got the job because of me.”

The guys fall quiet, their expressions comical as Thomas joins us. “Wow. What did I miss?”

“Easton just admitted he has a heart,” Luke fake gushes and I almost deck him.

“Why the fuck were you even questioning that, Luke?” Thomas shakes his head as his gaze bounces between me and Luke. “East almost beat the shit out of that dick for harassing Amelia last season. If the security guard hadn’t stepped in—”

“Enough,” I cut in. “I’m out.”

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