Page 33 of Theirs to Take

“So, you knew Nova and Evie in college then?” Rod asked, trying to make small talk.

“Yes,” Tyler said. “We were all roommates for our last two years. We rented this awful little place just off campus, but it was the best two years of my life, you know?” Rod had no idea since the last roommate he had was his brother and they were both minors and had no choice about where they lived. It was one of the reasons why he never really got into a long-term relationship. The commitment of living with someone terrified him. Hell, a woman spending the night at his place terrified him.

“You like her, don’t you?” Tyler asked.

“Nova?” Rod asked, playing dumb. He knew what Tyler was asking him, he just wasn’t sure that he was ready to give the guy a straight answer.

Tyler threw back his head and laughed, and he knew that he wasn’t going to get away with playing the simpleton. “You and I both know that I was asking if you like Evie, Rod,” Tyler insisted.

“You really want to know the answer to that question?” Rod asked.

Tyler nodded, “I wouldn’t have asked it if I didn’t,” he said. “So—you like Evie?”

Rod sighed, “I do,” he said. “I didn’t want to. Hell, when I showed up here a few days ago, to go on the blind date that Nova set us up on, I was going to offer her one drink and then have my friend Luke call me to tell me that there was an emergency at the office, and I had to go back into work. Luke’s the head of securityat Alex’s firm, and I thought that it was the perfect excuse. I’d tell my sister-in-law that I tried, but that Evie just wasn’t the girl for me. But then, we started talking and she was charming and sweet, you know? We ordered dinner and I had a really good time.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Tyler asked.

“You would think, but then I put my foot in it and asked her to come work for me,” Rod said.

“Why is that a bad thing?” Tyler questioned.

“Because now, I can’t like her,” Rod said. “I can’t work with her and like her at the same time. When Nova started questioning me, I panicked and told her that we hit it off and that we were together. The lies just kept growing from there and before I knew it, I couldn’t turn the train around and go back. I was stuck and I trapped Evie with me, not thinking about the fact that she wouldn’t be okay with lying to her best friend. She’s too nice for someone like me.”

“This is very true,” Tyler said. “Evie is too nice for any of us. She hasn’t had it very easy when it comes to dating. Once she tells the guy that she’s a virgin, he bolts, as if there’s something wrong with her.”

“So, it’s true then?” Rod asked. “She’s really a virgin?” He wondered how a woman who looked like Evie had gotten through college without losing her virginity.

“Yeah,” Tyler said. “I guess she never found the right guy to have sex with. She’s very particular, but who can blame her? I’ve run through some real assholes trying to find my Mr. Right. I was lucky that Nova put Doug and me together. My husband is the best guy I know. I just hope that someday, Evie can find the same kind of guy and live happily ever after like Nova, and I have found. But if you can’t be that guy for her, Rod, don’t pursue her. Evie deserves the best.”

“Understood,” he agreed. “I’d never do anything to hurt her, man.”

“Good,” Tyler said. “I wouldn’t want to have to kick your ass, Rod.”

“Believe me, that’s the last thing I want to happen, Tyler,” Rod agreed, looking him over. “You’re a good friend. Evie and Nova are both lucky to have you in their lives.”

“Thanks for saying that,” Tyler said. Their food was delivered to the table and Rod insisted on paying for everything since he had interrupted Tyler and Evie’s dinner. “It was good to talk to you, Rod,” Tyler said.

“Thanks, you too, Tyler,” he said.

“Hey,” Tyler shouted, stopping him from walking out the door. “How about you come over to game night on Saturday? I’d love to hang out with you some more and for you to meet my husband.”

“Um, do you think that’s a good idea?” Rod asked.

“Well, you’ll know everyone there,” Tyler said. “How about it?”

“Are you trying to piss Evie off?” Rod questioned. “Because if so, I’m in.” The thought of showing up and being a part of Evie’s weekend plans had him feeling a bit giddy and a whole lot naughty. He just had to be careful not to tell her that he was invited because he knew for certain that she wouldn’t show up if she knew.

“Great,” Tyler said. “Give me your phone,” he ordered. Rod pulled his cell phone from his pocket and handed it over to the guy. He watched as Tyler put his phone number into his phone.

“Text me tomorrow and I’ll send you the address,” he offered.

“Okay,” Rod said, taking back his phone. “What can I bring?”

“We just do munchies and drinks. Bring whatever you’d like,” Tyler said. Rod nodded and watched as his new friend left the restaurant. He shoved his cell phone back into his pocketand thanked the hostess on his way out to his car. Yeah—him showing up at game night might not be his best idea, but he liked the thought of keeping Evie on her toes. He had a feeling that not much surprised her, but he was looking forward to being one of the first to do so.

Alex walked into his office and sat down in front of his desk. “Hey, what’s up, Alex?” Rod asked.

“Well, I’ve just been on the phone with a mutual friend, and I’ve been let in on a little secret,” he said.

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