Page 9 of Past Lovers

Adam scowled. “What question?”

“The roommate idea your dad floated?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Adam answered, nodding. Part of him was thrilled to have Clay close, but it was a double-edged sword. Having his obsession close might throw him over the edge and ruin everything.

Clay grinned. “Great. That’s one less thing I have to worry about.”

A knock came to the door, and Adam frowned. He wasn’t expecting anyone. “Be right back,” he said, lowering his beer to the island.

After walking through the house, he opened the door and saw Melanie standing there, box in hand and a knowing look to her pretty face.

She grinned wryly. “Iknewhe’d come running to you.”

Adam didn’t know what to say to that. But he felt a warming in his gut all the same.

“I brought a few things Clay forgot. Figured I’d save him the trouble of coming and starting another fight.” She handed Adam the box.

“If you left him… I suppose this means it’s over. Done.”

Melanie smiled, a wicked glint to her eyes. “No worries, Adam. You’re off the hook. Your job is done.” She smiled and leaned in closer before whispering, “I don’t want him anymore… so he’sallyours.”

All mine? I wish.

She spun slowly and walked away, leaving Adam to stand there to consider what she’d said. His job was done. No more convincing Clay to go back to her… No more pushing him away when all Adam wanted to do was drag him close.

Not that he’d want me. It was one night. Years ago… a night he doesn’t even remember.

And if he did, he’d likely run the other way.

Adam closed the door as Melanie began backing her car from the drive. When he turned, he saw Clay standing in the small foyer behind him, leaning against the wall.

There was an odd look on his face.

“Your job is done?”

Adam met Clay’s stare, not sure how to answer.

“What job, Adam?”

Adam shrugged. “Who knows what she was talking about?”

Clay held his stare, not looking convinced by his answer. “What were the two of you up to?”

“Nothing,” Adam said, shoving the box into Clay’s hands as he passed and went back to the kitchen. He grabbed his beer and took a long sip.

Clay followed him, setting the box on the island. “I want to know what she meant.”

“She’d asked me to help her a ways back… to help you both get back together.”

Clay frowned. “A ways back? How long ago?”

“A ways… I’m not exactly sure when,” he lied. No way was he pointing to that night.

“You hated Melanie. Begged me not to go back with her, and then suddenly you changed your tune and wouldn’t tell me why. I knew there was something up about that all along.” Clay frowned. “What has she got on you?”

“Nothing,” Adam said before finishing the beer.

“There’s no way you did her bidding without a reason,” Clay said.

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