Page 26 of Make Me Stay

I picked up my glass again. “I’m not sure who I need to warn away from hurting the other but just don’t fuck it up and I won’t have to break up with either of you.”

Wyatt chuckled. “I’m going to damn well try not to fuck it up.” He grinned at me, then he linked hands with Nicole. “We’re going to head to bed.”

I wagged a finger. “I don’t want to know.” Then I spun on my heel and headed back to my room with my glass.

At least now I knew why my brother had been such a bear for the last few weeks. God, now I was going to be the weird third wheel. Because Kai certainly wasn’t going to stick around.

And I wasn’t entirely sure Wyatt would be as cool with learning me and Kai had hooked up.

Right.

Just hooking up.

Sure.

“Ugh!” I collapsed against my door. Maybe I should just go back out into the kitchen and get the whole bottle. Instead, I drained the glass and set it on my bedside table, then I flopped onto my bed.

There was just enough wine flowing through my veins that I eventually dozed off. When morning came, there was a cheerful Wyatt and Nicole giggling in the kitchen, but no sign of Kai.

I left the new sex vibes in the kitchen with a cup of coffee to help with my muzzy head. I hadn’t consumed enough for a hangover, but between wine and little sleep, I was going to need a fortifying shower.

I slipped out the back door of the kitchen after I got ready. I couldn’t listen to their happy chatter anymore, not when I was so damn miserable.

I didn’t even know why Kai had gotten so pissy last night after that incredible moment on the bench.

Or maybe that was the problem. Did he think I was getting too clingy?

Maybe I was.

I drove to work with my music blaring, to match my mood. When I got to the warehouse, Sully and Cash’s trucks were parked across the street. I found a spot near them and hustled across the street. It wasn’t even eight, so I wasn’t late. When I slipped inside, I heard Cash talking.

“It’s too big of a job for just me. When the hell is Gus coming in?”

Sully grunted. “Storm in Costa Rica pushed back his timetable. Probably sometime in July.”

“Hell, I haven’t found a day-laborer who can do what Gus can do with a roof. I have three houses that need new ones, and the flashing is FUBAR’d on two of them.”

“I know, Cash.” Sully noticed me hovering inside the door. “Hey, Lexi. Did you get the window order in?”

“Hi, Sully, hi Cash. No, it got delayed, but it’s coming in today.”

“Good. Send me a text when it comes in. I need to put them in today if they don’t come in too late. I’m heading to the post office. Some sort of leak in the lobby.”

“Need me?” Cash asked.

“Yeah, if you’re open.”

He nodded. “Yeah, until this afternoon. I’m waiting on parts.”

“Is Kai on a project?”

My heart tripped at his name. “I haven’t scheduled him with a new project yet.”

“Okay, I’ll text him to meet us. I can use his electrician’s hat.” Sully pulled out his phone, his fingers flying.

I nodded. “Okay, I’ll keep his morning clear.”

I pulled out my water, and I sighed when I realized I didn’t bring my coffee with me. One almost fight, and I was already off my game. God, I really was stupid to think we could keep things separate.

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