Page 19 of Come Back for Me
“That offer doesn’t appeal to me. What about you, Quinn?”
“Nope. I’m very happy with my girl.”
“Yeah. Now.” I roll my eyes.
A year ago, Quinn was not as buoyant as he is right now. In fact, I don’t think I’d ever seen a man that low. I’m still not sure how he endured the hell he went through.
I also don’t know why I agreed to have drinks with them. I have no one to blame but myself for this conversation. When they’re each on their own, they’re bad enough, but put them together and they’re a damn tsunami, wiping out everything in its path.
“And tell us,” Liam’s voice is conspiratorial, “are you going to find her?”
“Like I’m going to tell you two assholes anything?”
“He already did,” Quinn tells Liam without looking at me. “See that face? He’s haunted. He probably saw her when he went back, maybe a girlfriend from high school?”
“I’m guessing she was his first,” Liam adds on.
“Could be. I mean, he looks pathetic. I’ve looked around, and there’s not a line of girls willing to drop their panties for him.”
Liam shrugs. “Maybe he has a small wanker? That could be it.”
“I’m thinking it’s the pathetic thing. No girl wants a man who is that broken.”
“I’m right here!” I growl the words at Quinn.
They both keep talking as though I said nothing.
Liam looks over at me as his voice fills with amusement. “Could be the attitude. He is a bit hostile.”
“I bet she snubbed him because, look at him, he’s not all that good looking.” Quinn shrugs.
“Who wants to deal with a grumpy, ugly, and unemployed former SEAL? It’s the whole damn package.”
I huff.
“Who wants to deal with you two?” I say under my breath.
“Well, we happen to have two gorgeous women in our lives that do,” Quinn answers. “But, seriously, did you see her?”
“Yeah, and I also saw her kid and she has a husband.”
Liam lets out a whistle. “Well, that definitely fucks that one up.”
“No shit.”
“Kid cute?” Quinn asks.
“Yeah, she is. She got hurt and hid on my farm. I found her and brought her home. Didn’t know who her mom was until I walked up to the house.”
The whole situation with Hadley still has me on edge. I don’t know what it is, but that day, the things she said, still has my hackles up. The thing is, I can’t tell if it’s because I fucking hate that Ellie is married or if my instincts are right about the injury.
“My advice? Stay away. Don’t bethatguy.”
“I have no plans on fucking up a marriage and a family, Liam, but thanks for the vote of confidence.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think anyone ever sets out to do it. I also don’t think you’re a bad guy, Connor, but I think things happen. I’ve seen lines get crossed, and if this woman means anything to you, your heart is going to talk before your head.”
“Or his dick.”
