Page 47 of Legacy
He doesn’t deny it. My heart splinters a bit, a little less than with Henry because I have learned. I expected it. Chase and Luke are arguing now, bickering between themselves about some party and I tune them out. I wrap one arm around my middle, exposed in my workout gear, I turn and run back to my room, my sneakers squeak on the stone as I go. Slamming the door, I wince. I knew this felt too good to be true. He never had any interest in me. I was probably an easy target because he might as well if hehadto spend time with me. The truth crashes into me as I take my clothes off piece by piece, leaving my sneakers and socks in the bathroom. Turning on the water, I stand under the spray and let it wash away the bullshit lies.
By the time my hair smells like expensive magnolia tinged orange and my body is scrubbed, I’ve decided to either kill him or act indifferent. I pull on another tank top without a bra, a clean pair of workout shorts, and drag a comb through my wet hair.
When I exit the room, Luke is sitting on the opposite side of the hallway, head in his hands. “You have to listen to me. It’s not like that.”
Not like what? Another stupid oversight on my part?
“I don’t have to do anything you say. Definitely don’t want to listen to any more lies.”
He puts his palms on the ground and pops up to stand. “Chase can’t know details.” Luke swallows. “He’s the kind of guy who twists things. Turns them into something they aren’t.”
I nod. “He’s your supplier of club chicks. Can’t tell him you’re with me. That would be idiotic. Got it.” I pause. Hart eyes me, one brow up. “What’s for dinner?” I add.
“You’re not pissed?”
I smile at him. “No. That would imply that I cared to begin with. Whatever was going on between us is over, Hart. It was the wakeup call I desperately needed. It’s unfortunate I had to overhear the truth, though.” There’s a pregnant pause as Luke seems to mull over my words. “I can still stay here, right? You did say the invite would be open to any Team guy. Not stepping on any toes if I take a spare room?”
“You can stay.” He narrows his eyes. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like something someone says changes how you felt about me an hour ago. What happened in there isn’t you not caring.” He points at the gym. “I can fetch the security footage if you want to watch it for yourself.”
I ignore him as he tries to play on my emotions. “Did you or did you not become my friend because Maverick told you to?” There’s a flutter in my chest as I wait for his response.
He looks to the side, breaking eye contact.Shit.“Yeah. But that doesn’t change how I feel about you now.”
I blow out a breath through my nose and shake my head. “That’s rich. Unbelievable!”
“I would have been your friend anyway. You’re acting like a real—”
I cut in. “Say it. Call me a bitch. I dare you.”
His jaw clenches. “I would never.” Oh, but he would. I can see it in his eyes. I’m overstepping the imaginary boundaries by brushing this off.
“Right then.” I walk past him, my paper notebook and pen in my hand. “When does the maid come to do the grocery shopping? I’m going to make my list now.” I look over my shoulder. Luke is staring at my ass. I made sure to put on the booty-est of my booty shorts. “What’s for dinner, Luke?”
“My fucking balls, I guess.”
