Page 109 of There's No Us Without You
This really fucking sucks. I either need to come up with a new plan to get the money I need, or I’m just going to have to admit I failed and let whatever happens, happen.
“I understand,” I say, giving him a small smile even though my heart is breaking.
Blowing out a breath, he nudges me. “I knew you would.” He nods to the house as we pull into the driveway. “Now move it, Pop-Tart. You have twenty minutes, or our boy will have us both tied up and begging for death.”
THIRTY
Will
My brother is seatedon a bar stool in front of me, spinning a beer bottle around in his hands while he stares blankly at it. If I cared enough, I’d ask what’s crawled up his arse.
But I don’t care enough.
After the shit he pulled the other night, he’s lucky I even let him inside the bar, let alone speak to him. The only reason he’s here is because Eden insists on befriending him—it has nothing to do with what Jenny said on Friday—so I may as well keep a close eye on what he’s up to.
Keep your enemies closer, or so the saying goes.
Two women step up to the bar, pulling my attention from the front door. Emerson better get here soon, or I’m going to lose my fucking shit.
He had strict instructions to be here by 11 p.m.
And guess what?
He’s fucking late.
Ignoring the suggestive glances and giggling going on between the women I’m serving, I pour two pints of beer and slide them over, only nodding in thanks when taking their payment.
Just as I glance at my phone for the tenth damn time in two minutes, a cool breeze sweeps in through the open front door, bringing with it the warm-vanilla scent of Eden... then the familiar, calming one of Emerson. I swear my sense of smell has magnified the last few weeks.
My shoulders relax, if only slightly. I’m still wound up tight like a fucking jack-in-the-box.
The crowd parts, the top of Emerson’s head now visible, and Eden is somewhere near him, her laugh seeping into my eardrums even over the loud music.
I lick my dry lips at the sight of my best friend. Does he know what he’s doing to me? It’s killing me inside not to leap over this bar and demand to know if he feels the same way as me. And to know what’s got him in a mood these days. Usually I’d pry it from him, but somehow, I know it’s serious, and I’m not ready for whatever it is. Call it selfish, but I’m barely hanging on to the secrets I’m keeping, let alone taking on his as well.
What if he’s getting ready to leave me?
I swallow the lump in my throat. I’m fucked if he leaves.
Speaking of keeping secrets, Tyler turns when Emerson slaps him on the back.
“Ty, my man.”
“Soccer star, how’s it going?” Tyler nods, his mood seeming to improve at the sight of Emerson.
“Better now,” Emerson says with a wink.
Then he glances at me and when our eyes meet, a slow smile spreads over his lips. He rubs the back of his neck, letting his gaze fall down my chest before coming back up to my face. “Miss me?”
“Like a hole in the head.”
The grin he’s wearing grows even wider. “I’ll take that as a yes, then.”
Fucking Christ. I need some fresh air and a blow job.
Eden eyes me through her dark lashes as she steps around Emerson, her body now in full view. Is she assessing my reaction to what she’s wearing?
Because . . . fuck me.
