Page 20 of Saving His Heart
“We know how messed up everything has been, and we’re sorry you felt like you had to hide this from us,” Dexter agrees.
“Guys,” I try to sound upbeat, but I’m speaking through razor blades right now.
“Are you happy?” Trevor asks, and for the second time tonight, I cross my fingers.
“I am,” I force out.
“Then we can’t wait to get to know her,” Dexter says, handing me a glass of scotch.
I’m not supposed to drink, but fucking hell, I need a sip tonight.
“Tell us about her?” Trevor asks.
Sinking back into my chair, I let the memories of the past year wash before my eyes. Except, seeing them now, replaying these scenes as Emory and not Dr. Camden, does something funny to my soul.
“Holy shit,” Trevor exclaims, and I sit up, looking around to find what I’ve missed only to see Dex and Trevor staring straight at me.
“What?” I question, looking behind me.
“You’re falling in love with her,” Dexter smiles.
“Falling or has fallen,” Trevor chimes in.
“What? Guys, come on—”
“You look like our Preston. Preston from before your dad died,” Dexter tells me. “It’s nice to have you back, buddy.”
I don’t know what to say to that, so I take a sip instead. Eventually, the subject turns to their upcoming weddings, and I can partially tune them out. They have no idea what they are talking about. I have known Emory for a year, yes, but I know nothing about her. Seeing her through fresh eyes will not cause insta-love. That only happens to … Well, fuck. That happened to both of these dickheads.What about the spark?
“What the fuck?” I grumble.
I get a strange look from the guys before they laugh.
“Yup, it’s happening alright.” Trevor leans back into the couch like he knows all the secrets.
“What’s happening?” I finally ask.
“The conversations,” Dex says, as if it explains it all.
I stare blankly at him until Trevor fills in the missing pieces.
“You’re fighting your feelings for her, so you’re having conversations in your head. It happens to the best of us, my friend. That’s how you know it’s right, though. You’re covering all your bases because, above all else, you want what’s best for her. You’re trying to figure out if that’s you. We both went through it, too,” he admits, pointing his thumb in Dexter’s direction. They both grin wildly back.
My neck feels hot, and I stand suddenly. Patting Trevor on the shoulder as I pass him, I say, “That’s where you’re wrong. I already know I’m not what’s best for her. I have to take a piss. I’ll be back.”
In my room, I take a pill to help calm my racing heart. Those guys have no fucking idea what they’re talking about. I splash some water on my face and stare into the mirror. “You don’t get to have this life, asshole. Don’t drag anyone down with you. Especially not Ems.”
Pouring half of the whiskey down the drain, I grab my phone from my back pocket to text her. I just want to make sure the girls are treating her okay. Then I laugh.Of course they are. Lanie, Julia, and even Lexi are some of the most loyal, honest women I’ve ever met. Rolling my shoulders a few times to relieve some tension, I make my way back to the guys.
To my relief, they have turned on a Panther’s game. Turning his head in my direction but not looking at me, Trevor asks, “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good. Thanks. What’s the score?”
We fall into our regular conversation for the rest of the night. Lifting my glass, I’m reminded of how easy our lives were once upon a time. “To Loki,” I say while sending up a little prayer that our brother is safe.
“To Loki,” they say in unison.
* * *
