Page 30 of Two Sticky Nuts

I sneer. I don’t want to get into it with Logan, but I think Carter’s behavior was inexcusable. I know plenty of solo marchers, and they’re not swindling dicks!

Logan continues, “I’ll make sure you’re reimbursed for every cent, but in the future, you might want to think twice about loaning him your car.” He pauses. “Or letting him in your home.”

“So heiscrazy.” I should’ve known. My mind serves up all the red flags on a silver mind-platter. He’s hot and still single. He carries around coconuts in his bag. He asked me to pick him up from the airport and then invited himself to stay at my house. He criticized my plan to buy this house. He eats local, but then wants to only dine on vegan, carb-free protein when he lands in the US. Also, he puts food on his balls for money.

Wait. Unless… Is Logan Mr. Sticky Nuts?

No. No way.He seems too put together and mature. Also, Carter is the nutjob. It has to be him.

“Carter isn’t crazy. He’s a free spirit,” Logan corrects.

“So what are you, his fixer? Do you just go around repaying all the people he screws over?”

“If I did that, I’d be broke, living in a cardboard box.” He sips his coffee, and my eyes fix on his sensually plump lips. Is it my imagination, or is Logan way sexier than Carter ever was? There’s just something about a confident, down-to-business man.

He goes on, “The truth is I haven’t seen Carter in five years. I was hoping to catch him here before he disappeared again.”

“Five years?”

“He lives on the road most of the time. The only reason I knew he was here is because he posted something about you on his fan groups. Said he found the perfect woman and intended to steal her away from her white-picket prison for a lifetime of adventures.”

My mouth falls open. “What?”

“He even included a photo of your house. I did a reverse image search and found out the home was recently listed for sale. So here I am.”

What a fucking nutjob. “He had no right to share pictures of my home.”

“Like I said, Carter marches to his own beat. Some say it’s part of his genius.”

Bullshit!“What do you think?”

“I think that brothers, no matter how estranged, should not bad-mouth each other. Especially to the other’s girlfriend.”

Honorable, but… “I’mnothis girlfriend,” I say emphatically.

“No?”

“I just met him a couple of weeks ago in Jamaica. He took me along to check out a few locations for some film he’s planning. Then he texted last week—said he was going to be in town and that we should meet up for drinks.” I pause, realizing how ridiculous the next part will sound. “Then he decided to invite himself over, crash on my couch, go shopping with my money, and borrow my car before trashing it.”

“Do you know where he went?” Logan asks. “I really need to find him.”

I tell Logan about Carter mentioning the Philippines and buying a two-thousand-dollar plane ticket. “But he also said his friend Bob was in the hospital.”

Logan’s back goes rigid. “Bob? Bobsled Bob?”

Bobsled Bob?“I don’t know. Carter just said ‘Bob had a heart attack.’” I show Logan the text.

He looks like he’s been hit by a sledgehammer.

“Do you know him?” I ask.

“Bob is—wasour best friend growing up. He’s the only one who’s really stayed involved with Carter after he and I fell out.” Logan sets down his mug and stands. “I gotta go.”

“Are you going to the hospital? Do you think Carter’ll be there now?” I want him to pay me back, every last cent. And the fucker owes me an apology.

“I really don’t know.” Logan starts heading for the door.

“If he is, I…I…” I want to come along and chop some nuts, but the devastation on Logan’s face holds me back. “If he is there, tell him I wish him well,” I lie. Really, I’m wishing Logan well.

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