Page 71 of Hard Hitter

She hesitated, then shook her head. “No, it can wait. You better hurry or D will get halfway to campus before you can catch him.”

I hooked the back of her neck and dropped a kiss on her lips. “I’ll be back soon.”

Eva fanned herself as I sprinted out of the apartment. Bare-chested. At least the temperature was warm enough I wouldn’t freeze my nipples off. My feet were a whole different story as I found every sharp rock between our apartment and the parking lot.

I’d intended to check for D’s car, but that plan of action proved unnecessary. Contrary to Chloe’s concern, D hadn’t gone far. I found him on a bench near the walking path around our complex. Night had fallen while our secrets came to light, so I couldn’t see his face. His relaxed stance said I probably wouldn’t get punched if I approached, but I was prepared anyway.

He didn’t say anything as I sat down, mirroring his position of staring straight ahead. The trees were just starting to bud, so they didn’t block much of the view. We looked out over the dark parking lot, avoiding each other because guy code dictated absolutely no eye contact while discussing my relationship with his sister.

The silence lasted a few minutes, but I was used to not talking. Keeping my mouth shut was easy. Finding a way to bring up Chloe without apologizing proved harder. I wasn’t sorry for what we’d done. Hell, I’d do it again in a heartbeat if it meant I got to have Chloe.

D was pissed we’d kept it from him, but in the end, what we did together was none of his business. He had no right to information about Chloe and who she chose to date unless she decided to share it.

Better not to start that way, though.

“I never wanted you to get hurt.” My voice sounded loud in the still air, but at least D didn’t immediately head for his rental.

He stretched his arm along the back of the bench and dropped his head to watch the sky. “I know it wasn’t your idea.”

I grunted, unwilling to confirm the truth.

“This isn’t what I meant when I asked you to take care of her,” he gritted out.

“It doesn’t matter what you meant, just like it doesn’t matter that you asked. With or without you, I’d have helped Chloe any time she needed it. In the end though, she doesn’tneedany of us. She’s strong and capable and such a badass.”

D sighed. “You think I don’t know that?”

“I’m glad you do, but your opinion matters to her. She’s back there hurting because she thinks she disappointed you. It’s one of her biggest fears. To be clear, I didn’t come out here to beg for forgiveness. I came out here to make sure you understood the effect you have on Chloe… and to make sure you apologize.”

He frowned at the stars. “Me? I’m the one traumatized by seeing her in bed with you.”

The prospect of losing D’s friendship, losing every connection I cherished, sent bolts of panic through my system, but I wouldn’t lie to him. Either he learned to accept my feelings for Chloe, or he didn’t. The most I could do was be upfront with him now.

“I’m sorry you found out the way you did, but I don’t regret a single moment I spent with her.”

D scoffed. “Do you regret lying to me? Did you even wait a day after she moved in, or did you hang up with me and immediately invite her into your bed?”

His accusation hurt, but unlike with Craig, I didn’t feel the telltale prickle of my temper. D was speaking out of anger, and I hoped we could come through the night without fracturing any relationships.

I blew out a breath, choosing my words carefully. “That’s not me and you know it.”

“IthoughtI knew it,” he muttered. “Turns out I don’t know nearly as much as I think I do. I expected you to come out here apologizing and begging me for approval.”

“I don’t need your approval. Your opinion, your friendship, matter to me, and I stayed away foryearsout of respect for you. That time is over. I don’t want to have to choose between the two of you, but if you make me, I’m choosing her. I’ll always choose her.”

D turned to stare at my expression, and I let him see the truth on my face. I’d mourn the crew we’d built, but I would sacrifice everything for Chloe. Burn it to the ground and dance on the ashes with her.

He cursed quietly under his breath, and his jaw ticked. “I’m pissed you guys lied to me, and I’m hurt you thought you needed to hide. It might take me a little bit to get past that, but I’d never make you choose. I might pay some of the defense to beat your ass though—to make up for the image of you and Chloe I’ll never be able to erase.”

I hated the lingering resentment between us, but D hadn’t turned his back on me like I’d feared. “Your cockblocking ass barged intomyroom. Deal with the aftermath like a big boy. Are you going to set things straight with Chloe on your own or do I need to drag you back in there?”

“Look, tonight was kind of a shock, but I’ll make things right with Chloe. I overreacted because I thought she felt comfortable telling me anything. It’s a nasty surprise to learn we have boundaries after all. Despite my stupid big mouth, she could never disappoint me. I’ll make sure she knows that.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “I’m still salty about the secrets, but I’ll work on that myself. Honestly, I’m glad she finally broke down for someone. Chloe is at her happiest when she’s taking care of other people. I feel better knowing she has someone to take care of her now. She’s shit at picking guys for herself though, so don’t let her fuck this up.”

The tight band around my chest released, and I took a full breath for the first time since he’d busted into my room. “I love her. Nothing could drag me away from Chloe. Not even her.”

D laughed, and the last of my tension drained away. “Good luck, man, and sorry for barging in.Sosorry.”

“Maybe knock next time if you don’t want to see your sister naked.”

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