Page 74 of I Got You

“Hey, what’s up, bro?”

“After that game, I think I should be asking you.”

“Not much. I about laid that kid out. He’s so damn talented and willing to just throw it all away.”

“Let me guess. You’re in a bad mood and nursing a beer.” Sean chuckles.

“What do you want?”

“I’m trying to book tickets to come see your grumpy ass, but now I’m having second thoughts. Maybe I’ll just take myself to the beach for a week. I could use a week of cocktails and bikinis.”

“Whatever suits you,” I grumble.

“Why’s it so quiet there? Where are the kids and Maggie?”

“The kids are in bed, and Maggie’s at a wedding.” I’m trying really hard to keep my irritation under control.

“Maggie’s at a wedding, and you’re not. How’d you get out of that?”

“After the game, I texted her and told her I wouldn’t make it. I was in no mood to play nice.”

Sean makes some kind of disbelieving noise. “And she was fine with that?”

“Yeah. I haven’t heard from her. She’s busy.”

Sean lets out a long, soft whistle. “Let me know how that turns out.”

I rub my temples. First, Gwen. Now, Sean. “What does that mean?” I’m losing the patience I don’t have.

“Uh…I’m pretty sure there hasn’t been a woman in my life who’d be ok with me ghosting her, let alone at a wedding.”

“I didn’t ghost her. I sent her a text and explained about the game.” Well, I kind of explained, but I definitely wasn’t going to tell her anything about Greg’s phone calls.

“Sure, brother. I’ll try to match my ticket with Mark’s, so you only have to make one trip to the airport.” He’s quiet for a second. “Good luck tonight. I hope it all works out for you.”

I groan, tossing my phone on the couch beside me, not even close to wanting to deal with his condescending tone, but I have to admit my nerves are a little on edge. I in no way intended to ghost Maggie. They’re her friends, so I assumed not showing up wouldn’t be a big deal, but she had asked me to go with her.

Shit. I’m sure it’s fine. She would’ve texted me if it weren’t fine, right?

I sit sipping my beer that’s no longer cold, trying not to stew, when I hear a key in the front door. Maggie steps inside in a long gold sparkling gown, followed by a man with whom she turns to give a hug and thanks him for bringing her home.

Awe shit. First, I’m an idiot. Plain and simple. No excuses. Second, I don’t like any part of the hug that just happened, and it’s my own damn fault. And third, she looks incredible in that dress. It’d bring any man to his knees, and I let her spend the evening alone in a room full of them.

I stay still as she closes the door, steps out of her heels, and turns, making eye contact before turning away. Shit. Shit. Shit! I’m in trouble. Big trouble in so many more ways than one.

She ignores me, heading towards the hallway that leads to our room.

“Hey.” I test the waters.

“Hey.” She doesn’t break her stride.

Because I’m a fool, and there’s no changing it, my next words don’t do me any favors. “Who was that?”

That stops her in her tracks, and I’m pretty if they had the power, her eyes would slice me in two. “Carmen’s brother.” She says it so softly, and that softness has me worried. “I’m going to bed.”

“Wait.” I stop her. “What’s wrong?” I have a feeling Sean was right, but I need confirmation. She doesn’t say anything. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it to the wedding. The game….” I know it will sound lame, so I shut my mouth.

Her eyes shift to the floor and then back up at me. “It’s fine.” She starts moving again.

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