Page 35 of Brittle Heart

Cindy has made a mess of everything, but it feels damn good to be back. I still despise this job, but knowing I can pay next month’s rent and cover my other expenses makes the whole fucking ordeal worth it.

Donny walks over to me, lightly tapping the surface of the bar next to me. I glance up at him, and he says, “Don’t be late again tomorrow.” His face carries a stern expression, yet I detect a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I respond, smirking slightly.

He nods and heads into the kitchen.

As soon as Donny is out of sight, Cindy rushes over to me and envelops me in a hug. “God, never leave me alone here again,” she whispers, and when she releases me, I notice tears in her eyes.

I don’t particularly like Cindy, but even I’m not heartless enough to lack sympathy for her when she’s such a mess. “Are you okay?”

“I am now that I have my BFF back.” She pulls me into a quick hug before heading toward a table that requires attention.

Wait, am I tripping? Did she just call me her BFF? And is she actually working the tables right now?

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Clay

“You need to start eating healthier, man,” I tell Josh as he chomps down on a cheeseburger in the passenger seat.

It’s Saturday evening, and we’re on shift again, parked in front of a fast-food restaurant that Josh enjoys in the Bronx.

“Sure, tomorrow,” he says, speaking with a mouthful, and I let out an exasperated sigh at his lack of concern.

The evening has been quiet, with us mostly driving around and observing people having a good time on their night out.

My phone buzzes with a text from Xander.

Just finished everything up and about to settle on the couch, watching some Netflix. Hope your night is uneventful. Miss you.

Sometimes, I despise my job. I could be snuggled up on the couch with my boyfriend right now, but instead, I’m watching my best friend stuff his face, waiting to be called to a case.

I’d drive back home to you in a heartbeat for some Netflix and chill, babe. Miss you too.

Oh, yeah? How much Netflix and how much chill would be involved?

I’d say I wouldn’t give a damn about what we watch since we wouldn’t hear a thing over me moaning.

Fuck, love, now look what you’ve done.

My heart races, and my face flushes as a picture suddenly pops up in our text thread—Xander’s massive, beautiful, heavily tattooed, and pierced cock tightly gripped in his fist, fully erect. I groan and let my head fall against the car seat, swiping my free hand over my face.

“God, you guys sexting again?” Josh asks, cleaning up the fast-food trash. “You should keep that stuff for home. I think I’ve seen your boner more than Xander has lately.”

I glance down at the noticeable bulge in my tight uniform pants and shift my hips, trying to adjust myself.

“Sorry, these late shifts are cockblocking me more and more,” I say.

“Mm-hmm… I get it. It sucks. I mean, I have no one waiting for me, but I still want to get a good night’s sleep soon,” he says, suppressing a yawn.

“Didn’t we discuss you getting back on dating apps?” I turn slightly to get a better look at him.

“Yeah, we did, but it’s just not my thing. Either they’re only after a quick hookup, or they want to marry me without even meeting in person,” he explains.

“Oh, poor handsome boy, having women lining up without even trying is such a drag,” I tease.

“It is. I’m twenty-six, and I’m done with playing around. I want something real, something like what you guys have,” he says, his gaze dropping to his fingers.

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