Page 25 of That Last Secret
“Think about it!”
“Brooke, even if he was interested in me, it would be so awkward with him being my brother’s best friend. Not just one of them. All three of them. He’s completely off limits.”
“So… sex?” She winks.
“I can’t stand you right now.”
“I know. I can’t stand me either. But seriously, think about it. This is one of those instances in which you will never know if you two are truly meant to be if you don’t try. Maybe Logan is your soulmate. Or maybe he’s the type of guy that’s not meant to be in your life for a long time, just a good time. Are you picking up what I’m putting down?”
My lips parted in shock as I stand there, blinking at her.
“Good, you blinked. I can’t sit back and watch you deny yourself the chemistry that floats in the air when you two are around each other.”
“You’re too drunk to have this conversation.”
“No. I absolutely felt it at the coffee shop but didn’t want to bring it up. His face got all twisty and nervous when you called him daddy. So hot.” Brooke laughs at herself.
My body stiffens, and even though she’s absolutely insane, she makes really valid points. I thought my past feelings clouded my judgment, and I thought something was there when there wasn’t.
“I don’t know, Brooke.”
“I don’t either.” She shrugs and goes back to her iced coffee. “I’m just saying, don’t throw any of this completely off the table. Wait it out, and if something comes up, it’s fate. Even if you two keep it a secret for a bit.”
I don’t love the idea of keeping another secret from my brothers.
It’s bad enough they don’t know the extent of the panic attacks I have regularly.
This is a dangerous game she’s suggesting I play.
Because all secrets kept in the dark eventually come to light.
May
Marc raiseshis glass in my direction. “Happy birthday, brother.”
“Cheers to joining the thirty club,” Thomas adds.
They clink their glasses of whiskey against my glass of water, and we settle into our boys’ night at Moore’s, a ritual that binds us together.
I lucked out this year, having my birthday fall on a Wednesday and being off work to get together with these guys. For years, we’ve been coming to this bar on Wednesday nights for drinks and to let off some steam in the middle of the week.
Initially, we picked this day because it was ‘hump day,’ and we’d all end up leaving with someone at the end of the night.However, it became more about catching up over small talk and a drink after Thomas started dating Peyton.
“What’s with the water?” Marc asks after taking a sip of his whiskey.
“You know I don’t drink and drive. And tonight, I have my motorcycle. I know none of you are going to ride that home for me.”
“You got that right,” Thomas says with an aggressive head nod.
“You won’t ever catch me on that two-wheel death trap.” Marc laughs.
He’s not wrong, the thing is a death trap. I’ve had my motorcycle for a few years now. It’s something I’ve always wanted growing up. Some men collect cars or sports memorabilia as a hobby. Having my motorcycle is my hobby. It’s easier to maneuver New York streets with, and I love the thrill of the wind hitting my face. I’d ride this thing all year if I could. Hell, I do most of the time thanks to my cold weather riding jacket.
“How’s work been?” Marc continues, directing his question toward me.
“Busy. You know how it gets this time of year. College kids are finishing school, so for whatever reason, the concrete jungle is an appealing place to travel and barhop. I think Silas and I have given out more DUIs this week than we have all year long.”
“Ouch.” Thomas shakes his head. “When will people learn that drinking and driving isnotcool?”