Page 3 of Far from Destined

“Yep.”

“Then you know there’s nothing to worry about,” I growled.

“Whatever you say. But we still need to talk.”

“We don’t.” Shame crawled over me, and I hated myself. What had Nate seen? Would he tell everybody else? Jesus Christ, I couldn’t do this right now.

Or ever.

“Come on, we’re going to get some coffee, and we’re going to talk about this.”

“I don’t need to talk about this,” I said.

“We do. I’m not going to tell the others, but you and I need to talk. I don’t care if you get pissy about it, but you’re my brother, and I love you. And you’re going to fucking listen to me.”

“Nate.”

“No. I’m done. Come on. We’re going to go get some coffee.”

Worry slid over me. “Where exactly are we getting coffee?

“You know where we are going.” Nate paused and gave me a knowing glance. “If it helps, she’s not working tonight.”

I swallowed hard, trying not to think her name. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Whatever. You’re not very good at lying, you know.”

“And you’re driving me because I don’t want to call my Uber.”

“I can’t believe you fucking Ubered here,” I said, knowing that Nate was stubborn enough that he wouldn’t let this go.

“I do what I have to do. Now, come on, I want coffee and a Danish.”

“Danishes are for breakfast. She’s probably not going to have them at her place.”

“She might. And look at you, thinking of her instead of the shop.”

“Fuck you,” I growled, tossing my bag into the back before getting into my truck and starting the engine.

I headed to the Boulder Bean and parked in the back, grateful there was a space. The fight had been an early one, and they had closed up for the night since it was still a weekday. That meant the bakery was still open, despite the owner not being there.

At least, I hoped she wasn’t here. I wasn’t sure if I could face her all bruised and aching like this. Who was I kidding? I wasn’t sure I could face her at all. And that was part of the problem.

We made our way into the café, taking a seat near the window. I didn’t want my back to the door. Nate didn’t seem to mind, but he did notice the hesitation. Regardless, he just gave me a look before shaking his head.

“I’m going to get us some coffees. What do you want?”

“Just a regular. Black.”

“You’re so boring,” Nate said, grinning, though it didn’t reach his eyes. He was worried about me.

And I was fucked.

“Thanks for the brew,” I growled. He made his way to the counter, the two of us occupying one of the two full tables in the café. The place was about to close soon, and I knew I should’ve just gone home. I could have even taken Nate with me so we could hash things out, but even though I wouldn’t admit it, I’d wanted to come here on the off chance that I’d see her.

Because I was a fucking glutton for punishment. If I weren’t, maybe I wouldn’t be in the ring at all. Things wouldn’t hurt as much as they did. Hell, I just wanted things to get back to normal.

I wanted to see her.