Page 27 of Abyss

HUDSON

Garrett eyes the plates of food in front of me. “You sure you’re not trying to feed a small country?”

I pull the plate of scrambled eggs toward me, shoving the plate of pancakes and bowl of fruit I just emptied aside, and shrug. “Just trying to keep the breakfast industry from tanking. My contribution to the greater good.”

My best friend barks out a laugh before digging into his waffles. “That or contributing to the city’s food shortage.”

It’s another rare day where both my and Garrett’s schedules aligned and we met up to workout at the gym. I had half a mind to cancel on him this morning, given how late I got home last night and the little I slept the night before, but I couldn’t pass up a chance to hang out with him.

Garrett and I actually met at the gym years ago. I helped him correct his form on a couple of exercises and, surprisingly, he didn’t think I was a smug asshole for doing so. Ever since, I’ve not only become good friends with him, but with his brothers, Dean and Darian, as well.

I grin to myself, taking another bite of my eggs and thinking about the time we all went to Vegas and lost Garrettfor a night. Turns out, he’d run into Bella—the woman he’d been in love with for four years—and they’d proceeded to get drunk and married.

Two years later, they’re the picture of domestic bliss with their two daughters and innumerable cats.

My grin wavers a little as I think about the fun and close-knit family Garrett is always surrounded with—from his kids and wife, to his two brothers and loving parents.

It’s not that I’m jealous—I have Maddy and honestly, have never felt the need for more—but at one point I also had kinship with my brother . . . or I thought I did. He was supposed to be both by my side and on my side, much like Darian and Dean are for Garrett, but I suppose I meant less to him than his greed and desire.

And even if I’ve come a long way in accepting his betrayal for exactly what it was, I can’t say it doesn’t still sting. Like an old wound, scabbed over but not quite healed.

“How’s Maddy?” Garrett’s voice has my head and thoughts lifting. “All ready for the wedding? Saw on the invite that they’re doing it at your ranch.”

I nod. “Yeah, Maddy’s always loved the ranch. Ever since I bought it when she was little, she said she’d get married on it.” I smile. “Who was I to say no? And as for the other details, you know how she and Brie are.”

Garrett chuckles. “Two peas in averyorganizedpod. They probably had the entire thing planned years ago.” He glances at me. “What about you? Ready to give your little girl away?”

I sigh, running a hand down my stomach. “I always knew the day was coming. Her and Brie have been together for a long time, and Brie’s great—always been like another daughter to me.” I look around, not realizing it until now that I even felt this way. “Although, I won’t deny I miss the phase you’re in, when they rely on you and seek out your advice.”

Garrett’s brows waggle. “You know, it’s not too late to have another one. Even if you are an old geezer.”

I snort. “Yeah, an old geezer who just bench pressed your entire weight.”

“Touché.” Garrett runs a napkin over his lips. “But seriously, you haven’t dated anyone since Kenna, right?” His face sours at my ex-girlfriend’s name. “Any prospects you care to talk about?”

I lean back in my chair, running my thumb over my bottom lip as an image of the woman I sometimes wish I’d never met flashes across my vision.

For no fucking reason but to annoy me.

Her peach ass in those sleep shorts, so fucking divine, it should be outlawed. And those smooth, bare legs; those thick thighs I’ve imagined my face in between way more than I should.

The way her nipples protruded through her shirt . . .

Who the fuck wears Christmas pajamas in the middle of June?

“Oh, fuck!” Garrett leans forward, eyes gleaming like a cat spotting a bowl of cream. “Thereissomeone!”

“What!?” My head swings from left to right. “Nah, there’s definitely notsomeone. What there is . . . is a complication. A pain in my ass.”

Elbows on the table, Garrett’s smile stretches across his face. For reasons beyond my comprehension, he and his brothers—and their respective wives—have been relentless about getting me to date again.

And while I’m not opposed to the idea of dating, my track record leaves something to be desired, namely honesty, loyalty, and trust. Oh, and I’d love it if she didn’t sleep with my brother because I was out of town and she happened to be lonely.

But clearly, my requirements are hard to meet.

“Sounds like an interesting complication,” Garrett states.

“I haven’t even told you anything yet.”

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