Page 12 of Delicate Storm

After taking his sweet-ass time to meander over, Zane stands a few feet in front of me and holds his arms wide. “Should we get this over with?”

Keeping a straight face, I grab a ball as I answer. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You want to deck me,” he explains even though we both know I was lying. “And I’d love to stop walking around waiting to be decked.”

“You think I’m going to deck you?”

“Aren’t you?”

“Believe it or not, I don’t dwell on the past. I couldn’t give a fuck about you and Macy. I’m here to play football. You’re my teammate. I’ll be civil. But make no mistake, if you cross meagain, I won’t hesitate to fuck you up. Or maybe I’ll leave you hanging. I like the thought of you ‘waiting to be decked.’ That sounds more fun.”

Zane laughs, but there’s a hint of something else simmering beneath the surface, and I can’t tell if it’s nerves or regret. But before I can figure it out, his expression turns.

“I’m not going to apologize, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Wouldn’t dream of asking. Like I said, I don’t care. It’s done. Let's focus on the game. It’s a new season and we’ve got another Super Bowl to win.”

Zane’s eyes narrow as he processes my words. I’m only half lying. I don’t care about Macy cheating anymore. In fact, it was a blessing. The push I needed to officially end things with her. And maybe that’s why she did it. She wanted to leave. I wanted her gone, but I also wanted her present for Isaac’s life and was willing to fake it indefinitely. But when our business became public, I couldn’t take it anymore. And that’s the part I hate. I’m not delusional; I chose a career in the public eye. But I never chosethat. I never asked for that. So if I was going to deck him for anything, it would be because he decided to talk about my personal life on that damn TV show.

“Okay,” Zane nods as he finally steps closer. “Moving on.”

“Nope,” Luke cuts in, stepping beside me, coming out of nowhere. “I’m not moving on.”

“Luke—”

“Hear me out. Is it any of my business—”

“No.” It’s really fucking not. I glare his way but he chuckles.

“That was rhetorical; I wasn’t finished. I know it’s none of my business, but if this fucker…” He points to Zane. “If Zane’s going to be a starter this year, then we can’t have you two pissed off at each other.”

“I’m not pissed, I’m—”

“Bullshit. You’re fucking ropeable.”

“What the hell is ropeable?” I turn to Zane, and for once I think we’re on the same page because he too is clueless.

Luke laughs again. “It’s cool, huh? I learned it from Hayley, Amelia’s friend,” he adds like we haven’t all met his wife’s Australian friend. “It means you’re furious,” he continues while we both stare at him. “I imagine it to mean you want to wring his neck, you’re that angry.”

What the fuck? He’s using Australian terms now. As if he wasn’t annoying enough.

I stare at him deadpan while Zane laughs. “I like it. I’m going to steal that word.”Jesus, he’s just as bad as Luke.

“If I’m ropeable about anything, it’s this goddamn conversation. Luke, I’m sure you’re needed somewhere else. Zane, let’s go.”

Luke grabs my arm before I’ve taken a step and pulls me to a stop. “Wait.” He turns back to Zane. “Grow the fuck up, Fitzpatrick, and apologize so we can all be a happy family again.”

“I have nothing to be sorry about. I didn’t know she was his girl.”

That’s not the point but I keep quiet. I wasn’t kidding; I want to move on.

“If you accidentally trip over someone, do you say sorry?”

“Yes, but it’s not the same.”

“God, you’re a fucker.” Luke shakes his head incredulously and I almost laugh. I remember calling him that many times before, and now look at him, trying to make things right. This could be a proud moment for me…if I cared.

“Okay. Jesus.” Zane turns to me and takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry Iaccidentallyfound myself with my dick inside your girl. It won’t happen again.”

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