Page 4 of There is No Try

BRIDGET

NINE MONTHS LATER

I’ve watched Ronan fall head over heels in love with Nora. I’ve never seen him so happy, and I couldn’t be more pleased for the two of them. Even though he married an Englishwoman, I don’t hold it against her; she’s an incredible mum to Leo and loves my brother fiercely.

I’m not jealous…All right, I’m a bit jealous. I’ve never known an all-consuming love like they share. My ex-husband and I married when we were young, and we struggled with infertility for years, which put a strain on our marriage. Ultimately, it was too much for him, and he left when I was pregnant with Gavin. My own father wasn’t around growing up, and I hate that the cycle isn’t broken.

As I’m packing a bag for Gavin’s match, my phone vibrates on the counter. Secretly hoping it’s cancelled, I unlock my phone and hold back a grin seeing Lucas’ name illuminating my screen.

Lucas

G’day, pup. Are you free for dinner tonight?

When Luc and I first met, he caught a glimpse of my one and only tattoo on my shoulder—a paw print I impulsively got when I was twenty. His little nickname has stuck for the past year. I should tell him to stop, but I selfishly don’t want him to. My stomach wooshes every time he calls me pup.

Lucas had only planned on staying with us for a few months while his custom home was being built. In the middle of the project, the contracted company was investigated for money laundering and Lucas never found a replacement to finish the house. He sold the land and has been with us this whole time.

As much as I love having him here, it’s time I gently insist he move out. I’ve developed feelings for him that grow deeper each day, and it’s only a matter of time before I get hurt. While he’s a massive flirt, there’s no chance he’s in love with me as much as I am with him. It’s best to keep it to my fantasies. There’s also no reason he should be living in my ridiculously small apartment with me. He’s worth millions and could do so much better.

I glance around nervously even though I’m alone. His teasing has increased exponentially in the past few months. With Gavin at Ronan’s home, I’m free for dinner before Leo’s birthday party, but spending time with Luc alone is a terrible idea.

No, sorry, I’m not free.

Yes, you are.

Come have dinner with me.

Is that supposed to be a question or a command?

Neither. It’s a request.

Well, my answer is still no.

Why not?

I already ate.

Liar.

I’ll see you at 7:15.

I’m going to leave the flat at 7.

Then I’ll be sure to come home at 6:45.

You’re impossible.

No, I’m your date for the night.

For the hundredth time, you don’t need a date for Leo’s birthday party.

As much as I long for more with Lucas, it would ruin everything if it ended badly. Gavin loves Luc, so do I, which is why I need to keep my gorgeous flatmate at arm’s length.

Either I’m your date tonight, or you’re going to tell me why your hand was between your legs thinking of me while you were in the shower yesterday.

I should lie, but he's caught me in the act twice. Who knows how many times he’s heard me and didn’t say anything.

The first time, he thought I was having a nightmare, which wasn’t too far off. Fantasising about your brother’s friend is one thing; it’s all pretend. Coming down from your mind-blowing orgasm to find the sexy as fuck man sitting next to you on the bed is… There is no word to describe the torture. The way Iwanted his hands on me, swirled with embarrassment of being caught, it was absolute hell.

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