Page 29 of Uxpectedly Ever After

“So what’s stopping you from going for it?” She narrows her eyes, then answers her own question. “Her brother, obviously.”

“That’s part of it.” I recall that morning after—Clover fortifying her walls, brick by stubborn brick, right in front of me. “She said it was a mistake. Because she’s Kasen’s sister, and I ‘only do casual.’” I practically spit the words, disgust rolling in my gut.

Brenna arches a brow. “Well, you have been the dictionary definition of a fuckboy ever since I met you.”

“Yeah, well…” I stare at my hands, remembering how they felt on Clover’s skin. “It’s what everyone expects from me.”Or wants me for.

“Bullshit.”

I look up, thrown by the sudden edge in Brenna’s voice.

“That’s total bullshit, Banks.” She crosses her arms and fixes me with a hard stare. “You’re the guy who brings soup to Vetter’s kids when they’re sick. Who spent a weekend moving Martinez’s grandma into her new apartment. Who volunteers at the burn unit on your days off.”

“That’s different.”

“Is it?” She bumps my shoulder with hers. “Or have you just gotten so used to people treating you like you’re only good for a one-night stand that you forgot who you really are?” She shakesher head. “Women like Clover need somebody who shows up. Someone who stays when it gets ugly. And guess what—lucky her, that’s the guy you actually are.”

Her words hit me like a lightning bolt. Is that what Clover needs—someone who proves he’s here for the long haul, not another hookup who vanishes when things get complicated?

Does she need to see that I’m willing to put her before my best friend?

“Look,” Brenna goes on, pushing to her feet. “I don’t know exactly what’s up with you two, but ever since that ‘whatever happened,’ you haven’t been yourself. So either tell her how you feel or walk away, because this half-in, half-out shit is dangerous. For you, and for the rest of us.” She squeezes my shoulder. “Figure it out before Morgan benches your ass. I can’t deal with Johnson as a rescue partner. The jackass still calls me ‘little lady.’”

She heads out, and I’m left sitting there, her words rattling around in my head.

The problem is I've been waiting in the wings for Clover James since the first time I saw her across Kasen's living room, but I never believed I had a shot.

Now I know she wants me too, except she’s shutting me out.

The automatic doors whoosh open as I enter the grocery store, cold AC blasting across my face. It’s my day off, and I’m on a mission to cook something for dinner that might coax Clover into eating with me instead of working late at Ember again.

For the past week, she’s been sneaking in after I’m out cold and slipping away before I’m up. I’d think she was flat out dodging me, except she keeps leaving little things in the fridgewith my name on them. Like she’s trying to take care of me while still keeping me at arm’s length.

It’s driving me fucking insane.

I’m standing in the meat section, debating between steak or the salmon Clover mentioned liking a while back, when I hear a familiar voice.

"Banks? Is that you?"

I turn to find Haley Price standing there, looking exactly like she did when we dated three years ago. Her hair’s perfect, her clothes are too expensive for grocery shopping, and her smile’s just this side of crazy.

"Haley." I nod, already trying to figure out how to get the hell out of here. "How are you?"

"I'm wonderful." She steps closer, her hand sliding up my arm like she has the right to touch me. I shake her off without being a dick about it, adjusting the basket I’m carrying to make the move seem natural. "It's been forever. We should catch up sometime."

The way she says "catch up" makes it clear she's not thinking about getting coffee.

Six months ago—even three months ago—I might’ve considered it. Haley and I were good at no-strings sex. She never asked for more than I was willing to give, and I never had to worry about hurting her.

But now? I feel absolutely nothing as she gives me a look that’s trying too hard to be tempting. I’m not into it. Her touch feels wrong. She doesn’t have freckles on her nose, and she’s not gonna give me shit for swapping where the forks and spoons go in the silverware drawer just to piss her off.

She's not Clover.

“I’m seeing home.” It’s a lie that feels like the truth. Because in my head, Iamseeing someone. Doesn’t matter that Clover and I aren’t actually together. I’m all in, whether she is or not.

Maybe she’s not seeing me, but I’m sure as fuck seeing her.

Haley's eyes narrow and the flirty smile drops off her face. "Anyone I know?"

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