Page 15 of Burly and Obsessed

I force a grin. “Just celebrating your last night of freedom.”

“Uh-huh.” His eyes narrow, too perceptive for comfort. “This about the flower pickup? Andrea seemed off when I saw her earlier.”

My glass freezes halfway to my lips. “Off how?”

Jax studies me. “She was upset, but she wouldn’t talk about it. Anything I should know?”

The question hangs in the air between us. One honest answer could change everything—my place in the crew, Jax’s trust, and the careful balance I’ve maintained since arriving in Silver Pine Ridge.

“Nah,” I say, not liking lying but not wanting to get into any of the frustrations—with Andreaandwith him—boiling in my head. For once in my life, despite being drunk, I have the good sense to keep my mouth shut. “Flowers all got delivered fine.”

Jax nods slowly, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to let it go. He opens his mouth to say something, but Waylon comes over and pulls him back to the pool game.

I stumble outside, needing fresh air and the space to try and get my thoughts in order without the guys crowding me. The night presses cool against my flushed skin, but it does nothing to clear my head.

The door swings open behind me. Damien steps out, hands in pockets.

“You can’t drink this away, man.”

I lean against the wall, legs unsteady. “Working pretty well so far.”

“Is it?” His voice is quiet. “Because from where I’m standing, you look like shit. Give me your keys.”

I stare at him, then hand over the keys to my truck. A laugh escapes me, hollow and rough. “I’ve wanted her since day one. I finally got a chance and I fucked it up.”

“So what are you going to do about it?”

The question cuts through the alcohol haze. “What can I do? She won’t talk to me. Jax would kick me off the crew if he knew. My father would—”

“Your father isn’t here,” Damien interrupts. “And Jax? He’s in there celebrating finding someone who matters more than his job, more than his rules.”

I follow Damien’s gaze through the window. Jax stands surrounded by friends, laughing, secure in his happiness and the support of everyone around him.

“A woman like Andrea doesn’t wait forever,” Damien says, turning toward the door. “Trust me on that.”

As he disappears inside, I remain fixed on Jax through the glass. My boss. The man standing between me and what I want most.

No. Not him.Me. I’ve been standing in my own way, hiding behind Jax’s rule because it was easier than risking everything.

I’m done making excuses, and I’m done letting fear rule my life.

CHAPTER 7

ANDREA

Auntie Andrea!”

June’s voice cuts through the pre-wedding chatter as she barrels toward me, her flower girl dress a blur of pale pink. I crouch down just in time to catch her, lifting her into a spin that makes her giggle.

“There’s my favorite flower girl,” I say, setting her back on her feet. “You look beautiful.”

“Mom did my hair.” She points proudly to the intricate braid threaded with tiny flowers. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.” I smile as I smooth a stray strand back into place. My niece is precocious and sweet, and absolutely perfect. “You’re going to steal the show.”

Olivia approaches, elegant in a navy dress. “If you spin her again, those flowers are coming loose, and I am not redoing that braid.”

“No promises.” I hug my sister, breathing in her familiar perfume. “You look amazing.”

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