Page 84 of Heart Taker

“Let’s talk about it over a beer,” Dave replied and nudged my arm. “And you’re buying.”

Dave was right about one thing; one way or another, I was going to pay.

CHAPTER 25

SILAS

Finn kept telling me he was okay, but I knew he wasn’t. There was no way in hell he was all right. Not after receiving that kind of news about his mom. While I tended to deal with things internally, Finn was the kind of person that needed to talk.

So, I let him.

I invited him back with me to the house and we set up in the kitchen making dinner. Finn asked again about my “crush,” and what was I going to say to that? God, the word was ridiculous, something that teenagers would use. Still, the idea that I was crushing hard on Damien made my stomach somersault.

“I can’t, Finn. I wish I could, but it’s complicated,” I admitted. “To start with, he’s not out.”

Which was partly the truth. Finn, being the sweet guy he was, understood. He didn’t push me to say anything else. Even though I knew he wanted to ask more questions, and to be honest, I was anxious to talk about Damien. Huh. That was a first for me. While I had no problem talking about sex, talking about my feelings for my coach was a no-go. For so many reasons.

By the time the tacos were ready, Jo had arrived home, and all three of us chowed down while watching a movie. Afterwards, I got busy cleaning up while Jo and Finn played video games. I couldn’t help but laugh at their competitive trash-talk and one-upmanship. Hockey players never liked to lose, at anything.

I joined in on the games an hour later until Finn started to yawn.

“I better get going,” Finn announced and rubbed his eyes. “I’ve got to get my shit packed tonight.”

Finn said his goodbyes to Jo, and then I drove him back to campus around nine. He was about to step out of my truck when he paused.

“I can take a rideshare tomorrow if you’re busy,” he insisted.

“It’s all good, Finn. I’ve gotta take Jo to a doctor’s appointment before I head to work anyway.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. The ride, dinner, and the company. It was much-needed distraction.”

“Of course. Anytime.” I offered my fist, and he bumped it. “Now catch some sleep, bud, you have a long travel day ahead.”

“You sound like my oldest brother,” Finn quipped.

“I’ve had a lot of practice. Night.”

I waited until I saw him head inside the dorm and then I pulled out of the campus parking lot.

When I got back home, I sat in my truck for a while, staring at my phone. Debating. Second guessing. It wasn’t like me. When I decided, I was done. But what was going on with me and Damien, I didn’t know how to deal with it. I’d seen him this afternoon, only a couple of hours ago, and already my fingers were itching to text him. More than that, to touch him.

Fuck it.

Silas: Are you at home?

Damien: I just got in. I was out with Dave. A work dinner, discussing the visiting pros and all the related media the school is pushing. They’ve even hired a photographer.

Silas: Please tell me they’re not going to follow us around all day.

Damien: Not the whole day. But longer than I’d like. Is Finn all right?

Silas: I dropped him back at the dorm. He had dinner with Jo and me. I think he’s okay, but anxious to get home.

Damien: I don’t blame him.

Silas: He was asking about you. I mean, not you directly, obviously, but he knows something’s up with me. I feel like shit lying to him.

I got out of the truck, locked it, and then headed inside the house. Jo was sound asleep on the couch, so I covered him with a blanket, then made for my bedroom.

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