Page 144 of Collide
The way Broderick’s posture stiffens, his jaw ticking slightly.
The way Alex’s smirk deepens, his gaze flicking over Broderick in a way that isn’t just curious.
It’s assessing.
Sizing him up.
Broderick doesn’t move, doesn’t react, but his grip tightens ever so slightly around the grocery bags.
Oh, no.
I barely have time to consider how bad this could get before Alex turns back to me, mischief dancing behind his gaze.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your…friend?”
There it is. That slight, intentional pause beforefriend, like he already suspects something more.
Broderick speaks before I can.
“Broderick Schwartz. Thebestman.”
His voice is calm, controlled, but the way he stressesbest? Deliberate.
Alex’s gaze flickers with amusement as he takes Broderick’s outstretched hand, gripping it firmly.
“Alex Westerberg.”
Neither of them lets go immediately.
I swear, I feel a low current of tension crackling between them, like the air just before a storm. Riley’s eyes are filled with amusement as her gaze bounces between the two.
Finally, Alex pulls his hand away. Leaning closer, he slips it into mine, interlacing our fingers.
He tilts his head slightly. “So, how do you two know each other?”
Broderick doesn’t hesitate. “We work together.”
A chill skates down my spine.
“What?” Alex raises an eyebrow. “Work together?”
“She’s the maid of honor.” His tone stays smooth, unreadable. “And I’m thebestman.”
Best.Again.
I exhale sharply.
What in the pissing contest is this? Riley bites her lip, trying to stifle a smile.
Alex, of course, sees right through it.
His smirk widens, his grip tightening. “Ah.” His eyes slide back to me, twinkling with amusement. “The best man, but notherman,” Alex quips, not bothering to hide the sting.
What the fuck, Alex?
Broderick’s jaw locks.
Riley’s hand flies over her mouth.
