Page 28 of Blindsided
Roan nods. “It sounds perfect. Let’s do it.”
“And I assume the cousins of the bride are invited.” Tanner interrupts Roan’s and my conversation. “You can’t have a proper stag night without the Harris Brothers.”
I look at Tanner standing there, gripping his long beard with a wee bit of desperation on his face that makes me laugh. “Don’t you all have children to worry about?”
“That’s what nannies are for,” Tanner scoffs.
“More like grandads,” Booker adds with a smirk. “Dad loves taking the kids.”
I nod at the two of them. “Very well then. There’s plenty of room, so I’ll prepare for the Harris Brothers to be there as well. Anybody else you fancy inviting to this stag weekend you’ve invited yourself to, Tanner?”
“You should invite Santino,” Tanner states and props his foot on the bench. “After what he did for me a couple of years ago, I basically owe him my life.”
I instantly stiffen. “Not Santino.”
Roan’s voice chimes in next. “What is your problem with him anyway? You’ve always hated him, and you’ve never told me why.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I answer and stand up, my muscles tensing from this very annoying subject matter. “It’s irrelevant.”
“I am worried about it.” Roan steps towards me with an uncomfortable look on his face. “Especially because he’s out with your friend Freya tonight.”
“What?” I snap, my jaw dropped. “What are you talking about?”
Roan shrugs. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you, but you should consider telling your friend not to date him if he’s a bad guy.”
“What are you saying, DeWalt?” I snap again, my eyes laser focused on him. “You’re not making any fucking sense to me right now. Freya wouldn’t go out withSantino.”
“She told Allie they are going to some posh rooftop tonight,” he says, tossing his towel over his shoulder. “I wouldn’t lie to you, man. Not about this.”
I clench my jaw so hard, I swear I feel my teeth crack. Without another word, I turn on my heels and all but sprint to the showers. This will not fucking do.
“Where is she?” I growl into the phone when Allie picks up my call.
“Mac?”
“Is she with him now?” I ask, all pleasantries leaving my voice.
“Roan wasn’t supposed to tell you!” Allie retorts, clearly anxious. “Why did he tell you?”
“Allie, just tell me where she is, and I’ll handle it.”
“Handle it? What are you going to do, Mac? Throw her over your shoulder and drag her out of their date because you don’t like him?”
“If I have to.”
Allie harrumphs into the line. “It’s no use. She’s determined to have a date for the wedding, and I don’t think you should interfere. This is good for her. She should be putting herself out there.”
“This isn’t up for discussion right now, Allie,” I state, trying my best to remain calm because I know Allie cares for Freya, but at this moment, I care more.
Allie huffs. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re acting like a jealous boyfriend, Mac.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re acting like a shite friend because you wouldn’t want your mate out with the likes of Santino if you knew what I know about him. Now, tell me where she is.”
Minutes later, I’m pulling up to Radio Rooftop, and I can feel the blood pulsing through my veins from my rage.
Fucking Cookie.
I know I’ve been avoiding her for the past few days, but it was just so I could get control of myself. I didn’t know what our kiss meant, and I definitely didn’t understand what I did afterwards. None of it made any fucking sense, so I needed some space to get my head on straight.
