Page 54 of Unspoken Hearts
“What are you doing?”
“Sitting with you,” He answers like I just asked the dumbest question in the world.
My eyes roll as I switch on the car. Backing onto the dirt tracks, I drive towards the main gravel path when Cole of course speaks up. “What’s going on between you and Macie?”
“That’s none of your business," I mutter, the sound of the running engine and stones crunching surrounding us.
“Mhm,” he hums and my jaw tightens. “But if something is happening, you’d tell me, right?”
I slow the car down to glare at my youngest brother who likes sticking his nose everywhere it doesn’t belong. “There’s nothing to tell. I helped Macie out,as my friend.”
“Are you sure you don’t meansoon-to-be-girlfriend?” I groan deeply. “I think it’s endearing how much you want to help her out.”
I furrow my brows at him, wanting to tell him off for interfering on the first chance I’ve had to kiss Macie, but decide against it.
He doesn’t need to know, and Cole also can’t keep secrets.
Pulling up beside Holden’s ute, I turn it off, leaning back against the plush seat. Cole nods beside me, his dark hair dischevelled like he’s been pulling at it.
“I’m helping her because she’s Grayson’s friend,” I repeat, not wanting to discuss this with him.
“Right…” he drawls, amusement dripping off his tongue. “Just so you know, though, chicks dig a man who’s helpful. The protective man and all.” I don’t miss his wink.
My tongue runs across my teeth. “And how would you know?”
Cold shrugs, smirking widely. “I get around.”
“You sleep with girls, but do you honestly think you know what they want?”
His smile broadens. “Well, they like to tell me—”
“You know what, don't answer that.” I wave him off with a flick of my wrist. “I don’t want to know.”
“But you asked—”
“And I changed my mind.”
He lets out a low huff. “I know a thing or two about ladies, all right. And I've seen the way Macie looks at you. She likes you, man. Like,really likes you.”
Rubbing at my eyes, a small groan escapes me, because I think he’s right. She wanted to kiss me, I could see it in her eyes. And she didn’t move away when I touched her. It’s as if the air around her is sweeter. Like I can be myself when I’m with her. The way my gaze gravitates to her whenever we’re in the same room. But then again, usually wherever she is, my brother is too.
“Even if she does, Grayson is my brother, and I won’t do anything to hurt him,” I murmur, my chest stinging once more, remembering thathe’d never forgive me if something happened between Macie and I. He’s been so protective of her for years, I can only imagine how he’ll feel if I tell him I’ve fallen for one of his best friends when he told me to stay away.
“He’ll come around,” Cole utters before getting out of my car.
Exhaling softly, I follow, closing my door and locking it before going to close the tray.
Cole sidles me, clearly not finished speaking, smelling of his whisky and cedarwood cologne. “Sawyer is coming home tomorrow. I propose we go for a drink once he’s here.”
“And why are you proposing this to me?” I grunt.
“You are the oldest, Reid. And as I recall, we are to respect our elders...”
My glare at his attitude is icy, but Cole just grins wider.
“Yeah, all right. But no getting drunk. We have to be up early.”
“Yes, sir.” Cole salutes me like a soldier.
