“He’s being treated,” Matt Payne said, sitting across from them. “His knuckles must have split again when playing darts earlier.”
“Ah.” Jack nodded. “That’s why Anna isn’t here.”
“He’s not with Anna,” Alvarez said, leaning back in his chair. “She must have taken the day off. At least, that’s what Reed thought when I asked him why I had to put up with his hands on my shoulder and not Anna’s gentle touch.”
Lucas leaned forward so that his hands, which were strangely clenched, disappeared under the table.
Matt sighed heavily. “Leon, when will you learn to express yourself without making everyone angry?”
“Never, I hope,” Leon said, grinning.
“Taking the day off? Why take the day off?” Jack asked.
Moreau was glad he wasn’t asked the question.
“How should I know?” Leon frowned. “Is she your sister or mine?”
“Maybe she’s sightseeing,” Matt said with a shrug.
Lucas suppressed a snort. Anna had once said that a city tour was about as appealing as a bedpan.
“She should have taken me along,” Alvarez griped.
“Leon…” Jack said warningly.
“What? I mean it! Jack, honestly, you, the more sensible of her brothers: What would I have to do to get your blessing to ask Anna out? She’s really cool.”
“I know she’s cool. And you’d have to wash your mouth out with soap and then never open it again,” he replied tersely. “Besides, I wouldn’t get my hopes up, Leon, but…” He lowered his voice. “Don’t tell Dax, but Anna seems to have a boyfriend or something along those lines.”
Lucas bolted upright, his fists crashing up against the table.
Everyone turned to him.
“Are you okay, Moreau?” Jack asked, surprised.
He merely nodded, but said nothing. Because what the fuck?
“No!” Leon looked genuinely shocked. “Who’s the guy?”
“I don’t know. From Tinder.”
What?
She had a boyfriend? From Tinder?
What the hell? Since when? She’d just made love to him in the shower a few days ago!
Lucas’ whole body tensed and a bitter taste filled his mouth. What in God’s name didn’t she understand aboutNo Fucking Drama?! And how could she fuck him and simultaneously…and at the same time…
“What’s his name? He can’t be better than me!” Leon said incredulously.
“I didn’t ask her,” Jack replied quietly. “Because I don't really want to know, though Penny is as good at keeping secrets as sheisnotgetting worked up about the press. I want her to tell me voluntarily when she’s ready. So, just shut up, and you, Leon, give up on her, okay? Dax doesn’t need to know either.”
“Fuck. Maybe that’s why she took the day off. Because the guy is here,” Leon muttered grumpily.
Lucas dug his fingernails into his palms. Shit, no! He wasn’t. Or was he?
No! She’d said she didn’t know if she even wanted something serious, she…oh, God.
