Drew nodded, running a hand through his tousled hair. “No problem, man. What are friends for, right?”
Friends.Right.
“Yeah,” I managed, forcing a smile. “Get some rest. Knock ’em dead tomorrow.”
Drew flashed me a grin, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Always do. Night, West.”
As he disappeared down the hallway, I collapsed back onto the couch, my mind reeling. What the hell had just happened? One minute we were joking and relaxed, the next….
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. This was exactly why I’d kept my distance lately. Every moment with Drew felt charged, loaded with potential and unspoken feelings.
Another show played silently across the TV screen, casting a glow over the room. I stared at it, but I couldn’t say what was on as I replayed the evening in my mind. The easy conversation over dinner, the way Drew’s face had lit up when I’d decided to stay, the feeling of his hands on my skin…
I needed to get it together, even if I knew it was hopeless. Drew had wormed his way into my heart years ago, and try as I might, I couldn’t shake him loose.
I sighed, a familiar ache of longing settling in my chest. When had things gotten so complicated between us?
As I finally turned off the TV and headed to my room, I knew sleep would be a long time coming. The memory of Drew’s touch lingered on my skin, a bittersweet reminder of what I couldn’t have.
7
DREW
Iweaved through the packed dining room of Lusitana, balancing a tray of colorful cocktails as the buzz of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. My eyes landed on Adam and River, wrapped in each other’s arms, their faces glowing with pure joy.
“To the happy couple!” someone shouted, raising a glass.
A chorus of cheers erupted as Adam planted a kiss on River’s lips. My heart swelled with happiness for my friends, even if a twinge of envy creeped in. I wanted to be them.
“Thanks, Drew!” a regular patron said as they took a drink from my tray. “Hell of a declaration, huh?”
“You said it,” I replied, my gaze drifting back to the lovebirds.
I patted my pocket, feeling for my phone. Where the hell was West? He should’ve been here an hour ago.
Ducking behind the bar, I pulled out my phone and checked for messages. Nothing. My stomach twisted with unease.
It wasn’t like West to be late. He was always punctual, arriving at least five minutes early. Yet today, he had somehow missed the moment when Adam professed his love for River infront of everyone. I was disappointed, but there was nothing I could do, so I pushed my thoughts aside and focused on work.
Over the next couple of hours or so, I tried but failed to stop my eyes from darting to the entrance every few seconds, hoping to see that familiar mop of curly brown hair appear.
River and Adam had disappeared an hour or so ago but the party was still going strong.
My phone buzzed in my pocket as I handed out mojitos. I nearly dropped the tray in my haste to check it, but it was just a spam email. Disappointment and frustration washed over me in equal measure.
As I pocketed my phone with a sigh, a familiar voice piped up behind me.
“Why the long face, Drewsicle? This is supposed to be a party!”
I turned to find Noah grinning at me, his blond hair artfully tousled and blue eyes twinkling with mischief. He slung an arm around my shoulders, leaning in conspiratorially. “We’re going to crash Adam and River’s little love nest. Wanna come?”
“I’ve heard the stories, and I’m not sure I want to be on the receiving end when they come back for revenge.”
Noah shrugged. “It’s only a possibility if any of us has your apartment keys. I’ve been practicing my lock-picking skills, but I’m not front-door trained yet.”
For a moment, I was tempted. It would be a much-needed distraction from my worry about West. But as quickly as the thought came, guilt followed.
“I don’t know, man.” I hesitated, glancing at my phone again. “West still isn’t here, and he’s not answering my texts. I’m getting kind of worried.”
