And it’s only making the rumor mill grind all the harder.
Because I see what they’re whispering about. I’ve been trying not to notice just how much attention Adam is paying Drew.
Or how that makes me feel.
The burning in my chest makes me uncomfortable. On edge.
Besides, I know Adam. He’s a good guy. A good boss.
But when he wants something, he’s ruthless in getting it. I won’t let him take advantage of her.
My hands squeeze with unspent energy, imagining throwing a punch in her defense. Too much has happened without any recompense, and I hate that I couldn’t protect Drew.
I won’t let another man hurt her like that.
I’m only able to keep myself in check until lunch, the turmoil sending me to his office after. He doesn’t seem surprised as I burst through his door.
Adam leans back in his chair, surveying me with a cool curiosity. “What can I do for you, Gabriel?”
I narrow my eyes at him and close the door behind me. The soft snick is dangerous. The ticking clock of a bomb.
“Word’s already spreading about you and Drew.” May as well come right out with it. I’m not one to mince words. “You know what this town is like. She doesn’t need that right now.”
“Maybe.” His hands fold together and come up to cover his mouth as he examines me.
We’ve butt heads on a few occasions over the years, but never to either of our detriment.
This time feels different. “But Drew’s not as fragile as you make her out to be. She can handle the attention.”
I step further into his office, shoulders rolling, squaring. “I know what people are saying. About her. About you. Don’t drag her into something that’ll chew her up.”
Adam takes my measure again, and he leans forward on his forearms, reminding me of how much he out muscles me. “You’re protective of her.”
That’s the most obvious statement he could have made.
“It’s been true for years, and I’ve seen it.” Adam pushes to his feet to meet me straight on. He’s big, but I bet I’m faster. “The way you look at her when you think no one notices…but you never say it. Never act on it. You’d rather watch her from the sidelines and pretend that’s enough.”
“This isn’t about me.” Panic taps at my sternum.
“Isn’t it? Because you’re warning me off like she belongs to you, when the truth is you’re too damn scared to step up. That’s not fair to her.”
Fire breathes in my chest. Part uncapping something I’m not ready to face and the other part sparking against my protective nature. My long years of ensuring Drew is okay and finding ways to make her less sad.
If he makes her happy…why can’t I make her happy? I shake off the thought. It’s not appropriate.
“What’s not fair is you sniffing around when she’s already been burned.”
“Maybe. Or maybe I’m the only one willing to admit I want her. Greyson sees it. Hell, even you see it. The difference is, I’m not hiding from it.” His meaty fists plant themselves knuckle-downon his desk, and his gaze bores into mine. “I want her. And unless you’re ready to step up, don’t expect me to step back.”
I stare back at him as we face off.
Do I want anything more than I have with Drew? My mind says no. But my body…is reacting like I do.
Taking a deep breath, I back away slowly.
Adam lifts his brow at me. When I reach the door, I clear the emotion from my throat. “If you hurt her and fuel the town’s attack on her, I will end you.”
He only smirks at me before I slip out of the door.
