Don’t think about all the insane things that could happen right now. This isn’t a porno, Lila.
Noah, still the only one of us standing, catches my eye. He’s been doing that a lot lately, more so than usual. Ever since the alleyway. Like he wants to do it again.
I blink fast and stare down at my notepad. “So, in terms of the next phase—”
“Actually,” Evan shoots me an apologetic smile before shifting uncomfortably in his chair, “there’s something I feel a responsibility to discuss with everyone present.”
My heart does a weird, pathetic flop. Is this about Leo? I’d hoped he would talk to his coworkers—his brothers, really, considering this station runs like one big family—about the custody thing. I’m sure Hale and Noah would be more than happy to do whatever they can to help Evan adopt his son.
Hale nods at him. “Go ahead.”
Evan glances at me again, then takes a deep breath before addressing the two men before him.
“I broke a rule.”
Hale is unperturbed. He merely raises an eyebrow, waiting for Evan to elaborate.
Noah, on the other hand, chuckles. “You, Reyes? Doubtful.”
A mix of confusion and horror trickles through me.
He can’t be about to…
“I take full responsibility for it,” Evan continues. “It was a decision made in the heat of the moment, which isn’t to say that I regret it, and so I suppose I should also apologize for that, but—”
“Out with it,” Hale grumbles impatiently.
No, no, no…
“I broke the union’s no-fraternization rule. With Lila.”
In the hushed tension that follows, it’s as if someone has turned down the volume on the entire city of New York.
Noah’s brow is furrowed.
Hale’s expression is unreadable.
“In what way?” the captain asks Evan, not even looking at me.
“I kissed her,” he clarifies. “Yesterday, down in the gym. It was all me. I initiated it. Lila cannot be blamed at all.”
“Well, hold on a minute,” I cut in. “I was a consenting participant in that kiss. Don’t make it sound like you attacked me.”
Evan gives me a gentle look as if to say,let me handle this. Ridiculous martyr. He doesn’t even know what he’s just done.
Hale is merely observing Evan, as if scanning him for the full truth. I squirm in my seat.
Then, Noah lets out a laugh. “I mean, I guess if it’s honesty hour, I should also come clean and admit that I kissed Lila, too. A few days ago, when we were filming. Technically, it wasn’t at the station, but we were at an official training site, so I also take full responsibility for what happened. Lock us up, Cap. Me and Evan kissed Lila.”
I can’t see most of Evan’s expression when he looks over at Noah, but I can easily imagine that it’s one of betrayal and jealousy.
Hale leans forward, resting his elbows on his desk as he starts massaging his temples.
“This is… complicated,” he says.
“We understand if you have to make a formal report to Branson,” Evan assures him.
“God,” mutters Noah. “The Hawk will love to hear that. She’ll probably kill me. Literally, this time.”
