Cade
*Insert waggling eyebrows image*
Me
Helping her move furniture. You know what, never mind. I’ll ask our little brother. He’s probably stronger anyway.
I know that’ll get a response. I crack a smile as I wait for his answer.
Cade
Fuck off. I’m already out the door.
Slipping my phone back in my pocket, I say, “Help is on the way.”
“What?”
“I messaged Cade. He’ll come help me move that stuff up here for you,” I tell her.
“But…it’s, like, eight at night,” she informs me, glancing down at her watch.
“And it won’t take us very long to bring up what you need.”
“But I don’t really need it now,” she insists.
“Yeah, well, now you won’t have to worry about it anymore,” I reason, knowing unless it’s something oversized, it won’t take much for my brother and I to move it upstairs. Between our own moves, my sister’s, and even Camden’s recent move, we’re pros at this. I’ll help my boss and then finish my run.
I’m sure I’ll be heading back home in no time.
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
CHAPTER
TEN
Lizzie
I can’t stop stealing glances.
There was no missing the way he got hard while we were lying on the floor, and even though I did my best to keep my eyes above his waist, I admit I looked.
Twice.
“You really don’t have to stay and help.”
Collin shrugs his shoulders and leans against the wall. “I have nothing more pressing to do at the moment.”
Something flashes in his eyes. It’s a guarded mixture of hurt and anguish, and even though I should probably let it be, I can’t do it. “Are you okay?”
He holds my gaze, giving nothing away. The man’s poker face is top-notch, that’s for sure, but there’s this underlying hint of discomfort, and that’s what has me concerned. “I’m fine. Just a…uh, it was a rough shift.”
“You worked today?” I ask, thinking back to the schedule he texted me. If I recall correctly, he was off earlier this morning.
“Until eight,” he confirms. “But…”
I don’t push him. If he wants to talk about it, I’ll listen. I consider him a friend, even if we haven’t known each other very long. Even if I ignore the sexual tension that seems to surround us whenever we’re together. I can push that all aside and be a friend first and foremost.
Noticing the internal battle he seems to be engaged in, I throw out a comment to hopefully make him smile and keep things light. “Hey, I’m a bartender. I’m like a therapist, only cheaper.”
