“I’m worried hanging out together isn’t healthy for either of us,” he says.
“How come?”
His tone is soft. “Because of the line.”
“The line?” I clutch the water glass like it’s a lifeline.
“It can get hard to draw the line, Lei,” Brayden says so softly I nearly cry. “That’s all I’m saying.”
“Harder and harder,” I murmur.
“I know you were told to find a dance partner for the month.” Brayden’s voice is so low I have to strain to hear him. “Yet despite your fiancé’s laissez-faire attitude, which I personally think is crap, I don’t want to complicate things for you so close to…you know, your big day.”
I close my eyes and try not to panic.
Brayden’s voice is rough and stripped of all pretenses when he speaks again. “Leleila, I think I should leave.”
I search his face. His expression is laced with an emotion I can’t read, and the pulse in his neck is throbbing. It’s like a switch went off inside of him, and he’s about to bolt.
He stands up. “If you and Sophia still want to come to the party after Friday’s game, you’re welcome to.”
I narrow my eyes. “You don’t want us to come?”
“I do want you to. I just don’t think it’s going to be your thing is all. And I don’t want you doing anything that will make you uncomfortable.”
“I thought it wasyourthing.”
“It is. It’s…” He exhales. “It used to be my thing, and it still is a part of me. You know I don’t party like I used to.” He practically runs to the door. “Sleep well. I’ll see you.”
I bang my head against my hand. What a mess. I finish my glass of water, and then I get up and spend the next two hours with a paintbrush in my hand.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brayden
Shit. I can’t believe I almost fucking kissed her.Thatcannot happen again. I wanted a taste of Leleila’s lips again so badly I was shaking. It’s been twelve years since I’ve kissed her, and my need for her tonight was stronger than it’s ever been. I had to physically wrench myself away from her and drag my ass out the door.
I’ve just backed out of her driveway when my phone rings.
I pick up. “Hey, Cam.”
“Bray, we’re at your house.”
Great. I’m in a shitty mood, and I have unexpected company.
“You’re already in town for the wedding?” I ask.
“We came early so we could go to the Wilcox game on Friday. Jenson, Olivia, and his sons are here too. Jenson’s putting the boys to bed now.”
Jenson’s the only one of us who’s already a father. He and his ex-wife had an unplanned pregnancy when they were in college, and his sons are now six years old. Jenson and Olivia have known each other their whole lives, and they went through a lot of shit to get to where they are now—together and engaged to be married.
“Cool. I’ll be home in about ten.” I turn right onto Main Street and head for my house.
Cam goes silent, which is unusual for him. He still hasn’t told me what’s going on, but I know something’s bothering him.
“Something’s up with you,” I say, unable to stay quiet any longer.
“What do you mean?” His tone is sharp.
