“I understand.” I squeeze Racer’s shoulder. “But I’m your good friend too. Trust me. You know me, you know the kind of person I am. I’m not the kind of guy who’s going to purposely hurt someone, or get what I want and then leave. I’m honest and trustworthy. I will treat her well, I promise you that.”
Moving his jaw back and forth, he sighs and lowers his head. “Fuck, you’re right. If I had to choose someone for her, I guess it would be you . . . unfortunately.”
“Don’t be too excited about it,” I joke.
“She’s been hurt before.”
“I know.” I pat Racer on the back. “She told me. She told me everything.”
“She did?” Racer looks surprised.
“Yeah, she did.”
Nodding slowly, he understands the importance of Adalyn opening up to me. He gets it. “And you’re going over there tonight to . . .”
“Eat cake.” Racer suggestively raises his eyebrow at me. Rolling my eyes, I clarify. “Like, actual cake. Chocolate cake to be exact.”
“Gah, chocolate cake. That sounds really good. Can I come too?”
“Are you mental? Of course you can’t come.” I make my way to my car. “Three’s a crowd, man. Sorry.”
Hopping in my car, I wave goodbye through the windshield and make a quick pit stop at the cottage for a one-minute shower, and to pack my overnight bag. Then I’m back in my car on route to Adalyn’s place, which thankfully isn’t too far away.
The conversation with Racer went a lot smoother than I expected. I can’t tamp down the euphoric elation I’m feeling, or the giant smile I’m sporting.That isuntil I pull up to Adalyn’s house and see Racer’s rusty old pickup parked right outside.
What. The. Fuck.
* * *
Trying not to barge through the door with a serious chip on my shoulder, I take a calming breath and rap my knuckles on the wood. I run my hand through the short strands of my still-damp hair as the door opens. Adalyn’s eyes are wide as she shakes her head and goes to shut the door on me, telepathically telling me now is not a good time.
Clearly Racer hasn’t told her about our little conversation. The asshole. I bet he’s sitting on her couch right now, eating my goddamn cake.
Before she can shut the door on me, I press my hand against the wood and push open.
Under her breath, she says, “What are you doing? Racer is here.”
“I know.” I push through the door and walk into her living where Racer is perched on the armrest, a smug smile on his face and a plate of cake in hand.
That motherfucker.
“Hayden, what a pleasant surprise. What on earth could you be doing here at Adalyn’s house?”
“What the hell did you not understand about the phrase three’s a crowd?” I make my way toward him as he quickly shovels the cake in his mouth.
Talking with his mouth full, he says, “You must have known I’d show up. You say cake and I’m there, man. Sorry I’m not sorry.”
I snatch the plate from him as he takes his last bite and point toward the door. “Say good night to Adalyn and leave.”
“What is going on here?” Adalyn asks, stepping into the living room, looking so goddamn beautiful in a pink dress that the anger roaring through me starts to dissipate.
Racer lifts the hem of his shirt to wipe his mouth, showing off his six pack—how he has one, I have no idea—and says, “Romeo over here let the cat out of the bag before I got here. Not only did he tell me about that delicious cake, but he also let it be known that he has a huge crush on you.”
God, why does he have to sound like a giant turd when he talks?
“You told Racer?” Adalyn asks, looking a little more angry than I expected.
“I did.” I rub the back of my neck, casting my eyes toward Adalyn, giving her all my attention. “He cornered me, and I’m not a good liar. I’m sorry. I know you probably would have wanted to tell him, but I was honest.”
