Her words sting, but I can’t let go of the jealousy gnawing at me. "I’m not trying to be overbearing," I mutter, but there's still an edge to my tone. "I just don’t want to see you get hurt, especially not by some guy who’s just passing through."
She softens slightly, but the hurt is still there, lingering in her gaze. "I can take care of myself, Mase. I’m not a little girl anymore."
"I know," I admit, the words feeling heavy in my mouth. "I’ve known that for a very long time."
The silence between us is thick, filled with everything we’re not saying. My mind races, torn between the memory of her earlier question and the knowledge of what her brother would do if he found out I even debated saying yes that I had thought about us together in a bed completely naked as I worshiped her body. The thought of Landon’s reaction if he knew what was going through my head right now is enough to send a shiver down my spine. But beneath that fear, something primal stirs—an urge to protect her, yes, but also a raw, undeniable attractionthat’s been there since we were teens, now amplified by the idea of what she asked.
Finally, she straightens up, smoothing down her apron with a sense of finality. "I should get back to work."
I nod. "Yeah, and I should probably get going."
CHAPTER 5
Chad
The next day,I ended up at the country club on my own. Driven by a need to see Dean again. It’s stupid and will only get my heart broken again, but I’m a glutton.
"Well, if it isn't the world famous tennis player himself," I say, sliding onto the stool beside Dean without bothering to wait for an invite.
His jaw clenches, but he doesn’t look up from the menu. His fingers curling tightly around the pen clutched in his right hand over a notepad. “Chad.” One word, flat and sharp. Cold as ever.
I lean back, grinning. “Always so chipper in the morning. Must be exhausting keeping that stick lodged so firmly up your ass.”
Dean’s eyes flicker toward me, the irritation just barely breaking through his calm exterior. “Do you need something?”
"Need? Nah," I say, shrugging. "Just thought I'd grace this place with my presence. You know, spice things up a bit. Didn’t realize breakfast at the country club was such a lively event."
Dean’s grip on the menu tightens, but he still doesn’t rise to the bait. Pity. I could use some sparring today. "Some of us have responsibilities, Chad. You should try it sometime."
That hits harder than I want to admit, but I laugh it off, refusing to let him see the sting. "Responsibilities? Sure, Dean. Like what, picking out the perfect, overpriced smoothie?"
His left eyebrow lifts as he presses his lips into a thin line, pinning me with a withering look. “Some of us don’t have the luxury of wasting time. And I’m going over possible menu changes, not ordering food.”
“Wasting time?” I scoff, ignoring the second part, leaning in and lowering my voice. "You call this living? Sitting here with the blue-haired crowd, reading a menu like it’s gonna change your life?"
Dean finally closes the menu and turns to face me fully, eyes cold and cutting. "Some of us actually have lives. You might want to get one."
There’s a pause, and for a second, the tightness in my chest makes it hard to breathe. He doesn't know shit about me, but somehow he knows where to hit. I force a grin, though my voice comes out more bitter than I want. "Guess it's a good thing I’m not taking notes from you, then."
He stands, stool scraping against the floor, and gives me one last look—just enough disdain to drive the point home. "I’ve got better things to do than entertain you."
Before I can fire back, he's walking away, leaving me sitting there like an idiot.
I let out a low whistle, signaling the waiter for coffee like it’s no big deal. But it’s hollow. His words cut deeper than I want to admit. Damn it.
I rub my chest, trying to shake the feeling. Why does he still get to me?
The coffee arrives, but it does nothing to drown out the echo of his words. But sulking into the cup isn’t me, so I paste on a smile, and with one last gulp of the bitter drink, I push away from the counter and follow him.
He thinks he can just walk away? That isn’t how this works. I stride toward the hallway he disappeared into, intent on continuing our verbal sparring match.
“Chadwick, what are you doing here this morning?” my mother says, stepping in front of me. I’d been so intent on following Dean I neglected to notice she was in the dining area.
“Mother,” I say, coming to a stop, my gaze lingering on the hallway behind her. “I just came to pay Dean a visit. You know my old friend.”
Her face lights up. Obviously he’s an alpha she would love me to settle down with. “Do you think you will become more than friends?” she asks, lowering her voice like we are trading secrets.
I widen my eyes and smile brightly. “You never know. You might get that perfect alpha you always wanted.” My smile fades just as quickly at my sharp words, and she falls back a step, hurt flashing in her eyes, as if I hurt her with the suggestion that I’m not good enough for them. “But I have to go. I’ll see you at home.”
