“Yeah.” I lean into his touch, pulse racing. “See you.”
Another brief squeeze and he climbs into his shiny new SUV.
As he drives off, I stand by my old car, watching his taillights disappear, my mind full of what-ifs and if-onlys. I’ve dropped hints, some not so subtle either, but he hasn’t picked up on any of them. I’m sure I’ve seen glimpses of something more than friendship in his eyes, but then he pulls down the shutters. I’m not sure how to break through and, to be honest, I’m afraid of trying.
Chapter Three
Derek
I love the weekends. Not because I’m out painting the town red, but because I’m outside in the garden instead of stuck in the office. The sun beats down on my back, warmth seeping into my muscles as I sweep the patio, clearing away the leaves that have fallen during the week. I’ve already watered the plants that line the edge of the tiles, and inhale the scent of damp earth mingled with freshly mown lawn. The smell is pure summer and puts a smile on my face. My hair clings to my forehead, damp from the exertion, but it’s a satisfying kind of tired, the kind that comes from doing something you love.
Stepping back, I survey my handiwork. The garden is a riot of colour—pinks, yellows, purples, and blues, all nestled among lush greenery. It’s taken years of careful tending to get to this point, but every moment out here has been worth it. This space is mine, my escape from the spreadsheets and numbers I deal with on a daily basis. The garden is where my creativity gets to shine.
The sun glints off the water in the pool and I’m tempted to take a quick dip, but I’ve got chores to finish. Ryan is coming around tonight and I want everything perfect, so I put away the broom and head back to the house.
Stepping inside, the cool air-conditioning is a welcome relief from the heat of the sun. As I down a tall glass of water, my gaze falls on the pile of mail on the counter. I toss a couple of marketing pamphlets into the trash before opening a few business letters. I’ll take care of them later. I’d much rather open the bright pink envelope, adorned with hearts and cupids. Inside there’s a card in Lily’s childish scrawl inviting me to her birthday party.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, kiddo,” I murmur to myself, my chest swelling with affection. I’d do anything for my niece. But as much as I’m looking forward to celebrating her eighth birthday with her and my family, there’s an ache I can’t deny.
I wander over to the living room window and glance out at the pool, my reflection in the glass staring back at me. Broad shoulders, narrow hips, and a neatly-trimmed beard framing my face. I’ve worked hard for everything I have—the house, the successful career, even the body I’ve sculpted over countless hours in the gym. But what’s it all worth if I don’t have someone special to share it with?
Enough with the self-pity,I scold myself and turn away from the glass.
It’s my own fault I haven’t found that special someone. I’ve met plenty of people over the years, yet no matter how many people I meet, my thoughts always drift back to one person.Ryan. My best friend’s younger brother is off-limits, I remind myself. Again.
It was hard enough trying to forget about him when he didn’t live nearby, but now it’s going to be hell. My heart skips a beat whenever I hear his voice, and now he’s around…Damn!I make a vow to myself. I’ll find someone to date to take my mind off Ryan. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even fall in love. I snort at the ridiculousness, then my phone buzzes in my pocket, interrupting my train of thought. Glancing down at the screen, I see Ryan’s name flash across the display. The sight of his name sends a familiar flutter through my chest, just proving my earlier point—I’ve got to get over this, I’ve got to put it behind me somehow.
I take a deep breath and accept the call. “Hey, Ryan.”
“Hey, Derek… Could you… Could you come over to my place? I—I need your help.”
The worry in his voice grabs my attention. “Sure. What’s going on?”
“I’d rather… Can you just come over?”
“Of course,” I say without hesitation, because of course I’ll drop everything if he needs me. “I’ll be right there.”
He immediately disconnects the call without replying. Something must be seriously wrong. I could hear it in his voice. I grab my keys and rush out the door. As I speed through the familiar streets towards Nathan’s, now Ryan’s apartment, my mind races with possibilities. I’ve got no idea what’s going on, but I refuse to let anything happen to him on my watch.
The moment I pull up outside his building, I jump from the car and practically sprint towards the entrance. I race up the stairs and down the corridor, my stomach heavy as I approach the door.
I knock then call out. “Ryan, it’s Derek.”
A moment later the door opens. “Thank God you’re here,” Ryan says.
My heart jumps. He looks vulnerable, with his red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. I want to pull him into my arms, but he turns and makes his way to the living room. I follow, taking in the scene before me. Ryan, looking distraught andclose to tears, and his ex-boyfriend, Tim, standing across the room. “Ryan?”
“Stay out of this, Derek!” Tim snaps.
“What’s going on?”
“It’s none of your business,” Tim says. “This is between Ryan and me.”
I look to Ryan. “Do you want to talk to him?” I think I know the answer but I check anyway.
Ryan shakes his head, so I turn back to Tim.
“Tim, you need to go.” I keep my tone steady not wanting to inflame the situation.
