“He’s so romantic. The way he shows up at the store every Friday to buy you flowers and wine and cupcakes. I swear every female in the store is half in love with him.”
“They can’t have him,” she says, half joking. “He’smycaveman.”
I’m grinning before I realize it.
“I told you all that because I want you to understand how complex some of the Anderson men are. They are hotheaded and reckless and damn infuriating at times but also the sexiest, sweetest, and most protective and supportive men you’ll ever meet. Zayn is so much like Kai. Those two are the most protective of the bunch. I’m not excusing Zayn’s actions because what he did to you was disgusting, but he was trying to protect his brother, and he’s very remorseful. I think he really loves you, Emery.”
“He told me he did,” I softly admit.
“And how do you feel about him?”
“I love him too.”
“And Joaquin?”
“That was only ever casual, and we have made our peace.”
She cocks her head to the side.
“I stopped by the house earlier, and we talked. I felt so bad for coming between the brothers, but he said he understands and he’s not angry. He said if Zayn and I make each other happy he wouldn’t stand in our way.”
“That is good. I’m proud of J for doing the right thing, and Kai will be pleased to hear it. He had a chat with him yesterday, and they’re planning to get all the brothers together to clear the air.”
“That sounds like a great idea.”
“It’s long overdue, and while they are all in one place, it needs to happen. This is a weight off my mind because I wasn’t sure how Joaquin would react. You can never tell with him sometimes. It could have gone either way. He’s a bit of a hothead too.”
“Yeah, I saw the evidence of that on Saturday.”
“What do you plan to do?” she asks, crossing her feet at the ankles.
“I want to talk to Zayn and see if we can salvage our relationship.”
Her eyes turn suspiciously glassy. “I really hope it works out. Zayn needs someone in his corner so badly, and I think you’d be so good for him. No pressure, and you should give him hell, but I’m rooting for you two.”
“Thanks, Abby.”
“Babe.” Kai pops his head through the door. “Did you ask her?”
“Impatient much, caveman?” she asks, arching her head back to look at her husband.
“I’m worried about him.” Concern ripples across Kai’s face.
“Worried about Zayn?” I ask, climbing to my feet. “Why? What’s wrong?” Panic jumps up and slaps me in the face.
“Hey, Emery,” Kaiden says. “Sorry for barging in, but Zayn took off hours ago, and I’m freaking out. I want to go to him, but he asked for space, and my wife told me I can’t go chasing after him yet.”
“Butyoucould,” Abby says, looking me directly in the eye as she rises to her feet.
“Not that we’re forcing you to do it if you don’t?—”
“Where is he?” I ask, cutting across Kaiden as I pull my keys from my purse.
“Do you know Mount Cadillac?” he asks.
I shake my head.
“It’s a familiar biking trail,” Abby explains. “But you can drive your car up there too. Give me your phone, and I’ll add our numbers and plug in the coordinates.”
