“I know. You don’t have to make any decisions tonight. You were instrumental in helping her today, and maybe that’s all she needs right now. I’ll keep in touch with her to see if, and when, she needs more support. You don’t need to take point.”
I let out a relieved breath. “I don’t think I can do anything right now, G. I’m not in a good head space.”
My phone vibrates in my pocket with a text. Pulling it out, I frown when I see it’s from my brother-in-law, Sebastian. I say goodbye to my sister, then walk to my truck as I open Seb’s text.
Seb: You busy tomorrow?
Me: Why?
Seb: Are you always this paranoid?
Seb: You know what? Don’t answer that. I’ve got a guy coming to the Clubhouse to speak about his transition from Army to civilian life. I think you should come.
Me: I don’t know. I’ve acclimated just fine.
Seb: I know I don’t know you THAT well, Leo, but you’re full of shit.
Seb: You may think you’re acclimating, but your loved ones don’t. Isabella wants you to attend. So do it for her.
Me: That’s a low blow, pulling out the sister card.
Seb: I never said I played fair. Besides, it’ll get you out of Eternity Springs, and you can meet the rest of the guys. Almost every single club member has deployed. You’ll be around guys who know what you experienced.
Me: I don’t ride.
Seb: It’s not a requirement, but if you’re interested, we can get you on some wheels.
Me: I don’t know if my leg will handle a motorcycle well.
Seb: Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.
Me: If we come to it.
Seb: Nah. WHEN we come to it. I’ll get you on a hog, Santo. Trust me.
Me: I don’t trust easily.
Seb: It took me ten years to get your sister to trust me, and now I’m married to her. I’m ridiculously patient.
Me: I’m not marrying you.
Seb: You’d never be that lucky. I’m a hell of a catch.
With a snort, I toss my phone on the passenger seat, then start my truck. Looking up, I catch Ella’s eyes right before she whips the curtains shut. We definitely have unfinished business to discuss, but I have no idea if I’ll ever be ready to have that conversation.
Third — Fourth — Sixth Time’s a Charm?
Sources tell me our most eligible Army veteran — and only single Santo left — Leo, was seen leaving Ella Langley’s apartment late last night with his twin sister in tow. Is Gianna Santo Anderson playing matchmaker between her long-lost best friend and her brother? And how long do we think they’ll stay together this time?
ELLA
“So, how was it?” Whitley asks.
“How was what?”
“Leo.”
I give her a glare as I pull stacks of books out of a shipment. “You’re acting like it was a date. He didn’t even know he was coming to my apartment, Whit. It was awkward and uncomfortable and I couldn’t relax until he left.”
