I rubbed a thumb over my lip, my brow creased in a frown. “Let me get this straight. This guy wants someone to take over the shop and doesn’t want any money from it. He’ll pay for a hotel while I look for a place and then also pay for the first six months rental?” Brax nodded. “Who does that?” I eyed him suspiciously. “What’s the catch?”
Brax shrugged, his gaze flicking to my father as though asking for help. “No catch.”
“So, what does he get out of this?” I pushed.
“The man’s a Malibu attorney, he’s rolling in dough. Because his uncle was a well-known and well-liked member of the town’s small community, he’s had a lot of requests to keep the shop open and find someone who’s friendly and will treat clients with respect.”
“And you think I fit that bill,” I snorted.
“Shay,” Dad scolded. “Give it a chance, will you?”
“Fine,” I relented, walking back to the garage as Dad went inside the house.
Brax followed me. “If it helps, Shay, he did ask for someone who’ll understand the small-town vibe and fit in. That’s why I recommended you.”
“Why the fuck do you sound like you’re trying too hard?” I turned sharply, forcing him to stumble into me. “What are you making amends for, Brax?” I stepped back, folding my hands over my chest. “I don’t blame you for marrying Ryleigh or fucking around with her behind my back if that’s got your panties all twisted.”
One hand stuffed into his jeans pocket, he brushed the other through his hair. “Even though you’re a dick to me and I know no one can replace Griffin, I just think you could do with a friend.”
My brow shot up. “Why?”
“While it’s not public knowledge, my dad was a real piece of shit to me, Shay, but Dexter was my pillar of strength until his death. Not only did I lose a brother, I lost a best friend. Sometimes, it can get really lonely, no matter how strong you think you are.”
About to make a sarcastic comment, I paused as he lifted his gaze from the floor where it had been stuck since he began speaking. The grief of missing his brother, a soldier who died a year before Griffin, masked Brax’s usually smiling face.
“Fine, we can be friends but become mushy or clingy and my left boot’s going up your ass followed closely by my right.” Fuck me, did I just say yes to a friendship with this man I should be hating?
He grinned. “Don’t worry, I’ll only call you when I need to double date—”
“Get the fuck out of here,” I growled. “I’m not up to cleaning my boots today.”
Palms out defensively, he backed away, laughing. “Why don’t you come out for a drink with me,” he offered. “Might do you some good. Find a nice chick to bang. You’re cranky as shit, speaks to that sexual frustration you’re harboring.” All this he said, walking backward until he stood by his car.
“You can run but you can’t hide,” I mocked, not bothering to go after him.
Laughing, he climbed into his car. Once I heard it start up, I chuckled. The man had balls. He was part of the team that rescued Griffin and me. If anyone could understand how fucked up I’d been after his death, it would be Brax. Strangely, I didn’t resent him for wanting to help since my discharge. But he was right about the sexual frustration.
After Skye, I wasn’t as prolific in the bedroom with Ryleigh. Granted, she knew what happened between me and Skye, she still tried to make the marriage work. Her efforts were futile because I became a disinterested asshole. So, I couldn’t blame her for seeking out Brax.
I missed Skye then but now that Dad knew, somehow the intensity changed. I needed to see her even for just a moment. Who was I kidding? A moment wouldn’t suffice, I wanted her back in my life and forever wasn’t long enough either. Maybe Dad had a point. When the time was right, I’d find her again.
If only I hadn’t lost you...
