Matt’s harsh greeting took Zade by surprise. “Sorry, man. If this is a bad time, I can call back later.”
Closing his eyes, Matt forced the air in his lungs to move in and out of his nostrils at a slow, calming pace. “Sorry, King. What’s up?”
“Your blood pressure, from the sound of things.”
Matt smirked. “You have no idea.”
“Want to talk about it?”
Not happening.“Did you need something?”
“Not really. I knew you were in a less-than-ideal situation, so I thought I’d check in. See how you were holding up.”
Damn. The former Marine was as tough as they came, but the guy sure didn’t hold back with his emotions. It was no secret King had the softest heart out of all the Bravo guys.
“I’m good, but thanks,” Matt lied.
“You don’t sound good.”
He opened his mouth to tell his teammate to fuck off but stopped. Being a surly son of a bitch hadn’t done a whole hell of a lot for him lately. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to confide in someone for a change.
“To be honest, I don’t really know what I am.”
“I take it things with your girl have been a little rough?”
Matt nearly choked from Zade’s words. “Uh…you could say that. And for the last time, she’s not my girl.”
“Look, man. I know I’m the least experienced out of al of us when it comes to women and relationships, but I can tell when a person cares for someone else. That woman definitely still has feelings for you.”
Matt’s heart thumped against his ribs.
“Question is…” Zade continued. “How do you feel about her?”
I don’t feel anything for her.
That’s what Matt wanted to say. But he’d be lying through his clenched teeth.
“Things with Kat are…complicated.”
“I gathered that.” The guy’s voice was laced with humor. “You gonna let that stop you?”
“From what?”
“Going after what you really want.”
“I don’t—”
“Come on, Turner. This is me you’re talking to. You know whatever you share with me is safe.”
Zade was right. The guy may be the most emotional on the team, but he was also the most tight-lipped.
Matt took a deep breath and sighed. “Fine. A small…microscopic part of memightstill care alittlebit about Katherine. Maybe.”
The other man made a humored, throaty sound. “That’s a start, I suppose. So what’s the problem?”
So many things. “Too much past standing in our way.” He picked up that damn folder, but kept it closed. “Too many unanswered questions.”
“Doesn’t have to stay that way.”
