After a few minutes, he pulled away and glanced at his watch. “Well, I better go. Kevin is expecting me in a half hour.”
Irritation swept through her, and the crushing blow of rejection sat heavily on her chest. “You‘re going back to his house,again? Don’t you ever get enough of him?”
He stood and stretched his arms above his head. “Of course not. He’s my best friend.” He reached over and caressed her head. “See you later.”
She wasn’t about to stop him as he walked out the door. In fact, if he didn’t quicken his step, she might just shove him out the door herself.
Tears collected in her eyes and she didn’t know if it was because of his friend, or if it was that reality had finally hit her. Tom didn’t want her any longer. Not only that, she reached the point of not wantinghimanymore.
EIGHT
“Brad? Are you playingor not?”
Brad’s attention snapped to his father and brother who’d walked ahead of him toward the next hole. Golf usually kept Brad’s interest, but for some inane reason, he couldn’t stop thinking about the night with Tyger. She’d been on his mind for two days straight and he couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear. “Yes, Dad. I’m coming.”
Corey, his older brother shook his head and laughed. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you had your head in the clouds.”
Brad chuckled. “Good thing you know me better.”
“Yes, I know you better.” Corey arched an eyebrow. “But I’m still wondering if your glued-on smile is because of the party you attended the other night.”
Brad’s grin widened and he shrugged. “Could be.”
It was obvious by his father’s scowl that he didn’t share Brad’s and Corey’s humor.
“Brad,” Todd barked, “you’re not going to find a nice girl at those parties.”
Corey barked out a laugh. “Dad, I don’t think you have to worry about that. Brad isn’t ready to settle down, yet.”
“I would hope not,” Todd grumbled. “Not until he can find a better class of friends.”
Brad sighed heavily.Here we go again.“Dad, I’m sorry you don’t like my friends, but just because they’re not rich like you, doesn’t mean they’re not good people.”
Todd marched ahead to the next hole. “I’m not saying your male friends are bad,” he said over his shoulder, “but I don’t think you’re going to find the right kind of girl at those parties. Any woman whose idea of fun is to get drunk every weekend isn’t very responsible.” He peeked back at Brad. “I’m just relieved you decided to lay off the alcohol. It’s definitely improved your character.”
Brad nodded. “Thanks, Dad. But listen to Corey when he says I’m not ready yet, because I’m not.”
