Layne gives me a doubtful look. “Well, you can’t really control if you like her. You can choose what to do about it, sure. But it kinda seems like you want to dosomethingabout it.”
“If I wanted to do something,” I growl, “I’d do it.”
My friends exchange a look with my brother at my expense, like I’m not even fucking sitting right here.
“I can see you guys when you do that, you know.”
“Years ago, you would’ve done what you wanted,” Jace says. “But you’ve changed. Ever since what happened with Jenn. You got really jaded about women when you came back to town after the breakup. But it’s been fourteen years, man. Isn’t it time to let it go? You’ve been a one-and-done man with every woman you’ve met since.”
“Not true. I slept with that woman from up island at least three times.” I mutter, “What was her name ...?”
“Yeah. Congrats.” Jace makes a wanking-off gesture, unimpressed. “Sounds like an epic romance.”
“Said the man who hasn’t had a woman spend one complete night in his bed, ever.”
“We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you.”
“And why is that, again?”
“Because you’re the one who needs our help right now.”
“He’s right,” Layne says. “This is tough love, brother.”
“So, what is this, group therapy?”
“Think of it as more of a casual intervention,” Jace says.
I glance at Evan across the table, wondering if they planned this, or if Jace’s big mouth is just getting away from him. Evan’s been quiet, focused on his cards, but not suspiciously so. The man doesn’t tend to interfere in other people’s business. Sometimes I wonder how he and Jace are even friends.
“Hate to say it,” Evan drawls without looking up, “but they’re right.”
“Fuck off.”
Jace slaps Evan on the back as Evan says, “You’re too good a man not to share what you’ve got with some amazing woman, Mason. You’re good-looking, built like Hercules, smart, loyal, and decently funny. You’re inheriting a whole fucking empire, and you deserve a queen. Did I mention you’re hot?”
“Wow, Evan.” I’m actually a little speechless. That’s more compliments than I think I’ve ever heard out of his mouth, directed at anyone. Women included. “I didn’t know you’d noticed.”
“I’d be jealous,” Layne quips, “but that was beautiful.”
Evan gives me a solemn nod. He lies his cards face down, curves his hands together into a heart shape, and holds it to his chest. It’s something a ten-year-old girl would do. He probably learned it from Kaylie.
“And that’s my cue to call it a night,” I announce. “Before one of you starts braiding my hair. By the way, I’ve got a full house. Queens high.”
I lay out my hand, and the rest of them toss their cards onto the table with a round of curses.
I grin. “See? I’ve got all the queens I need.” I scoop up my winnings and stand, shoving their cash into my jeans.
Layne downs his beer and gets up with me. “I’m out, too.”
Evan gets up to see us out, but Jace sits back in his chair, studying me.
No, challenging me.
“So that’s it? You’re just gonna live in denial?”
What the hell is up his ass tonight?
“You know what, Jace?” I level him with a look. “Sometimes you need to know when to just shut the fuck up.”
