My jaw ticked uncontrollably as I tried not to picture that fucker putting the moves on Lilly. "Or maybe she just wasn't interested."
He scoffed and I wanted to reach through the phone and punch the shit out of him. "Not interested in the pro-football player that has more money in the bank than he knows what to do with, and was just voted one of People's most eligible bachelors? I'm straight as an arrow, brother, and I love my wife, but even I'm not that blind. What's going on with you two?"
My hand moved from my temple to rake through my hair as I began to pace around the bay. "Nothing. We're just friends."
"I'm not stupid either, man. You just ripped me a new asshole for voicing concern about my wife's best friend, so don't try and sell me that 'just friends' bullshit. I'm not buying."
"I fucked up," I finally admitted after a long, tense silence. "Several times. I acted like a dick. We really are just friends, but I need to make it right somehow, and I don't have the first fucking clue how to do that."
I expected advice, or maybe even some ribbing at my own expense. What I didn't expect was what came out of his mouth next. "Don't go there with her, Quinn. Not right now."
I stopped mid pace and asked defensively, "What's that supposed to mean?"
There wasn't an ounce of humor in Ethan's voice as he explained, "What it means is, you aren't capable of something long term. I get it, man. I do. I can't imagine what you've gone through, but Lilly's in a bad place right now. She doesn't need you jerking her chain at the same time. If you can't be there for her … like really be there, then you need to back off."
The fuck? "I'm not jerking her chain," I snarled.
"Yeah. You are. I saw that girl when she was here. I didn't get it then, but I do now. She barely even looked at another guy. And believe me, it wasn't for lack of trying on the dudes' parts. Whether or not something's going on now, or just leading in that direction, she's already invested. I'm not trying to be a dick-"
"Really?" I snapped sarcastically. "Could have fucking fooled me."
"I'm looking out for both of you, all right? Unless you're ready to move on, this is going to end badly. For everyone involved."
"Ethan, you don't know what you're talking about."
"I don't? Really? So that means you aren't still wearing your wedding ring, right?"
I looked down at my hand, the gold band still prominent against my tanned skin. At my lack of response, he continued. "She needs peace right now, Quinn. Her dad's dying and you're still mourning a ghost. Just move on."
I was still staring at my hand as my fingers curled into a fist so tight my knuckles turned white. It took everything I had to keep from exploding as I warned, "You're coming dangerously close to crossing a line with me you do not want to cross. You don't talk about my wife, understand? And my relationship with Lilly is none of your goddamned business."
He sighed heavily. "Look, I'm not going to keep pushing. I've said my piece, but know this. You hurt her and I'll be on the first goddamn plane to Pembrooke to kick your ass."
With that, he hung up.
Leaving me reeling.
Quinn
WALKING THROUGH THE glass doors of the dance studio, I scanned the front desk area and the window behind that housed Lilly's office, desperate for a glimpse of her. When I dropped Sophia off earlier, she hadn't been anywhere in sight, and I was forced to leave, disappointment resting heavy on my shoulders. It had become an addiction of mine, seeing her. That dimpled smile, the way her amber eyes glimmered every time she laughed, it frightened the shit out of me, how desperate I was for just those little tastes, but every time I tried pulling back from her, something was there to jerk me right back. Usually it was the pain on her beautiful face every time I did or said something to hurt her in an attempt to keep her at arm's length.
I just couldn't help myself. I knew Ethan was right to warn me off, but staying away was impossible. What I felt for her was more than just a physical attraction. That was definitely there, believe me. But I found I craved her infectious sense of humor just as much, if not more. I fought her friendship, knowing that if there was one person who'd be able to breach the impenetrable walls I'd surrounded myself with it'd be her, but I was a glutton for punishment and couldn't stay away.
Even though I knew hurting her was inevitable. I could never be the man she needed. I didn't have it in me to give her a life. There would never be a white picket fence with babies and pets running around. I'd had that dream once and I still burned from the memories.