Edge(49)
Kate’s cheeks pinked, reminding me of Dell.
“The sex was good,” I said. “We both loved it. It was after that I fucked up.”
“What happened?” Kate asked.
“I pretty much just left.”
“Oh, shit,” Ryke muttered. “You fucked her and then just left?”
“I told her we could go get dinner if she wanted. She said no, so I left.”
Kate’s eyes were wide with disbelief. “What did you say when you left?”
I didn’t want to say it, but they were my friends. “See ya.”
Ryke laughed so hard he doubled over behind Kate, who was looking at me with a mix of shock and pity.
“See ya?” she repeated. “Luke …”
“I know.” I rubbed my jaw line, frustrated. “It was a dick move. But I froze. I couldn’t tell her any of the things I should’ve said. When we were … fucking … I was all filled with feelings.”
Kate gave me a dirty look. “You’re supposed to be filled with feelings.”
“Not when you’re banging,” Ryke cut in.
“Right.” I nodded in agreement.
“But you know she’s not just a cheap lay,” Kate said. “You knew there were feelings.”
“Not like this.”
“He’s in love with her.” Ryke’s words made Kate and I both turn to face him.
“I think you’re right,” she said.
“That can’t be.” I shook my head. “Being in love feels good, and this … I’m pent up and pissed off and can’t even think straight.”
“Bet you thought about saying it while you were fucking her.” Ryke spoke with confidence, arms crossed across his chest.
How the fuck did he know that? “It was just the sex,” I said, knowing it was a load of shit.
“Maybe the sex is what brought your feelings to the surface.”
I sat down slowly, in a daze. “Shit.” I bowed my head and ran my fingers into my hair, pulling on it to release my frustration.
“It’s not a bad thing, Luke,” Kate said softly.
“Will you guys meet her?” I looked up to face them. “I’ve been thinking about asking her to visit me here. If she comes, will you meet her?”
“Of course,” Ryke said.
“She’s not like anyone I’ve ever been with. She’s amazing.”
“To tie you up in knots like this, she must be.” Kate climbed into Ryke’s lap in a recliner, raking her fingers through his hair lazily.
Their coupledom used to make me shake my head with sadness for all the ass Ryke would never have now. But looking at them now, I wished Dell was curled in my lap – her fingers in my hair. I’d become a lovesick pussy, and I was past thinking I could shake it.
Only one thing would cure my roller coaster moods – seeing Dell. Hopefully she’d forgive me for being such an asshole and come to Chicago.
Chapter 9
Dell
I tried to arch one eyebrow, but my effort just made Kyler bust out laughing.
“What?” I asked, pulling away from the Jenga block I’d been about to snatch.
“You look like you have dirt in your eye, Mom.”
“That was my evil look.”
“It’s not evil. It’s funny.”
“You won’t be laughing when I get this block out,” I said, leaning closer to the tower to study it. I had it halfway out when my phone buzzed in my pocket and I jumped just enough to topple the blocks.
“I won!” Kyler pumped a fist in the air. I needed to talk to him again about winning not being everything. I didn’t want to raise a mini version of my father.
I looked down at the phone, surprised to see Luke’s name there.
Luke: I’m sorry about the other night.
Mmm-hmm. I was sorry, too. I was still fuming over his impersonal send-off after we had sex.
Me: Sorry about which part?
Luke: The way I left.
I’d just read the message when another one popped up.
Luke: The whole thing, actually. I shouldn’t have fucked you in a laundry room.
Me: Don’t apologize for that part. It just hurt my feelings when you walked out.
Luke: I fucked up. I’m sorry.
Me: Okay.
Luke: U and Kyler want to come to Chicago for my game Sat nite?
Me: I don’t know, Luke.
Luke: Please. I want to see u guys. I’m really sorry about the other night.
Me: What the hell was that?
Luke: I don’t want other women. I only want u.
Me: And that’s how u show it?
Luke: I was an asshole. I’m sorry. Tell me how to make it up to u.
Me: I don’t want to be your booty call.
Luke: You aren’t. I’m asking u to bring Kyler. I want to see u guys and I want u to meet my friends.