Just a Little White Lie(67)
“Same thing.”
“Is not.”
“Is too.”
He goosed the bike, surprising a squeal from her as her arms tightened at his waist. The damn stone glittered up at him. He needed darker shades.
As they took off down the street, Jake’s mind drifted to the ease with which Lucy had gotten on his bike tonight. Just a few days ago, she’d never ridden a motorcycle and had approached the Harley with trepidation. Their worlds were intertwining.
Behind him, Lucy snuggled closer. In a split second, his body reacted, making his jeans uncomfortably tight. He wanted her. In so many ways.
Jake was flabbergasted when he realized tonight would be a totally new experience for Lucinda. The woman had never attended a T-ball or little league game in her life. Somehow he figured little rich kids did so much more. Amazing how limited their experiences actually were. It would be fun to see it through her eyes.
When they reached the little league field, though, Zane was the first person Jake saw. Pleasure at seeing his old friend warred with animosity for the pain he’d caused his family. And beneath it all was a deep sense of betrayal.
At least he’d made the game. Birdie said he’d had some business to take care of and that he’d meet them here. Jake had been more than a little afraid Zane wouldn’t show, breaking Sammy’s heart.
But here he was, Sammy hoisted in his arms, looking for all the world like Santa had ridden in. The boy adored his father, and Jake had never understood how Zane had been able to turn his back on him.
So what was he doing here in Pride now?
“Don’t start anything,” Lucinda warned as they walked toward the family.
“Wouldn’t think of it.”
She snorted. He grinned at her.
More than a little bad blood flowed as he and Zane, two best friends with a hatchet between them that needed burying, faced each other.
Before they could exchange a word, Sammy’s coach hollered for him to report to the dugout. The little boy gave his dad a quick hug and ran off to join his team.
Zane looked every bit as uptight as Jake felt. Maybe more than anything else, there was a sense of loss. He and Zane had worked side-by-side, drunk side-by-side, had each other’s backs. And then it all turned to dust.
“Been a long time,” Zane said.
“Yeah, it has.” Jake scuffed his boot into the grass on the edge of the field.
A couple of kids, roughhousing, bumped into the backs of his knees. He reached out a hand and steadied them. But his eyes didn’t leave Zane’s. He smelled sunscreen and, beyond Zane, saw the batters warming up. A couple walked past pushing a stroller, the youngster inside bawling up a storm. Another older kid stormed by, holding on to his mother’s arm and whining for a soda.
“So, you gonna hurt my sister again?” A muscle flexed in his jaw. “Leave Sammy to cry himself to sleep?”
“No.”
“What are your plans?”
Birdie’s eyes flashed. “Jake, that really isn’t your business, is it?” The look in her eyes, on her face told him very clearly to back off.
He didn’t. Instead, he took a step closer to his old friend. “I think it is my business. My family’s business.”
“It’s okay, honey.” Zane laid a hand on Birdie’s arm, expelled a breath. “It’s a fair question, and if I were in his shoes, I’d be asking the same thing. I’m glad he’s watching out for you.”
He met Jake’s eyes. “We’re working on things. I was a fool. And I forfeited the two people I loved because of it.” His fingers stroked along Birdie’s arm. “I want them back. Desperately. Now Sammy, he’s flat-out ecstatic to see me. Your sister? Well, she’s a little more hesitant to welcome me back with open arms.”
“Zane—”
“No, it’s okay, doll. No more than I’d expect. I did you wrong. Gonna take some to convince you I mean to stick this time.” He squeezed her shoulder. “And that’s all right. I’m here for the long haul.”
Jake stood still, regarding him.
“And,” Zane said, gaze returning to Jake, “I guess that goes for you too, buddy. I can’t blame you for wanting to kick me from here to kingdom come. I’d do the same in your shoes. All I ask is that you give me a chance. If I hurt either Birdie or Sammy again, you can use me as a punching bag, and I won’t raise a finger to defend myself. You got my word on that.”
“Fair enough.”
Zane stuck out his hand, and Jake took it. Wrapped his other around their grip.
Watching the exchange, Lucinda realized how deep the friendship between these two went. Not only had Birdie and Sammy been badly hurt by Zane’s defection, but Jake as well. He’d lost a best friend. She imagined how she’d feel if Nina, her best friend, betrayed her. It would cut deep.