Wound Up(85)

                Eric jerked his chin to the right. “Playing pool with a leggy blonde. Never thought I’d say this, but I doubt he’s going to go home with her. Something’s going on with him. He’s acting strange.”

                Loyalty made Justin want to dig into it and help out. Love made him hand the keys over and say, “I’m taking Grace to my place tonight. Do not comment, my friend,” he interjected when Eric opened his mouth. “It’s not like that. She needs someplace quiet.”

                Cass’s brows drew together. “Everything okay?”

                He shoved his hands in his pockets. “It will be.”

                “We won’t push,” Eric said as he took Cass’s hand. “We’ve been there, we understand how hard it can be to sort out priorities and shit at the beginning of a relationship.”

                “I love her,” Justin blurted. “And I have no idea why I just told you that.”

                Cass reached over with her free hand and squeezed Justin’s wrist. “Because love, as grand as it is, can be a burden. And sometimes you just need someone else to help carry the load.”

                His throat tightened and he nodded. “Yeah.”

                “Take my car if you want a ride.” Eric began to dig in his pocket for his keys.

                “That would be great.” He accepted the proffered key fob and stared at it until he was able to harness his emotions. “Thanks. I’ll return it tomorrow, first thing.”

                “He can stay with me and we’ll commute together, so keep it as long as necessary.” Cass looked at Eric. “I just gave away your car, babe. Sorry.”

                Eric grinned softly. “Would’ve done it myself, but you beat me to it.” He nodded to Justin. “Go.”

                “Yeah.” Spinning on his heel, Justin strode to the door, outside and straight to the truck.

                Life was waiting.





                                      15

                JUSTIN TOSSED HER BAG in the back of a modest sedan before handing Grace into the passenger seat as if she’d been made of superfine porcelain. “Eric’s car. No black and yellow tonight.”

                “Did you say anything? About me?” The last thing she wanted were his friends believing she was as fragile as she felt.

                “Only that I was taking you to my place. Let ’em infer what they will.” He started the car and glanced over. “That okay with you?”

                “Better than the alternative.”

                His brow had creased. “What do you mean?”

                “Telling them that you managed to ask the one question I couldn’t answer without falling apart.” She sighed. “Not true. None of this is your fault.” And just when she thought she was out of tears, her chest tightened. “I don’t want them to assume—”

                “They won’t,” he interjected, the severity of his words harsh enough to stem further conversation, so she let it go.

                The ride to his apartment was comforting in that it was absolutely silent. Justin seemed to realize Grace didn’t want to talk and for that she was grateful. Honestly, she couldn’t look at him and be ungrateful about much of anything. He’d hurt her, yes. But she accepted that he was truly sorry for his words. He wouldn’t fake the level of sincerity he’d shown tonight. Justin wasn’t that kind of man.