Her body is very toned and it’s obvious that she takes good care of herself. Maybe she’d want to go to the gym with me sometime. Nope, not happening.
We’re now by the park’s exit.
“Thanks for meeting me, Claire.” I’m a few feet away from her, but I can smell her warm vanilla-sugar scent. It’s subtle, unlike the strong ass shit all the women I’ve been with wear. Why do they think guys like that? It is not a turn on if I can taste your damn perfume.
“Of course.” She starts to walk away from me, but I grab her arm.
“Do you want to meet again tomorrow night? I’m off at seven and could meet you around the same time.” I can tell she’s unsure and the last thing I want to do is make her uncomfortable. “If you’re busy, no problem.”
“No, no, I’m not busy. Seven-thirty?” I’m fucking ecstatic but don’t let her know that. She’s just a friend. She’s just a friend. Why does this feel so different then?
I walk home from the park with a damn spring in my step even though I know I will never have Claire Davis as my own. She and her child deserve so much better than me. All she sees me as is a dirtbag. But I’m still anxious to see her again tomorrow night. Even if only as a friend.
I slide through my front door after unlocking it, careful not to let Griz escape. He’s freaking fast and I don’t feel like chasing his ass tonight.
“Down, boy.” I scratch his ears and then he rolls over for me to rub his stomach. He thinks he’s a cat.
I go to the kitchen and grab a beer out of the fridge. Damn, I need to go shopping. I currently have two boxes of beer along with a lasagna and a meatloaf my stepmom Gail sent me home with. My dad married her about five years after my mom left us. She has two boys who are younger than me and Becca that live in Wyoming near their dad. I think they’re assholes for never visiting her, but it’s not my business.
I pop the cap off my beer and head back into the living room where my lazy dog is sprawled out on the couch. I grab my phone off of the coffee table and push Griz over so I can sit.
I turn on the TV and watch a rerun of Game of Thrones but quickly fall asleep on the couch. I can’t remember the last time I fell asleep before midnight. I dream of a curly-haired brunette and her breathtaking chocolate eyes.
26
Claire
“Roomie!” Sierra yells as Brady and I walk through the front door of her house. Our house.
“Hey,” I say as I set a bag of groceries down on the kitchen table. Against her wishes, I went shopping before coming so I could fill the fridge and cabinets. I also have a check in my back pocket that I’m going to make her take so I can help pay part of the rent.
“What the hell did you buy?” she asks, trying to sound irritated. But I can tell she’s excited as she eyeballs the chocolate donuts I bought.
“Just some food.” I start unloading the bags to get all the cold things put away.
“I told you not to worry about it.” She’s now sitting at the table, devouring a bag of Dorito’s. Obviously, not that upset that I went shopping.
“I just want to do my part, ya know?”
Once I’m finished in the kitchen, I take our bags to the guest room, to start unpacking. I can’t stand living out of a suitcase, so the sooner I get this done, the sooner I can relax.
After I unpack the few things we have, we decide to relax while both boys are napping.
“Are you sure you don’t mind watching Brady for a bit? I mean, we literally just moved in. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to take advantage of you.” I lift my tea from the coffee table and take a drink, knowing she’s going to reprimand me for having such thoughts.
Avery had wanted to pick me up for lunch this afternoon. I was going to tell her no until Sierra insisted that I go. I feel bad for all the breaks I’m always taking, but it’s not often I ask. Usually, Avery or Sierra offer.
“Why the hell would I think you’re taking advantage of me? I just wanted to help and you know I love spending time with sweet Brady. You’ll be watching Auggie some, so it’s only fair.”
Because I still haven’t found a job yet, I told Sierra it made sense for me to watch Auggie for as long as I can, so he doesn’t have to be left with her mother-in-law. Glenna wasn’t thrilled because I’m sure she thinks that I’m not capable of watching her grandson, but I know Sierra would rather have my help.
“Well, I appreciate it.” I once again get all teary eyed at the thought of all the support I have here. As much as I miss Shay, I can’t imagine leaving Phoenix. Surprisingly, it has quickly become my home.
“Love you, sister.” She winks at me. “But anyway...” She sips on her water, seeming to be contemplating her next words.
“Yes?” I reach for the bowl of Skinny Pop sitting on the table. Why the hell didn’t I buy some real popcorn while I was out this morning?
“How are things going with Ryke?” She knows that we’ve hung out some, but I haven’t said much to her about it.
“Uh, good. I guess.” I know she isn’t going to take my bullshit answer.
“Are you guys like a thing now?” She crunches obnoxiously on her popcorn, smacking her lips like a child. She’s insane but has me cracking up.
“What? No!” I’m hoping beyond hope that she’ll leave this alone. She knows that the last thing I can be thinking about is jumping into another relationship.
“Why the hell not? Is he as enormous under those pants as he looks?” Oh, my fucking God.
“What? Sierra, I have not slept with him, so I wouldn’t know.” I stare at her like she has two damn heads. “I’m not going to, either. You know I refuse to get mixed up in something like that.”
“It could be totally fun. I’ve always wanted to know what it would be like to have a one-night stand. That’s the shitty part about marrying your high school sweetheart. I didn’t get to try out all the flavors before I chose one.”
She is way too damn much.
“For one, you’re ridiculous. Two, you have a sexy husband who loves you and your child more than anything. You have nothing to be jealous of. My husband cheated on me, did you forget that?” I don’t mean to sound like a bitch, but she’s acting like that fact is exciting.
She grabs my hand. “I was kidding, Claire.”
Now I feel bad. “I know. I just can’t let myself get hurt again. Plus, even if I did sleep with him, which I’m sure he has no desire to do, it would totally ruin what we have now. I don’t think I’d be willing to risk that.
“Have you asked him what he wants? I’m not just talking about sex. Do you think he wants a relationship?”
“What?” I shake my head as my eyes go wide. “No way. He told me his ex-girlfriend cheated on him a few years ago and that he hasn’t dated ever since. Well, unless you count the tramp he was with when I met him.”
“Well, I just think it’s odd that he hasn’t even mentioned sleeping with you when that’s all he seems to do with the chicks he hangs around with.”
“Uh, I made it pretty clear that I wasn’t interested.” Just keep lying to yourself, Claire.
“Okay, well, then why hasn’t he moved on to someone else?” I don’t know why he wants to spend time with me, but what’s it hurt to have another friend?
“Who fucking knows?”
I lay my head on the back of the couch, thinking about what Sierra just said. Maybe he considers me a challenge, so he hasn’t given up yet.
27
Claire
“Hey, mama,” Avery says as I climb into her car.
“Hey, did you miss me already?” I bat my eyes at her.
“Hell, yes. I’m going to miss having you and Brady around.” She pulls out of Sierra’s driveway, thankfully a better driver than my maniac friend.
“Well, we’re not far from you. I’m sure we’ll see you all the time. Plus, Sierra doesn’t have a pool, so I’ll have to use yours.”
“Uh, definitely. Us hot bitches gotta keep our sexy asses looking good.” I turn towa
rd her.
“Av, my ass will not be sunbathing.” She’s insane.
“Why not? Who the hell wants a pale ass?” Are we seriously having this conversation?
“Uh…”
When I don’t answer, she goes on. “You need to get laid, but that’s not going to happen if you have a white caboose.” Wow. That wasn’t as crude as I was expecting.
I slap my forehead in exasperation and then chuckle.
“Why did I agree to hang out with you today?”
“Because you love me.” She winks.
“Will we be back by seven? I, uh, kind of have somewhere to be at seven thirty.” Shit. Now she’s going to question me.
“Claire Davis, have you been sneaking around?” She has a Cheshire grin on her face.
“I’m not sneaking around. Ryke and I have just been hanging out.”
“Yay!” She claps while she jumps up and down like a fool. “I knew it!”
“Calm down. We’re only friends.”
“Mmm hmm, sure.”
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes dramatically, even though she can’t see me. “That guy is bad news, Av. I don’t have time for that shit. Anyway, where are we going?” I urgently want to change the subject.
“So, I might have lied to you.” She stares ahead at the road while I look at her with my mouth wide open.
“What are you talking about?”
“Um, well.”
“Avery Porter, what did you do?” I’m nervous as hell because it’s just like my sister-in-law to do something I want to strangle her for.
“So, we’re meeting Evan and Ryke at Don’s.” She doesn’t look away from the road as she says this, surely knowing I’m having a heart attack in the passenger seat.
“I’m sorry. Come again? Evan doesn’t even know Ryke.” What the actual fuck?
“No, but I do.” What the hell did she do now?
“I have a feeling I don’t want to know what you did.”
She throws her head back and snorts and I worry for a second that she’s going to get us killed because she’s not watching the road.
“All I did was go to his bar last night for an innocent drink with Callie after work and I may have invited him to join us today.” What the hell is up with people doing this shit to me?
“What? Why the hell would you do that? Avery, we’re not together, no matter what you and Sierra think. This is the kind of shit couples do, not people who occasionally hang out as friends.”
“Oh, stop being so dramatic.” I’m about to reach over the console and pull her damn hair out.
I love spending time with Ryke, but we’re only supposed to be friends. This seems like a double date, if you ask me.
“Please don’t tell me you have Evan thinking I’m with this guy.” Good Lord. It’s only noon, but I’m already desperate for a damn drink.
“Evan is going to think whatever he wants. You know this.”
She’s right. Evan is as stubborn as they come. But Avery is the only one who can occasionally get him to do what she wants. It doesn’t happen often though.
“Oh, God.” I rub my face up and down with my hands. “What if he embarrasses the hell out of me?”
“I may have threatened him with no sex for a month.” She chuckles. Oh, my God, she’s crazy. And eww, I don’t want to hear about their sex life!
“Avery, gross! I love you like my sister and we can talk about anything. Except that. You will not tell me about your sex life, got it? Like I’ve got it in my head that you haven’t done it since I moved in.”
She is cackling hysterically like a witch and, once again, I’m worried for our lives.
“Think whatever you want.”
We spend the next few moments in silence and I’m trying to work up the courage to have lunch with Ryke and my brother. I wonder what Ryke must think about having lunch with Evan. I’ll be lucky if I don’t scare the poor guy away after this.
When we finally make it to Don’s, Avery turns in her seat to face me.
“Do you like him?” She blurts out, as if it would be no big deal if I did.
“What? No, Av, you’re insane.” I look out my window to avoid eye contact with her.
“Yes, you do. I’ve known you for a long time and you can’t get anything past me.”
After a minute of ignoring her, I finally give in to get her off my back.
“Fine. Yes, I do. Are you happy? I know it makes me a huge slut to be pining over a man who isn’t my husband. You don’t have to tell me.” I’m kicking myself at my confession, but I know she wouldn’t say anything to Evan because he’s so overprotective. Although, I have a feeling he already knows.
“Claire Davis, you are the furthest thing from a slut. Now, let’s go get your man.” I roll my eyes. Easy for her to say.
28
Ryker
What the hell am I doing here, having lunch with Claire’s brother? But I guess if I’m going to be friends with his sister, it would be nice to get on his good side. I don’t want to worry that he’ll kick my ass every time I’m around her. Not that I couldn’t take him. But he seems like a nice enough guy. Super overprotective of her, but I’m glad she has him looking out for her.
“Look, I know you’re a good guy, just don’t hurt her,” Evan says matter-of-factly.
“Um, you do know we’re only friends, right?” I’d love to be more than friends with Claire, but she deserves someone that has their shit together and that isn’t me.
“Yeah, okay.” He chuckles as he drinks the soda in front of him, not believing me.
Claire’s sister-in-law came into the bar last night and said Claire wanted me to join them all for lunch today. I’m not a dumb ass and knew that she was obviously oblivious to all this or she would have invited me herself.
“I would never hurt her, but I promise we’re only friends.”
I tell Evan about Monica and how she screwed me over. I think he finally believes that I’m not looking for more with his sister. But why the hell does it feel like I’m lying? Because, of course, I want more with Claire. She gives me this peace I’ve never found with anyone else, but I also know that she has the power to destroy me. Worse than Monica ever did.
“Shit, sorry.”
“Nah, man, don’t apologize. I’m glad I found out before I married her.”
We talk for the next few minutes and then we see Claire and Avery walk into Don’s. My God, she’s beautiful. I’ve found her attractive since the first time I laid eyes on her, but today she looks amazing. The dark jeans she’s wearing make her legs look sexy as hell along with the purple, sparkly top. I think purple is my new favorite color on her. Okay, am I growing a vagina or something?
“Hey, guys,” Avery says as she leans in to kiss Evan on the cheek and they both sit down. We’re at a table for four and I’m between Evan and Claire. Can’t say that I mind.
I look over at Claire and have a feeling that Avery didn’t tell her I was going to be here. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and she seems to feel the same way. So why is she so uncomfortable?
“Hey.” I nudge her with my knee while Evan and Avery are whispering about something. I swear they are like teenagers.
“Hey, yourself.” She gives me a half smile, which starts to make me feel better.
“Are we still on for tonight?” I’m hoping to God that she hasn’t changed her mind about seeing me again.
“Sure, but do you really want to see me twice in one day?” She asks, half joking, but I can tell she’s really unsure about me wanting to spend time with her again.
“Why wouldn’t I?” She turns toward me.
“I don’t know, but I’m sure I’m keeping you from some kind of social life, aren’t I? I mean, how are you going to meet your next girlfriend when I’m around?” She has got to be fucking kidding me right now. I say the only thing I can think of.
“You know I don’t date, so no.”
I turn back in my seat, but I can see that she’s looking at m
e out of the corner of my eye. She doesn’t get a chance to respond because the waitress interrupts to get their drink orders.
The four of us visit for the next hour and I have to admit that Evan is pretty friendly. He comes across as a macho ass, much like myself, but he’s really a pretty nice guy.
Claire has been joking with all of us the whole time. The sound of her happiness is music to my ears. Evan and Avery have to take off before we’re done eating and when Claire jumps up to leave with them, Avery stops her.
“You’re still eating, so stay. I’m sure Ryke doesn’t mind giving you a ride home.” She winks at me. I knew I liked this girl.
“Avery, I need to get back to Sierra’s anyway.” She looks at Avery with pleading eyes. Why is she acting like this?
“No, it’s fine. I really don’t mind taking you home. We’ll both finish eating and then I’ll get you home.” I’m really trying here, but I’m not sure she’s going to take the bait.
“Okay.” She sits back down as she tells them both goodbye. Thank fuck. I’ll take any time with her that I can get. I don’t want to wait until tonight to see her again.
Keep it together, man.
We both get back to our meals and neither of us speaks for the next few minutes. She’s clearly avoiding me, so I decide to let her be for a bit.
“Hey, you doing alright?” I grab her arm. I can’t read her very well today.
She pulls away from me. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She goes back to eating, but hell if I’m going to let her off the hook.
“Talk to me, Claire.” I grab her chair and turn it so she has to face me. She looks pissed, but I don’t care.
“What do you want to talk about?”
“How about you start off by telling me why you’re acting so uncomfortable around me? Did I do something to upset you?” I look at her, but she doesn’t give me anything so I go on. “I thought you wanted to hang out? Did you change your mind?”
Revived (Unexpected Series Book 1) Page 12
