Page 34 of Colton
“I think you need a wingman…Zach or Kade might be your best options. Zach’s a fucking playboy, he knows exactly how to talk to women, but he’s not a relationship dude. He can teach you to bang and run if that’s what you want to do. Kade, though, he’s all about relationships. Man’s fucking catnip to women, and he’s never had a problem getting one.”
Dec snorts. “Until Becca.”
Laughing I agree. “Until Becca.”
“I don’t know. I don’t really want to date anyone else…”
“I feel you, man,” I say on an exhale.
Declan rolls his head towards me, studying my face. He sits up. “You and Evie, huh?”
“There is no me and Evie,” I say flatly.
“But you want there to be? I mean, we’ve all been watching you. You’ve been…different since they moved here.”
“I can’t stay away from them, no matter how much I try.”
Declan’s brow furrows. “Why the fuck are you trying?”
“She’s had a shit few years, man. She needs time to…I don’t even know anymore.”
Declan snorts. “Thanks for clearing that up. Seriously, why?”
I rub my fingers through my short beard, trying to sort it out in my own head. “I think I got a little obsessed at first. Seeing those pictures, man…she used to be thick. Her smile was killer, eyes sparkling, rounded cheeks. Fucking beautiful man.”
“Exactly your type.”
“Yeah,” I agree. The woman Evie was two years ago…nothing would have kept me away from her. “But she said it herself. She feels old and worn out.”
Declan tilts his head, brow raised. “So you like her, but you’re not attracted to her?”
“I like her, and I didn’t think I would be attracted to her. She lost a lot of weight, and I’ve always liked…more. I don’t know. I’m a big fucking guy and I don’t want to feel like I’m going to crush my partner.”
“You could always lay off the ‘roids.”
I gasp. “Take that back.” Slapping my spectacular, not a jiggle in sight, pec, I school him. “This is 100% Grade A, hormone-free beef. Asshole.”
He holds his hands up, laughing. “I know, man.” Leaning back, he braces his weight on his arms. “So, you are attracted to her?”
“Yeah. Surprised the hell out of me. She’s been putting some weight back on. She looks so fucking good. Not fragile anymore, you know?”
“I know,” Dec says, way too much appreciation in his voice. I frown at him, not liking the idea that he’s been looking at Evie.
He rolls his eyes. “Relax man. So what’s really stopping you from making a move, then?”
“Seeing her is the best part of my day. If she didn’t feel the same way…”
Declan whistles. “Makes sense. You don’t want to risk losing her. That’s a fucking awkward place to be.” I nod my agreement. There really isn’t anything more to say.
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Exactly what I have been doing. Be her friend.”
I pullthe minivan up to the curb in my usual spot, turning the ignition off. A cool breeze blows through the open window, hinting that summer is nearly gone. The leaves are going to change, then comes the biting wind off the lake. Mia’s going to need a really good hat, something to protect her from ear aches.
My watch beeps; 7:15 AM and I look towards the entrance of the hospital in anticipation. Evie usually makes it out right about now. I love watching her come out those doors. Even after a twelve-hour shift, she’s so bright. There’s usually a big smile on her face as she listens to Mia’s happy chattering. She walks with a spring in her step, her happiness clear to anyone who looks.
A tall man comes out, smiling, then turns to hold the door open…formyfucking girls. Evie’s grinning up at him, cheeks flushed. They chat as they walk, and I don’t like how that fucker’s looking at Evie. She waves goodbye, and I unclench my fingers from the steering wheel, hopping out to help her with Mia.
