Page 71 of The Striker
Julio is slower to get up, and right before he passes me, he stops.
I know he has something to say, and I already know I’m not going to like whatever it is.
“Spit it out,” I tell him, bracing myself. The guy can never just leave well enough alone. I know he doesn’t approve of me pursuing Cecilia. That he thinks both of us should work on our shit. But I’m happy right now.
Can’t the guy give me a break, just this once, and let me bask in the afterglow for a little while?
Julio’s mouth pulls into a frown, and he shakes his head. “You’re a grown man,” he tells me. “You can make your own decisions.”
I grunt. “Glad we’re on the same page.”
Disapproval radiates from his gaze, but he keeps his mouth shut after that, heading for the stairs. Thank fuck for that.
Deacon is the last to get up, taking his time as he gathers his things from the end table. A glass and plate, his phone, and some weird stuffed plush thing. He drops his dishes in the dishwasher while I put away my jacket and helmet. I expect him to head upstairs when he’s done, but instead, he walks back over, his expression thoughtful as he approaches me.
“You need something?”
He rubs the back of his neck, choosing his words carefully.
“Is she the girl you’ve been messed up about?”
I nod, surprised by his perceptiveness. “Yeah.”
I haven’t told Deacon about Cecilia. They’ve met, obviously. But it isn’t like we’ve sat down and I’ve given him the 411. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if Felix or one of the other guys gave him a quick rundown when he moved in.
I’d been so out of it that day.
But I have the rest of my roommates up in my business twenty-four-seven as it is. I’m not looking to add to the mother hen crew.
“What about her?” There’s a bite in my voice I hadn’t intended, but Deacon catches it.
His brows lift, hazel eyes taking me in.
“Look, I’m not trying to be an ass,” I tell him. “But if you’re going to suggest I cut my losses and move on or some shit, I don’t want to hear it. I won’t meddle in your shit,” I assure him. “And I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of mine.”
“I wasn’t going to suggest anything,” he reassures me, sensing my defensiveness.
Good.
“All I was going to say is, if she means that much to you, don’t let anyone else influence your decisions,” he tells me, taking me by surprise. “I know he’s your boy but—” He hesitates, seeming to choose his words carefully. “Look, I’m not trying to start anything between you two.”
“Then don’t.” I shrug, eager to end the conversation.
Julio’s been my best friend since grade school. There isn’t anything Deacon can say to cause problems between us. Not real ones, at least. J’s always coming from a good place.
When it comes to Cecilia, he’s a little one-sided. But he’ll come around. The guy worries about me. That’s all it is.
“You know how he feels about your girl?”
Nodding, I tell him, “I do.”
“If you care about her, like if she’s the one—” He pauses for me to confirm my feelings one way or the other, but I do neither and wait him out instead. He sighs. “Don’t let anyone else get in your head. If she’s it for you, then go all in. Make sure that girl knows what she means to you.”
“She does,” I assure him, though doubt creeps in. Have I made my feelings clear enough? I poured my heart out to her oncealready. Nothing’s changed for me where she’s concerned, so I don’t think I need to do that again. Hell, with where we stand now, repeating myself will only scare her away.
But I appreciate where the guy is coming from.
“Good,” Deacon nods, a weight lifted off his shoulders. “And sorry if I’m overstepping. I just …” he purses his lips. “I’m watching in slow motion as one of my boys back in Sun Valley loses his girl. You think they know how you feel and then poof.” He shrugs. “Words need to be said. That’s all I wanted to say.”
