Page 39 of Cactus Heart
“I can make the coffee,” I offered.
“Nope. I’ve been making her coffee for years. And for better or worse, I’m invested in the two of you.”
“You’re an angel,” I sighed.
“You say that now, but if you break my girl’s heart, I’ll crush your nuts with my rolling pin.”
I winced at that vivid imagery as Evie handed me the bag. The coffee here wasn’t fancy like it was at the other shop in town, but it was good. I leaned against the counter as I watched her whip up Avery’s to-go cup, making mental notes.
Black coffee, a few dashes of creamer, three packs of raw sugar. Avery liked it sweet.
“You’re the best,” I said as she put a lid on it.
“I sure am. I expect full details later.”
“Only if you’re not saying anything to anyone.”
Evie handed me the cup and gave me a flat look. “Avery is one of my best friends, but I’ve kept your secret.”
“Austin is one of mine, but I’ve kept yours.”
The corner of her mouth tugged. “Except now you’re branching out. Breaking the rules. Taking her coffee and breakfast before the sun even rises.”
“I just need to talk to her.”
“Right. Talk to her. And this has nothing to do with the texts she showed me and June in the chat yesterday?”
I closed my eyes for a second. Of course she’d shown June and Evie our texts.
“Or the fact that you made a half-assed move because you’rejealous?”
“I’m not jealous,” I argued.
“Sureyou’re not. You should have seen how the three of y’all fucking acted yesterday at yoga. I know that man has his eyes on her. He can barely pay attention to anything else. The only reason Austin and Dallas didn’t notice is because, despite theirplan to ruin Avery’s dating life, they’re still guys.” She shrugged. “Jealous or not, whatever gets you to make a move, I guess.”
“I like Levi, too.” My cheeks turned hot as the admission slipped out. Not because Levi was a man—everyone in our close friend group knew I was bisexual, just like I knew about their sexualities too. But because, well, I liked LeviandAvery.
Evie’s brows arched. “Oh?” She planted her hands on her hips and stared for a moment as the implication sank in. “Oh.”
“Ohis right. Now, I gotta go.”
“All right. Stay out of trouble. Text me later.”
“Will do.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Mateo
I slowed my truck as I turned onto Armadillo Lane, parking right behind Avery’s in her drive. I could almost still feel Evie’s hawk eyes on me as I jumped out, snatching the conchas and coffee, and sending up a silent prayer that I wasn’t making a mistake.
The little house Levi was staying in was across the street. The living room light was on, which meant he was up. Must have been an early riser, too. Hell, there was a very real part of me that wished I was bringing him breakfast. But not yet.
I needed to make things right with Avery first.
Something had shifted between us. Maybe I’d been thinking too much about being with her, or maybe it was the way I’d seen him look at her.
Or the way he’d looked at me.
