Page 21 of Combust (Everyday Heroes 2)
“You’re the furthest thing from being a doormat, and yet . . .” He lifts his eyebrows as if he’s disappointed in me. It’s a look so very similar to one my brother would give that it has my back straightening.
“Look, I’m not proud that I misjudged him. I’m not proud that I agreed to pretend to still be with him.” I take a sip of water before I look up to meet his eyes. “What I am proud of is that I’m a damn good songwriter, and I have the reputation to match it. I’m proud the label knows it can depend on me to deliver the songs it asks for, quality songs, as well as songs for their other artists. The last thing I want to do is jeopardize that relationship because of Jett. I’m between a rock and a hard place, and the only way to survive is to try to climb up using the only hand I have extended to me. Swallow my pride and pretend for a little while, so in the end, I’m the one who wins. I come out with songs that will net me royalties, and I get to keep the door open to keep my career going beyond him.”
He stares at me for a beat, and the intensity of those aqua eyes bearing down on me makes me shift in my seat.
“You finish the album with Jett, then what?”
“Long-term? I sell songs to other singers. I make a name for myself beyond Jett’s cowriter.” I shrug. “But for now I need to get through this current mess.”
“And you think you can do that and come out the other side unscathed?”
I angle my head and stare at him, hating being questioned but knowing it’s a valid point. “I can play the game that needs to be played while at the same time protecting my heart. But it doesn’t make seeing the things he said in that interview any easier. All the things he never said to my face but that I needed to hear.”
“I’m sure it’s brutal.”
“It’s hard not to feel like a coward for heading for the hills, but I couldn’t stay.”
“Nah. I get it. You gravitate to comfort. To what’s familiar . . . even when that familiar has done you wrong and is now saying all the right things.”
“Hmm. True.”
“Did you fear you’d get back together with him if you stayed?” Grady asks the question I’ve asked myself a million times. When Jett calls. When he texts. When he’s mentioned on the radio.
Because I’ve taken him back before. Not for cheating though . . . this time was a first. That I know of.
“It isn’t something I’d admit aloud because feminists would be in an uproar . . . but, yes.”
“At least you’re honest. So many people say they wouldn’t put up with it but then end up taking the person back. Hell, I’ve done it.”
His admission takes me by surprise, but I appreciate that he’s trying to put me at ease with my decisions. “You know what the best way to get over someone is, don’t you?”
“Drink?” I ask and laugh as I hold up my empty glass.
“That’s a start, but no.” A mischievous smile curls up the corners of his lips and his eyes fill with amusement. “Sleep with someone else.”
His eyes hold mine as my mind spins. Is he offering to be the someone else? Is he feeling okay? Is he . . . holy shit.
“Wh-what?” I stutter the word out as embarrassment floods my cheeks. “Are you—?”
“There are plenty of guys in here who wouldn’t hesitate to spend the night with you.”
&
nbsp; Thank God he cut me off. Thank God he just saved me the embarrassment of asking if he was offering.
It has to be the alcohol making my brain fuzzy.
“C’mon, Dyl. What would it hurt? You have some fun, clear your head for a bit, and realize there are other guys besides Jett Kroger who want you and think you’re attractive.”
“We’re in a bar with a few dozen drunk men. I don’t think my looks factor into anything after a certain number of drinks have been consumed.” But I laugh at the notion anyway. “Besides, you’re crazy if you think I’m going to pick up some random guy and take him home with me. Like that’s safe.”
“First off, it’s my home, so no need to worry about your safety. Remember? Chief Malone’s son, here. And secondly, he wouldn’t be a random guy. I know everyone around here, so I’ll make sure he’s a good fit.”
“A good fit?” I laugh.
“Yeah. Someone who’s not clingy. Who’s not a dick—”
“This sounds so promising already.”
