Unexpected Fate

I could be agreeing that the sky is green and the grass is blue. I have no fucking clue what these two are talking about. I enter in and pretend I have a care about the topic, grunting when I feel would be appropriate, and steal glances over at Dani as she drops her shoulders, her head dropping and her eyes focused on the floor in front of her. She looks so deflated. I just want to pull her back in my arms and take that kiss that was just seconds away from finally happening. Take her in my arms and promise her the world.

 

But then I remember why I’ve been holding back and realize I made the right move. She gives me a sad glance before squaring her shoulders and walking out the front door.

 

I finally tune in to the conversation around me and shake my head when I realize what they’re talking about.

 

“If you prefer fake tits, then something is wrong with you, Nate,” I say and sigh. “There is something to be said about feeling a woman, all woman, in your palms and you just can’t get the same feelings when you can feel a bag of fluid rolling around under your fingertips.”

 

They both look at me like I’m a fool, and I look between the two of them while playing my words back in my head, trying to figure out what the hell their issue is.

 

“Dude, two seconds ago, you agreed with me when I said big, huge, fake tits is the way to go.” Nate reaches out and puts his hand against my forehead before continuing. “Are you feeling okay there, big guy?”

 

Belatedly, it hits me that Dani might have heard me, and I groan.

 

Shit.

 

“I’m fine, asshole. I just have a lot on my mind.” Which isn’t a lie. I have a shitload of things I need to do before I leave, and on top of all that, this thing, whatever it is, between Dani and me has me running in circles around myself.

 

“Sure you do, Coh. Do you need anything?” Nate asks, no trace of humor left in his tone.

 

“Nah. Just need to work on things myself. I’ve got some loose ends I need to tie up before I leave. Mom and the girls are having a hard time with it. Cam and Colt haven’t said as much, but I know they’re worried, and Dad is being Dad.” All true. I leave out that I also need to figure out what the hell I’m going to do with Dani too before I leave. If I leave things how they are, knowing I’ll be gone for a while, I’ll constantly be thinking about it. If anything, I need to sit her down and at least explain why I’m holding back when it’s clear we both want this.

 

Well, it’s clear to me that I want her and she wants me. I’m guessing she has no clue the depth of my desire for her.

 

“Makes sense. Don’t worry though. We’ll watch out for the girls,” Lee, ever the peacekeeper and do-gooder, says.

 

If Dani were best friends with any other guy, I would probably shit a green brick of jealousy, but not with Liam. He’s helped me chase off more guys than I can remember, and I have no doubt he will continue when I leave.

 

“Thanks, Lee.” I slap him on the shoulder and give him a nod before I head to the door in search of Dani. I almost run into her when she comes back in with a stack of shoeboxes taller than she is. “Whoa, Dani!” Reaching up, I snag a few boxes and smile when her flushed face comes into view. “Show me to your room?”

 

She nods, walks around me, and moves up the stairs. I watch her firm ass with rapture with each step I climb behind her.

 

Yeah . . . we definitely need to have a talk.