“That’s risky and you know it, Berklee.”
“How is it risky? We agreed that we won’t sleep with other people during our . . . arrangement. One of us wants out, we tell the other and go on with life.”
“Come on, you know it’s not going to be that easy.”
“Sure it is. It’s mutually beneficial for both of us.”
“This isn’t you,” Maggie counters.
“I agree this is out of character for me, but Maggie, it’s just. . . . I want him. Plain and simple. I’m willing to risk the fact that my heart could be shattered when he decides he’s done with me. I’m willing to take the pain to experience what it’s like to be with him.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”
“It’s me, I’m just taking a risk. I don’t have the words to describe it. I just know that if I don’t let myself experience him, I will regret it.”
“Who knows, maybe it won’t end.”
“Come on, Maggie. Even I’m realistic about this deal. Crew is vibrant and sexy and can have anyone he wants. I’m a means to an end with him. He’s been so focused on the club that he’s been depriving himself. I’m the cure. I’m close and convenient, and he can trust that I’ll keep my mouth shut—well, except for with you. Once things settle down with the club, I see him walking away, and I’m okay with that. I’m not naive enough to say that it’s not going to hurt like hell, because I know realistically that I won’t be able to keep my emotions out of it. That’s not how I’m built. But I’m going in with my eyes wide open, expecting it, but willing to soak up anything and everything he’s willing to give until then.”
“Well, if that happens, I’ll be here for you. I won’t tell you to be careful, since it sounds like you’ve got your mind made up and are prepared for the worst. Just remember that you are smart and beautiful and he would be fucking crazy to not want you to be his. I’ve got your back.”
“Thanks, now can we go? We’re going to be late.” I stand and pull the Garrison hoodie over my head. It’s too big, but it’s comfortable.
“Okay, so now that the serious is out of the way,” Maggie says once we’re in her car and headed toward the school, “I need details.”
“I don’t have many, not really. I mean, he kissed me. Well, we kissed. I kissed him back, obviously.”
“And?”
“Electric.”
“Damn, I’m jealous.”
“You should be.” I laugh. “He’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Now, enough about me. How was your day?”
We spend the rest of the short drive discussing her class today. She was a sub for the elementary school, and apparently one of the boys in the first-grade class she was covering asked her to marry him.
“I swear the little guy was so damn confident. I had to say yes.” Maggie laughs.
“Aww, what a cutie.”
“He really is. I told his mom about it when she picked him up. She just grinned and said he was a charmer like his father.”
“She’s going to have her hands full.”
“That she is.” We pull into the lot. “Let’s hit up concessions first. I’m dying for a walking taco.”
“Sounds good to me.” We grab food before finding our seats and settling in for a night of football under the lights.
MY ENTIRE AFTERNOON has been spent on the fucking phone. I hate talking on the phone, hence my pissy mood. Looking at the clock, I see it’s now after five. I climb to my feet and head toward Berklee’s office, thinking maybe she’ll want to get together later. The thought alone replaces the scowl with a grin.
When I reach her office door, the light is off and she’s nowhere to be found.
“Fuck,” I mumble under my breath. I stalk toward Zane’s office and stop in the doorway. “Where’s Berklee?”
He grins. “She’s gone. She and Maggie were going to Barry’s game.”
Damn it. “Home game?” I ask, already trying to come up with a plan to still see her tonight.
“Yeah. The two of them try to never miss a home game.” He’s still grinning.
“You going?”
He shrugs. “I’ve been to a few. Why?”
I don’t give myself time to think about the words that are flying out of my mouth. “We’re going.”
“What? Mr. Workaholic is taking a night off?”
“Yep.”
Zane throws his head back in laughter. “Fuck, Crew. She’s got you twisted.”
“You ready?” I ask, ignoring him.
“Yeah. Let me just shut down.” I stand there impatiently as he takes his sweet fucking time shutting down his computer.
Finally, after what feels like hours, he stands and meets me at the door. “Who’s driving?”
“I will.” I don’t say anything else, just turn and head downstairs. I switch off the lights while Zane sets the alarm.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” he says once we’re in my truck.
“What are you talking about?” I know exactly what he’s referring to.
“Berklee.”
“I got it covered.”
“She’s one of the good ones, Crew. She’s not a plaything.”
I can feel the anger start to build. “I got it,” I say again.
“She’s like family,” he keeps going.
“You want her?” I ask, my voice low and the anger now evident.
He laughs. The fucker actually laughs.
“No. Like I said, she’s like family. She lives with my cousins, and she’s been best friends with Maggie for as long as I can remember. Barry too, really.”
“They’ve never been anything?” I find myself asking. It shows my hand, but I don’t give a fuck. I’ve been wondering since I found out the three of them live together.
“Not that I know of.”
I nod and get lost in my thoughts. Thoughts of her living with another man, regardless of their relationship. I’m not a fan of the idea, but then I don’t really have much of a say-so with our current agreement. I need to hear from her lips that there’s nothing romantic with the two of them. After that all I can do is trust that she’s telling me the truth.
The lot at the high school is packed. Looks like half the town is here. It’s been years since I’ve been to a football game.
“My parents are here. Mom says there are seats by them.”
“Berklee?” I ask.
He smirks. “She’s sitting right next to my mom.”
I nod, grab my keys and climb out of the truck. “Did you tell them that I was coming with you?”
“And ruin the surprise? Hell no. I can’t wait to see how this plays out.”