Hardwood - K.M. Neuhold Page 0,15

with every man he meets, which has led to three quickie weddings and even speedier divorces.

Ollie seems to realize we’re all waiting for him to say something and glares at us.

“This is weird. It’s like missing a step when you’re going down a flight of stairs,” Cole says.

“Fuck off. I told you guys. I’m over it; I’m staying single for now, maybe forever.”

“Come on, you don’t mean that,” Ren argues. “The right guy is out there for you.”

Ollie scoffs. “I thought so, but now I’m starting to think I’m just an idiot. I’m tired of serving up my heart on a platter just to have it tossed back in my face. I’m done.”

My heart breaks for him, and it’s all I can do to stop myself from pulling him in for a hug. He might appreciate it, but I have a feeling it would be awkward as hell. I’m a bit rusty with physical contact.

“Is this all because of the ass grabber?” Cole asks skeptically.

“It’s about everything,” Ollie says. “I thought you of all people would be thrilled. You never miss a chance to point out how shit I am at dating. So, I’m finally taking your advice and packing it in.”

Cole looks guilty even before Ren shoots him an angry look.

“Three,” West pipes in.

“Three what?” Stone asks.

“Two down, three to go. Or do I not count since I’m a lowly apprentice?” he jokes.

“You’re an honorary bear,” Stone concedes. “I just didn’t count you because you’re way too young to be thinking about settling down. You have wild oats to blow and all that.”

“Sow, Stoney, it’s sow,” Ollie corrects with a chuckle.

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

We all laugh. Good old Stone.

Chapter 6

Watson

“Oh my god, just text him already.” Mia sets a drink down in front of me forcefully, drawing my attention away from my phone.

“Text who?” I ask, shoving my phone away. Not that it helps. As soon as it’s in my pocket, my fingers are already itching to reach for it again, just to make sure I haven’t missed a text from Ev.

Mia rolls her eyes and then looks over at Jordy for backup. “He’s being ridiculous, right?”

“Very,” he agrees, taking a sip from his glass of water.

Of course, I filled them both in on my run-in with Ev this week, and then sent a group text full of emojis when he texted me yesterday.

“I can’t text him,” I argue.

“Why? For all you know, he’s sitting at home right now, staring at his phone like a sad puppy—just like you are.”

“I’m not a sad puppy,” I grumble, giving into the urge to check my phone again. “You should have seen his face when he recognized me at school. I thought he was going to pass out. That poor man is so not ready for all of this.” I wave my hand at myself and sigh.

“I can’t imagine how hard it must be for him to be grappling with his sexuality in his forties,” Jordy says sympathetically.

“Right?” I shake my head, trying to conjure an alternate universe where I wasn’t so utterly fabulous as a teen that coming out was less of a choice and more of an assumption from everyone who met me. Luckily, my parents were supportive and amazing, and I was already used to getting bullied for my weight anyway, so one more thing at school really wasn’t a big deal.

“So, he could probably use some support,” he hedges.

“Fuck, you’re right,” I groan. “But he’s so hot. How am I supposed to be a supportive friend to someone that hot without trying to seduce him?” Jordy arches an eyebrow at me. “Oh please, you’re hot too, but you know very well you aren’t my type.”

“Ditto,” he agrees.

“For what it’s worth, I agree with Jordy. You should text him to come hang out with us. I’m sure he could use a safe, supportive space to figure things out without feeling like he’s all alone.”

They’re right, and offering friendly support is a no-brainer. It’s also a no-brainer that I’m going to have to ignore the fact that Ev is insanely sexy and just be his friend. Jumping on a man who barely has one toe out of the closet would be a terrible idea.

I unlock my phone and type out a text.

Watson: What are you up to tonight?

I stare at my phone for a minute or two after, waiting for it to show that he’s read the message.

“So, um, I have some news,” Jordy says. I set my phone