He kept talking, tentative, reaching for a truce. “It was great. And you’re right. It could be great again.”
“I’m working on that,” I bit out, the words costing me. Talking meant acknowledging that I was there. When I wanted to be any place but.
“I know you are. It’s a good plan.” He glanced over at me, regret painted on every line of his face. He’d never truly understand that I never wanted him to feel regret. I never wanted regret to be his burden.
“I’ll help you, Rhys.”
Shit. Shit. Shit. It took everything in me to hold onto the fragile thread of calm I’d gained back. “All right.”
He nodded, looking pleased. “Any tips you need for handling Parker?”
A rusty laugh broke free. “You think I need help with women? That’s cute.”
He rolled his eyes. “I meant more along the lines of hanging out with her geeky friends and coworkers.”
An evil grin spread as I remembered peppering those gossipy little asshats with paint bullets. That smug weasel Pete had actually squealed. So satisfying. “I got that covered.”
“What did you do?” Dean asked with growing amusement.
“Nothing.” Showed them just what they faced if they messed with my girl.
She isn’t your girl, idiot.
My smile fell, and I rolled my shoulders. “I act like myself and they pretty much run in fear. It works.”
“Yeah, I bet it does,” he said dryly. “But what about when you eventually meet people she actually likes?”
Hell.
“I’ll let you know.”
He eyeballed me for a long moment, then shook his head. “We’ll work on your manners later.”
“Asshole.”
His grin was quick and a bit forced. Couldn’t blame him for that. Mine was too. But then he damn near killed me when he reached in and gave me a quick half hug, slapping me on the shoulder as he let me go.
“You stink,” he said, covering the awkward moment. “Go shower.”
He left me before I could get another word in. I was grateful as hell.
The gym fell silent, stinking of sweat and mold. I closed my eyes tight and then shook it off, striding out of the room. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I stared down at my text messages, my hand shaking. I couldn’t stop it.
I couldn’t stop myself from texting either.
RhysThis: Hey, Tink. What you up to?
Seconds later, my knees felt weak with relief when little dots formed at the bottom of the screen as she typed in her answer.
AngryTink: Who is this?
A smile pulled at my lips, my chest already feeling lighter.
RhysThis: Rhys. The great and powerful.
AngryTink: I thought that was The Wizard of Oz.
Chuckling, I took the stairs to my loft.
RhysThis: Close enough. You’re no longer in Kansas, little girl.
AngryTink: I’m going to ignore the little-girl part. Because it reeks of misogyny.
My steps grew lighter, faster, the smile spreading over me like a wave. I could breathe again.
RhysThis: I thought you were going to ignore it?
AngryTink: Anyway … Why are you texting?
Because I need you. I need your sass. I need you …
I tried to shake the thought away. It was a weakness I couldn’t afford. But the thought remained. I needed her.
Shit.
AngryTink: Rhys? You there? Or did you run off the road on that mildly enjoyable bike of yours? Please don’t tell me you’re texting and driving! That’s illegal, you know.
Huffing out a laugh, I answered.
RhysThis: You enjoy my bike, huh?
A pause, and then she replied.
AngryTink: A little. Just a little. And you didn’t answer.
RhysThis: Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m at home.
AngryTink: Sweetheart?
She sent an eye-roll emoji and then: What’s up? Is there something you need?
You. Here. Please.
Shit, I had to get out of this. I didn’t know what to say.
AngryTink: Actually, it’s good you texted. I need you.
For a hot second, the bottom dropped out of my stomach. She needs me. My heart rate kicked up like I’d just gone ten brutal rounds with a top opponent. She needs me. I was about to smile, about to text her back with something like: Thank Christ. What took you so long?
Another text dinged.
AngryTink: Argh. That sounded wrong! Sorry. Distracted. I need you for another “date.”
I was a damn fool. An idiot. Of course that’s what she needed. What the fuck was wrong with me? I was getting soft and stupid on a girl that would never fit in my world. And I’d never fit in hers.
My thumb hit the screen hard as I tapped out my reply.