Stripped Love (Guys Next Door #1) - Baylin Crow Page 0,69
a third of the room. In the center, a couch and two recliners sat in front of a large flat screen TV mounted on the wall with a gaming system set up beneath it on clear shelves.
A mini-fridge and microwave sat next to a sink in the corner along with a stash of snacks piled into a wire bin. There was even a half bath attached to the room.
Unfortunately, it smelled like sweaty athletes and dirty gym socks. But I barely noticed.
Caleb claimed a recliner while CJ sat at one end of the couch, patting the cushion next to him.
I shook my head and took the free recliner so I could lay the seat back and curl up, hugging my knees.
CJ frowned and slung an arm over the back of the couch. "So, what happened?"
Stalling, I twisted the cap on my water back and forth. They waited patiently until I sighed.
"So, I was at work and got a text from Phoenix asking me to come pick him up because something was wrong with his car. I thought it was weird because he was supposed to work until close, and as far as I knew, nothing was wrong with his car." I shrugged one shoulder. "So, I went to pick him up, thinking he'd meet me outside, but he didn't. He wasn't answering his phone either. So, after a while, I went to find him."
"This is exactly what I was talking about," Caleb interrupted, jumping to his own conclusion.
CJ shot him a glare. "Let him finish, asshole."
"Sorry, I'm just saying I knew his job would be a problem. No one wants to see their girlfriend"—he tilted his chin toward me—"or boyfriend, air fucking someone. Touching or not. Right, Arch?"
"It's not that." I frowned because I supposed that was only partially true. "Of course, I'm not a huge fan of his job, but I trust—trusted him."
"Trusted." CJ's jaw hardened, and his frosty blue eyes lowered to slits.
"What exactly did he do?" Caleb asked, suspicion heavy in his tone.
I closed my eyes because I wouldn't be able to tell the story while they read the emotions inevitably passing over my face.
"The club was closed to the public for the owner's birthday. They were throwing a big invitation-only party for him." I paused. "I can't remember if I already told y'all that. But anyway, when I couldn't get ahold of him, I thought the only option I had left was to ask the guy at the front door to get a message to Phoenix. Everyone was in suits and dresses, dolled up, so it was clear I didn't belong. But my name was on the list, which I didn't understand." I blew out a deep breath. "Long story short, I went upstairs to the VIP, searching for Phoenix and…I found him." My throat constricted again, and I struggled to finish. "He… He was dancing, not off work like I expected."
"So, you got upset and left?" Caleb asked with an uncharacteristically soft tone.
"Yes, but that's not the whole story." My eyes opened, letting them in on my misery. "The guy that showed up at that party and caused problems…"
CJ nodded. "Evan's cousin. I was filled in on their history. What happened?"
"If this is going where I think it is, I'm going to kill your boyfriend," Caleb answered. "This is why you shouldn't fuck coworkers or friends."
"The fuck is wrong with you?" CJ darted a pillow at Caleb who easily plucked it out of the air.
I sniffed and Caleb, quick to his feet, dropped to his knees in front of me. "Hey, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm just pissed at him, and I have a big mouth. You know I don't always think through the stupid shit I say."
Looking away, I bit my lip. "Well, it was the truth. But Phoenix promised Aiden meant nothing to him, and that it had been over for a long time. When I saw them together at the party, I believed him. Tonight, when I found Phoenix, Aiden was glued to his back. The way he moved and touched him, it made me sick. The worst part…the part that killed me…Phoenix didn't push him away. Not really." I dropped my gaze to the concrete floor. "The whole thing was a set up. The text I got to pick up Phoenix? That was from Aiden. He saw me before Phoenix did and stared at me while my heart broke."