Chapter Twenty
F lipping Holly,” Delilah grumbled as she grabbed bags of chocolate and dropped them into her cart. She’d gotten the text from her bestie, asking Delilah if she would be willing to host book club since the traffic around Evergreen Circle, where Holly lived, was ridiculous this time of year. Still, why had Delilah been her first choice to have a bunch of local women over to eat, drink, and talk about smut?
Holly could have asked her parents or even Merry, but no, Delilah was going to get stuck with fifty million people eating and drinking in her tiny duplex because she couldn’t say no.
Suddenly, someone rounded the corner, and nearly crashed into Delilah’s cart.
“Sorry about that,” Pike said, stiffening when his eyes met hers.
Well, this isn’t awkward at all.
“My fault.” Delilah stared up at him, nodding. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
Pike’s gaze traveled over the contents of her cart. “Looks like you’re having a party.”
“Book club,” Delilah said, rolling her eyes. “Don’t ask me how I got roped into hosting. It was supposed to be Holly’s bag, but with the light displays on Evergreen, she was afraid no one would be able to get in.”
“Makes sense,” he said, glancing behind her. “I should let you finish. Enjoy your night.”
Pike started to step around her cart, but she couldn’t let him just walk away. Not when she knew that Anthony and Pike were still at odds.
“Pike,” she called out, and he stopped a few feet from her and turned, waiting. “I am sorry for coming between you and Anthony. You should know that we aren’t … seeing each other anymore.”
Pike shook his head. “When did that happen?”
“About five minutes after your fight on the side of the road.” She cleared her throat. “He loves you, you know? We had a moment, a long time ago, but he didn’t want to get in the way of you and me.”
“So, he said,” running a hand over his beard thoughtfully. “Exactly what did he do to drive you away?”
“He wanted to take a step back with me and fix things with you. I told him that he was trying to fix the barn after the animals got out, but you’re important to him.” Delilah walked over to the cold section and picked up a tub of cookie dough. “You should think about that before you throw away your friendship.”
“Anthony lied to me,” Pike said, his voice tight. “Just because he regrets it now, doesn’t change the fact—”
“Oh, jeez, do you hold yourself to those standards as well?” Delilah said, tossing the tub aggressively into her cart. “Did you ever make a mistake or hurt someone and regret it after the fact? When you tried to make it better, did they forgive you or drop you? Because I seem to remember you saying something idiotic to one of your ex-girlfriends and she never forgave you.”
“Damn, people in this town cannot keep their mouths shut.”
“Pike, I’ve heard you complain about it more than once when you’ve had a few. At first, I felt bad, but right now, you are doing the same thing to Anthony. We have—had feelings for each other and he still chose you. Maybe consider how you would feel if the roles were reversed and Anthony wouldn’t forgive you.”
“If you’re so angry at him, why are you defending him?” Pike asked.
“Because I can’t turn off my feelings as well as you, apparently,” she said, pushing her cart away from him and disappearing down the candy aisle with her heart beating fast.
Why had she stepped in and gone so hard for Anthony? Was it because if Delilah ever lost her best friend over something like that, she’d hope someone would stick their neck out for her.
And maybe, you’re hoping if the two of them patch things up, there might still be a chance for the two of you?
Delilah ignored the voice, grabbing the soda with a grunt. She was not going to hold out hope any longer. It had been almost a year of back and forth, waiting and wondering. She was done hoping that Anthony Russo was the real deal.
Anthony stood by the shop window on Tuesday, watching the flurries fall to the ground and cover the sidewalk. It was almost closing time and any minute, Nick would pull up so they could head to the gym together, just like yesterday; then Anthony would head home, make dinner, and go to bed. Pike hadn’t been in all day, staying out with clients and answering Anthony’s texts with shorthand responses. He missed his friend.
He ran a hand over his face, wondering how he’d let things spin so far out of control. There were so many moments he could have handled differently, and instead, he’d acted like a self-centered ass.
Like father, like son.
Anthony wasn’t sure why Gregory Russo had been occupying his mind so much. Maybe because he had a better understanding, now, of how incredibly flawed his family truly was. Delilah was right that he was afraid to let new people in, but she was wrong that there wasn’t any room for her.
If he told her how miserable he was without her, would she feel the same?
The front door opened and Holly stepped inside, shaking the thin layer of white snow from her hair and shoulders. Her brown eyes narrowed on him and she pointed. “You!”
Anthony held his hands up and slowly backed away. “Whoa, what’s up?”
“If she comes in here asking for snowboard lessons, you tell her no. You got me?”
“Who, Delilah? Why would she want to learn to snowboard?”
“Because some magazine in Colorado wants her to take a job at their magazine as their plus-size outdoor enthusiast and she’s thinking about taking it.”
“Delilah wants to move to Colorado?”
“No, but she is convinced this is some kind of sign. That all the drama with you and Pike proved that she doesn’t belong here.” Holly crossed her arms over her chest. “I can’t lose my best friend, Ant.”
“What am I supposed to do? I guarantee you that she’s not going to come ask me for lessons. She made it pretty clear that she didn’t want anything to do with me.”
“What about you?”
Anthony shot her a disgruntled look. “I’m not discussing my personal feelings with you, Holly.”
“Why not?”
“Because we’re not that close.” And you’re best friends with the woman I can’t stop thinking about.
“Fine, but if it’s any consolation, I know my bestie. She misses you.”
“I didn’t end things, Holly. She did.”
Holly threw up her hands. “You are both pigheaded turds! Don’t forget about the bachelor meeting after the Festival of Trees on Saturday.”
“I don’t want to do that anymore, Holly.”
“Too bad! It’s for charity! You don’t want to be a Scrooge, do you?”
She walked out the door before he could respond. Anthony pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted Pike. Getting ready to close up.
K.
His jaw clenched at the short response. He hated where they were at but had no idea how to fix it.
Nick came in and waved at Anthony, releasing an exaggerated shiver. “It is freezing, dude. Maybe we skip the gym and head to Brews for a drink or two.”
Anthony shook his head. “I need to work off some of this energy or I’m going to lose my mind.”
“Pike still not talking to you?”
“No. I know I messed up, man, but you’d think he’d at least hear me out.”
“I agree. I think we’re going to have to pull out the big guns for this one,” Nick said, grinning wickedly.
“I’m afraid to ask what that means.”
“A lot of groveling, maybe even some bribery, and possibly, a grand gesture.”
“He’s not my girlfriend.”
“No, he’s Pike. He isn’t like us.” Nick arched a brow. “Speaking of girlfriend, what is going on with the woman in question?”
“She’s not speaking to me either.”
“It is so weird after all these years to realize you’re human and not a man-droid,” Nick deadpanned.
“Dick.”
“It’s Nick, actually. Come on. Let’s go to the gym and see if we can’t track down our wayward friend and make amends.”
Anthony flipped off the lights and grabbed his gym bag from behind the counter. He followed Nick out the door and locked up, carrying his stuff over his shoulder as they headed down the street to the gym.
Nick opened the door and went in ahead of Anthony, whose gaze immediately locked on Brodie and Delilah talking and smiling. When she glanced over and caught him watching, she held out her hand to Brodie, who took it with a smarmy grin. Anthony’s hackles went up and Nick glanced over his shoulder.
“Bro, did you just growl?”
Delilah took the long way around the gym edge and exited the front door. Anthony handed Nick his bag. “I’ll be right back.”
Anthony followed Delilah out the door, calling out her name. She didn’t turn around but he caught up in half a dozen strides, pulling her into the alleyway between buildings.
“What are you doing?” she snapped.
“I want to know what you were talking to Brodie about.”
“None of your business.”
“Maybe not, but I still want to know.” Anthony caged her in with his arms against the building, bending down to catch her eye, but she wouldn’t look at him. “Delilah … ” he dragged out her name and her chin rose, her blue eyes flashing defiantly.
“What?”
“Why were you talking to Brodie?”
She huffed. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I asked him for snowboarding lessons.”
“The fuck you did.”
“I asked around about snowboarding and he said he’d teach me.”
“Why didn’t you ask me? I do this for a living.”
“You’re joking, right? I’m giving you what you wanted. You wanted time to fix things with Pike and I’m giving you that.”
“Except this feels more like a punishment.” Anthony bent low, his lips resting against her ear. “Don’t you miss me, Lila?”
“Don’t,” she whispered.
“I’ve laid awake the last two nights missing you. Your scent. Your laugh. Your body pressed against mine.”
Her breath hitched when his mouth traveled along her jaw, hovering over her mouth. “Tell me.”
“What?”
“That you don’t think about us.”
Delilah grabbed the front of his sweatshirt in her fists, but instead of pulling him in, Delilah pushed him away. “Stop. Don’t make me want you because we both know I can’t have you.”
“Delilah—”
“No, Anthony. It’s been almost two weeks of this push and pull between us. I may have overreacted on Sunday about Pike, but the truth is, you don’t know what you want. You’ve got me in this alley, making my knees weak and every part of my body wants to give in, but I’m not your dirty little secret. You had me screaming your name in your truck and far away from your friends in Boise, and now I’m starting to wonder if you didn’t tell Pike because I was right all along. You’re ashamed to want me.”
Horror flashed through him. “Absolutely the fuck not.”
“Prove it. Stop hiding, Anthony. I’ve been waiting on you to wake up and realize I’m yours for the taking, but I’m not waiting around forever.”
Delilah dropped his sweatshirt and exited the alleyway, disappearing out of sight.
Anthony’s emotions raged, warring between frustration, desire, and disbelief. He’d never imagined how his actions would have been interpreted by Delilah, making her think he was hiding her, that he was embarrassed of her.
Anthony headed back to the gym and searched for Nick, spotting him in the back by the weights. “You still up for blowing this off and getting a drink?’
Nick nodded. “You alright?”
“No, I’m a fucking idiot.”
“Hey, Russo,” Brodie called, crossing the room to stop in front of him. “Guess who I’m taking out this weekend?”
“Your mom?” Nick quipped, earning a glare from Brodie.
“Delilah Gill. Wants to learn how to snowboard.”
“And?”
“I find it interesting she didn’t hire you. I heard a rumor the two of you were hanging out. Wanna give a guy a heads up what I’m getting into?”
“It’s not a date,” Anthony said. “She asked you for lessons.”
“Yeah, but I figure that’s just a cover. The girl’s got good taste and wants to get in a warm-up before the real workout begins.”
Anthony grabbed Brodie by the shirt, bringing him nose to nose. “You touch her and I’ll fuck you up.”
“Whoa, Anthony!” Nick said.
“Get the fuck off me,” Brodie hollered, drawing attention from the other patrons.
“I mean it. You try anything with my girl and I’ll—”
“Whoa, cowboy,” a familiar voice said, grabbing Anthony’s arm. “Let the Neanderthal go before you catch a case.”
Anthony looked down into Pike’s amused blue eyes and was so thrown by his jovial tone, he dropped Brodie’s shirt. The minute he was free, Brodie shoved Anthony, who stumbled into Nick.
“Next time you come at me, Russo, we’re going to finish this outside.”
“Brodie, Brodie,” Pike tsked. “You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew.”
“What the fuck are you talking about, Pike?”
“I can’t have you putting hands on my boy or his girl. You understand? Delilah Gill is off-limits to you and anyone else in this town.”
“I think that’s up to her, don’t you?”
“You can think that, but then again, I still have a certain photo you probably wouldn’t want going viral on social media.”
Brodie’s face paled and Pike slapped his shoulder. “Glad we understand each other.”
Pike turned to face Nick and Anthony, cocking his head to the side. “I thought we were going to get a drink?”
“We are,” Nick said.
“Great, let’s vamoose.” Pike pointed at Anthony. “You’re buying every round.”
Pike walked out the door, with Nick and Anthony trailing behind, Anthony still blown away by the change in Pike from Sunday morning to now.
“What is going on?” Anthony asked. “I thought you were pissed at me.”
Pike stopped next to Anthony’s truck and shrugged. “I took some time to sit with the situation and reflect.”
Nick cleared his throat.
“And listened to the advice someone close to the situation. Here is what I realized. You said that even though you wanted her, you took a step back when you thought that she and I were feeling each other. That’s what makes you an amazing friend. Just because I had you up on this pedestal, thinking you were this paragon of virtue, doesn’t mean you can’t ever fuck up. She wasn’t my girlfriend—hell, she’d been pretty clear that she wasn’t interested in me at all. I pulled out some moves, too.”
Anthony held up a hand. “I don’t want to hear about it, thanks.”
Pike chuckled. “Fair enough. Besides, it’s obvious you love the girl. I can’t stay mad at you when you’re in love for the first time and already fucking up. You need me.”
“I don’t—” Anthony paused, considering. “How do you know?”
“That you need my help?”
“No, that I—”
“Can’t get it out yet? It’s always hardest the first time. As to how I know, you were about to tear Brodie apart for just talking about her. You’ve either lost your mind or you’re in love.” Pike opened the passenger side door and waved a hand. “Now, get in the truck. Considering how pissed off Delilah looked when I passed by her on my way to the gym, this will require several mixed drinks and careful planning if you’re going to win her back.”
“You saw her?”
“Oh, yes. That is one angry woman.”
“Speaking of, why were you at the gym?”
“Nick texted that something was about to go down and I’d want to see it, so I raced over here from the store to check it out. Watching you lose your cool? Priceless.”
“You’re both a couple of meddlesome fuckers.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is friends.” Pike pulled himself up and pounded the top of his truck. “Now move! Times a wastin’!”