8. Marcus
8
Marcus
“Just say whatever’s on your mind, dude,” I mutter to Gabriel as the front door closes behind his mom and dad.
Gabriel shifts his gaze from Lauren bounding up the stairs, turning his scowl on me. “I have so many questions.”
There’s no need to ask who those questions are for. His expression gets tighter by the second. “I’m her brother. Why would she run to you after the incident instead of calling me?”
“Besides the fact that I’m like family and I live only five minutes away from the scene of the crime?” I shrug, sarcasm clear in my tone.
His arms fold across his chest. “Okay, fine, but why would she suggest staying at your place? Not only last night, but just now. Especially when she knows what happens when a woman spends the night.”
“What are you implying?” I ask, matching his frown.
“I’m not implying anything. I’m only asking. Is there something going on with you and Lauren that I should know about? ”
My eyes search his face for a sign he’s only messing with me by asking something so ludicrous, but I see nothing but a tense expression. “Are you seriously asking me that?”
“Answer the question. Yes, or no.”
“Fuck, no!” I shout, then lower my voice and glance upstairs. “No, dude! I’d never cross the line like that.” I jab my finger at him. “You should fucking know better.”
Gabriel stares at me, unflinching. “Do I?”
“Come on, Gabriel. Be serious.”
“I am serious. We both know Lauren has always had a crush on you—”
“Yeah, back when she was a kid, back when I was the only guy you allowed to hang around her. Now, she’s all grown up, with plenty of experiences with guys. She hasn’t even spared me a second look since she got back from college.”
Gabriel seems to ponder that and loosens his arms.
“And quite frankly, I’m offended you’d even think I’d cross the line like that,” I accuse.
“Well, you’re not the patron saint of good decisions, and you’re weak around women. A terrible combination, if you ask me. Add a long-standing crush and some privacy, and just like that, my sister becomes a notch on your belt.”
A snort flies from my mouth before I can stop it.
“This isn’t a joke, Marcus,” Gabriel says sternly.
Chuckling, I swat his arm. “Loosen up, dude. Lauren is safe from my—what does your mom call it? My debauchery.” I laugh again.
Gabriel doesn’t even crack a smile. I sober up.
“Look. Besides my dad, you guys are the closest thing to family I have. I don’t want to lose that. I’d never want to lose you . We’ve been through too much for me to mess with our friendship for the sake of a temporary good time.” I squeeze his shoulder. “Rest assured, Lauren will always be in good hands around me.”
My response placates Gabriel, it seems, for his expression clears, and he even attempts a smile. He pulls me in for a hearty hug, patting my back. “I trust your heart,” he says. “It’s your hormones that make me worry.”
That earns him a laugh, and we break apart when Zyon comes down the stairs to remind him of their appointment with the wedding planner. Lauren offered to babysit Liam while they’re out. Usually, I’d linger and keep her company, but after my conversation with Gabriel, it’s too awkward.
And I can’t help the guilty feelings, either.
So, I head home.
Only to find that my dad has already left.
I get out my phone to dial his number and realize he’d left a message. Stopping by Arnold’s then heading back to San Diego. See you next week, son.
Stopping by Arnold’s. Hmm. No doubt to fan the flames to get me and Harper back together. Last night, he was too exhausted for me to press the issue, but I’m going to dig for the truth. I can’t shake the feeling that this more than a desperate dying wish.
And if it is?
Well, if that’s the case, if his desire for a grandchild is coming from an innocent place, then I’ll have no other choice—
Fuck.
It’s too painful to even think about.
A fucking wife. A goddamn kid . Two milestones I’ve never desired, but ones I’m now forced to consider. Just throw me over a goddamn cliff already. I have a feeling that would be easier to bear.
Why couldn’t Dad ask for a more realistic wish, like maybe removing one or two of these tattoos, or cutting my curly hair low? Heck, he could even push the button by asking me to cut my one-night stands to one per month. Or two. He was always an ambitious man, but this is too much.
My cell phone rings as I get ready to work out my frustration in the home gym upstairs. The unfamiliar number makes me ignore it at first, but I finally answer when the ringing persists.
Then, I wish I hadn’t.
“Hey, stranger.”
I close my eyes while suppressing a deep groan. I’d know this voice anywhere, even in a noisy crowd. Harper Ryan has a distinct velvety tone that reduces any hard heart to mush. For ten years, she had me under a spell with that voice.
“Hey, Harp. How are you doing?” I greet back casually after putting the call on speakerphone. I pull the drawer open and remove a pair of gym pants while hearing the honk of a loud horn on her end.
“Goddamn road bullies,” she curses then switches back to her sultry tone as she replies, “Better, now that I’m hearing your voice.”
I don’t know how to respond to that, so I just grunt while yanking a tank top over my head.
“So… your dad stopped by the house a couple minutes ago.” Her voice trails off into a pause. I’ve known Harper long enough to recognize when she’s handing the conversation baton to me.
I take it with a slightly amused headshake, because I know where it’s going. “Yeah? How’d that go?”
“Is that a trick question?” She scoffs.
“Uh… should it be?” I ask, dropping my butt on the workout bench.
“Marcus, I swear to God, don’t make me turn this car around. You know I hate playing games.”
I’m so confused, especially when she’s the one always playing games . “What are you talking about, Harper? ”
“Your dad said you found out I was back in town and wanted to see me, so here I am. I’m coming,” she replies, sounding a little snappy this time. “Although, from the way you’re acting, I might as well go back home.”
Holy fuck, Dad . I suppress a groan. “This isn’t a good time.”
“Well, too late. I’m literally pulling up to your building right now,” she says. “Call the front desk. I’ll be up in a minute or two.”
“How do you even know—”
She hangs up before I finish, but I already know the answer. It’s obvious my dad is willing to go the extra mile to get his wish.