Page 14 of Bruised

“Is that your brother?” Tess asks, perking up. “And who’s that with him—a visitor?” She makes a move to get up, but I shake my head.

During our time as coworkers, we got so accustomed to each other’s body language that we know when shit’s serious.

“Not today,” I mutter. “I’ll introduce you later.”

Today, I’m too stuck in my head to be any kind of social. Too aware of the mess my life has become. By now, I should’ve figured out what the hell I’m supposed to do with my life, but instead I’m more stuck than ever. My life took a left turn, and Tess… Tess was there when it all happened. Even though it was a pretty long time ago, seeing her brings me back. Wet pavement, a flickering streetlight, and a voice screaming “no!”

I scowl and look sideways.

“Are you okay?” Tess asks.

“Define okay.”

“How’s the job search going?”

“The job market’s pretty shit; I doubt anyone will hire an ex-con. Besides, bartending’s all I know.”

“I’ll talk to my boss if you want,” Tess says sympathetically.

I shake my head. “It wouldn’t work.” Besides, I wouldn’t want to risk having another incident. Tess and I working together… We’re bound to get into trouble, even if it won’t be that kind of trouble. I’m on a tight leash for the foreseeable future. One misstep, and I’ll be back behind bars.

Tess frowns. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. Why?” I always used to be able to talk to her, but I don’t know… A lot of time has passed, and I feel more closed off now than I used to. I hope our friendship is still salvageable, but it would be just my luck to ruin this too.

I am fine, though. As soon as I get my shit together, I’ll be even more fine.

The sound of footsteps thunders up the stairs, and Lane’s voice floats down the hallway. He sounds all excited, probably talking about the games he and Oliver have been playing nonstop.

My hands flex as I remember the cool steel of the silver ring at the front of his collar, his huge brown eyes glaring up at me, and the flush rising up his neck.

Yeah, I’ll be fine. As soon as I get my hands on Lane, I’ll be more than fine. Maybe it’s time to speed up that process.

5. DANGER ZONE

The following week, the summer heat finally arrives for real. Oliver and I try to game in the afternoon, but the AC can’t keep up with the sun’s onslaught. It’s sweltering; impossible to focus.

Oliver gets up from his gaming chair. “Wanna make popsicles?”

“Yes, please,” I say with a relieved sigh. “I’m dying.”

I follow him out of his room, and as we walk downstairs, I hear the telltale thuds coming from the garage. Mason must be in there, pumping iron in this heat. Every time we’ve crossed paths, I’ve tried not to let my eyes linger on him for too long, but he’s shirtless more often than not, and his body is, um… Let’s just say it’s eye-catching.

Oliver gathers everything we need on the kitchen counter: silicone molds with handles for the popsicles, sugary sweet raspberry juice, and a pitcher to mix the juice in.

“Crap,” Oliver says, rummaging around the cabinets. “Where’s that freaking pour thing?”

“The pour thing?”

“The funnel for the molds. Shit gets everywhere without it. Gets all sticky and gross when it melts. Fuck. I think Mason borrowed it for his stupid toys.”

Toys? Mason doesn’t strike me as someone who still plays with toys, unless it’s, um… those kinds of toys, and in that case, I doubt Oliver would mention it so casually.

“Um, okay. Want to ask him?”

Oliver rolls his eyes. “Nah, let’s just do without it. I don’t wanna go into his room; he’s probably shirtless or something.”

“Isn’t he at the gym?” I ask casually, as if I don’t keep meticulous track of his whereabouts. “I’ll go get it. I’m sure he won’t mind.”