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She chuckles. “It’s your advice, silly. I’m just reminding you.”
I lean against the brick wall around the back of Eagle Eye Security and stare at my bike. It’s a Thursday, and I have an early start tomorrow, but I don’t want to go home yet. “What are you up to tonight?”
“I’m supposed to be going to Dad’s for dinner. I was planning on telling him about my books. You know, face my fear and everything. Why? You want to do something?”
I chuckle. She’ll do anything to get out of spending time with her Dad, but she needs to face him. “Go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Oh, I’m... Cass and Duncan are going out for their three-month anniversary, and I thought you and Seb might be planning to go out, just the two of you.”
I frown, my gut tightening in response to her answer. When Lainey and Cass started hanging out with us every weekend, I wasn’t thrilled that I was losing my time with the guys, but the upside is that I get to see Lainey every week. It’s cool that I don’t have to worry about dividing my time between her and my mates. Even if Cass isn’t going to be there tomorrow night, it doesn’t feel right not to invite her. Besides, we were hanging out every Friday before we found out about Cass and Duncan dating.
“We are going out, but you can join us. You should join us,” I amend.
“Oh, I don’t know. I just have to... my editor wants to see where I’m up to. I was planning on spending tomorrow night at home, making some progress on my manuscript. And I figured it was the perfect time to do that since you and Seb will be out on the prowl.”
The prowl? What am I, a panther?
“I don’t want to get in the way,” she says softly.
Guilt slams into me, leaving me winded. I know she’s been feeling like a third wheel lately, with Duncan and Cass shoving their tongues down each other’s throats all the time and me and Seb picking up in front of her. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve tried hard not to leave her alone with Cass and Duncan too much, but when I’m not focused on other women, I’m noticing Lainey in ways I know I shouldn’t.
Seb was right to give me shit about being friends with Lainey. I was always going to think about sleeping with her at some point, and Seb knew it. Lainey comes out dressed in those dresses and skirts that show off her long legs, and I start thinking about how much I want them wrapped around me, and how good it’d feel to be with her.
If I didn’t like her so much, I’d have slept with her by now. But I do like her. She’s smart, gorgeous, and I love spending time with her. She’s my friend.
And I want to see her tomorrow.
“You won’t get in the way,” I say.
“No, really. It’s okay, I’ll see you Saturday instead.”
“I might be busy Saturday. Duncan was talking about going to the races. It could still fall through, knowing Duncan, but if he doesn’t bail...”
It’ll be the first guy’s night we’ve had in ages, and Duncan promised me it was a definite. At the time, I jumped at the suggestion, but now all I can think about is the fact I won’t see Lainey this week. I can’t remember the last time we didn’t hang out during the week. Ten weeks ago, maybe?
“Oh.”
She sounds as if she’s disappointed.
She isn’t the only one. The meeting with Dirk was a bust, and I need to start looking for a new job. Not getting to see Lainey this week would be the pickle on top of a shit sundae for me, and I hate pickles.
“I really think you should come out with us tomorrow night,” I say.
“I really don’t want to get in the way.”
“My friends come first for me, Lainey. You know that. Women come and go, friends are always there. Come out with me and Seb tomorrow, we’ll have a drink, and I won’t go... prowling.”
I can take a Friday night out from getting laid. It’s just one night, right? I’ll spend tomorrow night with Lainey, ignore any thoughts I have about taking her home, and then go out and get laid on Saturday night, after hanging with the guys.
“Are you sure?”
The doubt in her voice hits me hard. How many times has she heard me complain I’m not getting out with the guys enough? How many times have I prioritised a one-night stand over her? How many times in her life has anyone really made her feel wanted?
But she is wanted. She means nearly as much to me as the guys do.
Holy shit, when did that happen?
“Yeah, I’m sure. I want you there. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know where we’re going.”
