Ego Maniac(61)

“He told you about that?”

I nodded. “He did. It was an oddly sweet story. He told it with reverence.”

“Anyway, the two of us have been fighting since sixth grade. But he’s also my best friend. Him and his old man were closer than any father and son I’d ever met. They fought daily. It’s not a coincidence that he argues for a living, too.” Roman sipped from his beer and seemed to ponder his next words. “Wanna know how I knew it wasn’t going to work out with Alexa?”

“How?”

“They never argued. Not until the end when she started to show her true colors as the selfish bitch she always was. And that’s a different type of fighting than Drew does when he loves.”

“We’re not—”

Roman leaned back into the couch with an easy smile. “I know. I can see that neither of you have figured it out yet. Talk to me in a month or two.”





“There’s night construction on 49th, you should try 51st.”

“Jesus Christ, you’re a pain in the ass,” Drew mumbled as he made a sharp left turn.

We’d argued for a half-hour over my going home. He wanted me to stay at his place so he could help me get around. But with his son there, it wasn’t the right thing to do. Eventually he gave in, but we waited until after Beck went to sleep. Then Roman had stayed so Drew could drive me home.

When we arrived at my building, I made a half-assed attempt at arguing against him carrying me, then gave up. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I leaned in to enjoy it.

“You might want to think about cutting back on the burgers,” Drew teased.

“Watch it. Any fat jokes and I’ll be cutting back on all meat.”

“You’re full of shit. You like my meat way too much.”

“You’re so full of yourself.”

“Maybe. But you’re going to be full of me in about five minutes, too.”

The elevator door opened. “We don’t have time for that. You need to get back so Roman can get home.”

“Screw Roman.” One of the hands cradling me slipped down to my ass and squeezed hard. “I’ve had your ass in my hands all day. We’re getting naked.”

“What if I don’t invite you in?”

“Good point. Maybe I should fuck you right here in the elevator then.” He pointed his chin up to a small camera in the corner of the car. “Someone might be watching. Give ’em a good show.”

I’d been leaning my head against Drew’s chest, so I tilted it back to look up at him. His eyes were filled with heat. If we didn’t get up to the privacy of my apartment, there was a chance someone really might be getting a show. But why weren’t we moving yet?

“Did you push my floor?”

“Fuck,” Drew chuckled and leaned forward to push the button on the elevator panel. Just before the doors slid together, an arm stopped them from closing.

Of course, it had to be Baldwin.

He looked at me in Drew’s arms and then saw the boot strapped up my leg. “Emerie? What happened?”

I felt the grip around me tighten.

“I fell ice skating. It’s just a sprain.”

Baldwin eyed Drew.

What the hell? Does he need verification?

“She’s been checked out. It’s not broken,” Drew said curtly. His jaw was set so tightly, I could see the muscle flexing.

The elevator door closed, and the inside of the car became worse than awkward. It felt…suffocating. The two men stood side by side. I suddenly wished I’d argued more about being carried. By the time we got to the third floor, I was certain there wasn’t much oxygen left in the quiet car. Baldwin extended his arm to let us get out first.

I attempted to find my keys in my purse, but it was difficult in my current position. When Drew stopped in front of my door, I said, “Would you mind putting me down so I can find my keys?”

He lowered me gently, keeping his arm around me to reduce the weight on my foot.

Baldwin stopped at my door. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but Drew beat me to it.

“I’ll take care of whatever she needs.”

Baldwin pretty much ignored him. “I can drop you at the office in the morning and pick you up.”

“I have a car,” Drew muttered as he took the keys from my hand and unlocked the door.

“It’s not necessary for you to come out of your way. We’re leaving from the same place, and I can route myself to drop you on my way to the university.”

I ignored the eyes burning into me and turned to Baldwin. “That would be great. Thank you. Or I can take a cab. I don’t want Drew having to come all this way uptown in the morning, especially dragging his son with him.”

“Then it’s settled. Text me in the morning if you need help getting ready or anything.”

“Thank you.”

Baldwin gave Drew a nod and then finally went to his apartment. The entire encounter had probably lasted the sum total of three minutes, but it felt like hours.

Inside, I flicked on the lights and busied myself taking off my coat. Drew was quiet, and I sensed a comment coming. After a minute, I started to relax and think maybe it was all in my head, that I had misjudged the situation and the awkwardness was only felt by me.