Maybe This Time (Maybe #1)(9)

“Hey,” he says, a little warily.

“Hey.”

“You okay?” he asks, looking concerned.

“I’m fine, why?” I ask. “You can sit down,” I offer, pointing to the end of my bed. He hesitantly sits down, then looks back at me.

“Xander said you were upset about something,” he says kindly. He sounds genuine, like he really cares about what I have to say.

“I’ll be okay, I’m just trying to be a better person and not let my mother control or define my actions anymore,” I say honestly. As it leaves my mouth, I can’t believe I told him that. It's one of the most honest things I’ve ever said.

He nods, like he understands. “The fact that you’re acknowledging it is a step in the right direction.”

“I guess so. It’s just messing with my mind right now,” I admit.

“Trust me, I know the feeling,” he says, scowling a little.

“I just don’t want to hurt Xander. It’s hard, though, when you grow up being told one thing, and then you find out it’s not the truth at all.”

“You’re a good girl, Summer, forget about what you’ve been told. Start fresh and figure it out for yourself. Things aren’t always what they seem,” he says, looking down at the floor.

“You’re being nice again, why?” I ask, closing my laptop.

He smirks. “Calling me out, are you?”

“Yeah, well, the hot and cold act is really getting old,” I say, pursing my lips.

He nods twice. “Yeah, it would, wouldn’t it? Look, I have a lot of shit going on in my life right now. I’m not in a good place. That doesn’t mean I don’t… care about you.”

Then he stands up and walks away.





*****


“Get dressed, I’m taking you out.” Xander says the next day when he walks into my room. "Dress in workout clothes," he adds before he closes the door.

‘Out’ ends up being me going with him to his gym. The gym is a warehouse, but it looks pretty decent. It has an octagon shaped cage, a boxing ring, and then a section with weights, a treadmill and other gym equipment.

I blink twice as I take in Ryan and Reid, boxing in the ring. They're both wearing nothing but basketball shorts and boxing gloves, oh my. I can’t seem to tear my gaze from Reid, his body slick with sweat, his muscles rippling with every movement. I don’t even know how I can tell which one Reid is from here, but I can. Reid purposely trips Ryan over, and I can hear them both laughing. They're obviously just messing around.

“What’s with the weird shaped boxing ring?” I ask, curious.

Xander eyes me for a second before replying. “We like to fight.”

“I can see that,” I murmur, my eyes still locked onto Reid. I notice that Reid and Ryan have similar tattoos that start from their shoulder and finish above their elbows.

“Quit drooling, Sum.’ Xander chuckles. I don’t even bother denying it.

“Come on, this is women’s porn right here,” I tell him, swallowing hard when Reid throws off the gloves and runs his hand through his hair.

His impressive back is to me and I watch his muscles flex as he lifts his hands up behind his neck, talking with his brother.

“Ryan isn’t the settling down type.” He smirks. Who said I was checking out Ryan?

“And Reid?” I ask, trying to act casual.

Xander laughs, and I wince knowing this isn’t gonna be good. “Reid screws around less than Ryan. A lot less. He has a couple of f*ck buddies he sticks to, but they know the deal. No commitment, no emotional attachment. He’s cold, sis. Please tell me you’re just asking out of curiosity, not interest.”

I look at Xander and roll my eyes. “Of course I’m just curious. A man like that would eat me alive.” And he would.

I hope.

Oh, hell.

“Good,” Xander says, sounding relieved. “Come on, get on the treadmill.”

“Are you hinting that you think I’m fat?” I gasp, just to annoy him.

Xander cringes, instantly backpedalling. “Of course not. You’re perfect, but you still needa exercise. I thought we could teach you some self-defence, too.”

“That actually sounds fun.” I always wanted to learn self-defence. In the world we live in, every woman should know how to defend herself.

The twins walk down towards us. I stare at Reid. Seriously. Shorts slung so low I can see the sexy V of his hips. Tall, blonde, blue-eyed, he looks like a sexy Viking.

“What's she doing here?” Reid demands. Of course he has to open his mouth and ruin it.

“She is right here, and can talk for herself,” I snap. His eyes connect with mine, and I can sense his irritation, and his… lust.

Shit.

“She’s allowed to use the gym, Reid. It does belong to her father,” Xander says calmly, slapping Ryan on the back in greeting as he walks towards the equipment.

“It does?” This is news to me. Reid’s gaze softens slightly, probably feeling sorry for me because I know nothing about my own father.

I don’t want or need his sympathy.

“Hey, Ryan,” I greet, taking off my jacket, and putting it in the corner with my phone.