Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(37)

But I kept checking my phone to see if Lila was on her way home yet, and I couldn’t get into it. Hell, common sense told me to go out and get laid. That would be the surefire fastest way to get her out of my system.

But I didn’t want to do it.

I couldn’t have her, but I didn’t want anyone else, either.

Brax was all over my ass this morning, asking what was up after I’d ducked out early.

Brax



What the fuck is your deal, jackass? They were both hot.





You should have taken Jaqueline home. I don’t have to hook up with her friend for you to close the deal.





I chuckled because I knew he was pissed. The dude always liked to have a wingman.

Brax



She wasn’t going to leave her friend. Unlike you, she’s not a dick.





You can’t close the deal without me?





Brax



Apparently not. Because you’ve bailed the last two times, and I’ve gone home with a bad case of blueballs, dickhead.





<laughing emoji> <shrugging emoji>





Brax



Don’t use emojis to avoid the fucking question. What is your deal, and how much does it have to do with the hot little roommate you’re shacking up with?





Fuck. Off.





Brax



Dude. No judgment. I know you. You’re fighting it. And I get it. Our boy is a crazy motherfucker, especially when it comes to Lila. If something is going on, you can tell me. I’ve got you.





I knew he did. But this was done, and there was nothing to tell. It was no one’s business.

Nothing going on, brother.





Brax



When did the most honest dude I know become a liar?





No idea what you’re talking about. You want to come to Sunday dinner tomorrow? My mom is making your favorite.





Brax



Nice deflection. And you know I will never turn down Alana’s fried chicken. Hells to the yes. And I’m here for you when you want to tell me what the fuck is going on.





Thanks for that. You’re being ridiculous, though. Nothing to tell.





Brax



Fine. What are you doing today?





Going with Lila to check out that treatment center for her dad.





Brax



Of course, you are. What a wonderful friend you are to her, you douche sack. You leave me high and dry with a raging boner, and you’re going to skip around a treatment center with your best friend’s little sister. Dude. This is madness.





STFU, dick weasel. Trav asked me to go with her. You can ask her yourself. She’ll be at Sunday dinner.





Brax



Of course, she will. You two are practically inseparable.





Well, your theory is fucked because Trav and Shay will be there, as well. And Georgia, my cousin Dylan, and her fiancé, Wolf, are driving in for dinner, too.





Brax



Damn. Dylan’s so hot. You don’t think she’ll tell the Navy SEAL that she kicked me in the balls in high school when I hit on her, do you? I’m a lover, not a fighter.





I doubt she remembers. She’s kicked a lot of dudes in the balls. I think you’re safe.





Brax



<praying hands emoji>





I laughed when I read his message. Lila walked into the kitchen, and I tucked my phone into my back pocket.

“You ready?” I asked her. She was wearing a white sundress, and her long waves were falling down her shoulders and back. Her tan skin stood out against the dress, and she looked fucking gorgeous. It didn’t matter what she wore: a dress, jean shorts, running shorts and tee, or a fucking canvas sack. She looked good in all of it.

And don’t even get me started about her birthday suit.

I’d never get the vision out of my head of Lila walking down to the water with her tight little ass on full display under the light of the moon.

I’d tattoo her ass on my arm if I didn’t think her brother would kill me.

“Yes. You sure you don’t mind going with me?”

“Nope. Will you be taking a tour?” I asked.

“It’s not really like that. They are all about the privacy of their clients. I’m just going to meet with the lady who works there and check out the layout of the facility and pick up some paperwork to take to my dad.”

“All right. Sounds like a plan. You seem a little nervous,” I said with a chuckle as we walked to the car.

“I’m not nervous. Not at all.” I opened her door, and she climbed into the truck. I reached for her seat belt and pulled it across her body.

She groaned. “How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t need to be buckled in?”