Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(40)

Jesus.

She’d really do just about anything to save the man.

She owned one thing, and she was so quick to give it up.

I remember her saving up for two summers back when she was in high school, working at the bakery in town to save up for that car.

“I haven’t seen it at the house,” I said, turning to look at her when I stopped at the light.

“It’s at Brax’s office. He’s got that empty lot, and people sell their cars there all the time. He said he’d help me out. It gets a ton of exposure on that corner.”

I rolled my eyes. Of course, the fucker was helping her and hadn’t said a word.

“I’m guessing Travis doesn’t know about this?”

“Of course not. Why would I tell him when he’s dead set against it? I don’t need his permission or his money, Hugh. I can do this on my own.”

“Why didn’t you come to me for the money? You know I’d give it to you in a heartbeat. Take your car back, and I’ll loan you the money. You can pay it back over time, all right?”

“What? No. I’m already living at your house and working at your restaurant. You’ve done enough for me.”

The light turned green, and we started moving. “Listen to me. You’ve probably saved me more than eight grand just in the tweaks you’ve made to the books and all the areas you’ve found that we could cut back and places where we could increase revenue. And you cook breakfast and dinner for me every day. I owe you.”

She chuckled. “You’re exaggerating. But thank you for the offer. If my car doesn’t sell, I may have to come to you for a loan, but I’d rather do this on my own.”

I’d definitely have to talk to Brax about making sure that car didn’t sell. The fucker was so sneaky.

“Well, I guess we know that Travis isn’t the only stubborn one in the James family,” I said, and my lips twitched when I felt her eyes on me.

“I do have a favor to ask.”

“Shoot.”

“Do you think your parents would be okay with me bringing my dad to Sunday dinner tomorrow night? I think it would be good for him to be around your family. And for Travis to see that he’s trying.”

“Of course. You know my mom. Everyone is welcome. And we will be talking to her about getting you on her schedule and starting therapy. Otherwise, I will throw your ass under the bus so fast with Lauren, your head will spin.”

“You play dirty, Hugh Reynolds.”

“Always,” I said. As I glanced at her, her heated gaze locked with mine.

She didn’t know the half of it.





twelve





Lila





We pulled into the driveway, and I looked over my shoulder to see Brax pull in behind us. Today had been a lot, and I needed to get ready before we went out tonight. Girls’ night out had somehow turned into bringing boyfriends. Boomer and Parker were both joining us, and Del had arranged for Quincy and Kline to meet us. I hadn’t realized those two were good friends, so I just had to hope that Del wouldn’t make things awkward and blow my cover. Kline and I were just friends, and it made me nervous that she thought it was something more. I didn’t mind him going out with us, especially now that he’d told me he and Danielle had hooked up. That took the pressure off.

Unfortunately, I’d come to the realization that the only man I was interested in happened to be the one I lived with.

Who I also worked for.

Who also happened to be my brother’s best friend.

And he’d made it clear that nothing could happen between us again.

Maybe I was meant to die a virgin.

It wasn’t supposed to be this hard, right?

“Well, look who’s here. Mr. Fucking Secret Keeper,” Hugh grumped beside me as he turned off the car.

“Don’t make him feel bad for helping me.”

“He should have stopped you from doing it.” He pushed out of the car. He wasn’t going to let this go. And this man had the nerve to call me stubborn?

“Hey. I was just showing a house on your street and thought you might be back. You want to go grab pizza with those girls from last night? They just texted me that they want to meet up,” Brax said as he strolled up the driveway.

I knew Hugh’d gone out last night, but he hadn’t said much about it, and he’d gotten home early, so I figured it didn’t go well. But maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Hugh crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Brax before speaking. “Something you want to tell me?”

“Um, let’s see. I’d like to get laid, and it can’t seem to happen without my wingman, so let’s get some pizza and go out tonight. Is that what you’re waiting for?” he asked. Brax was a few inches shorter than Hugh but still stood about six feet tall. He had his hair cut close to his head and was always dressed like he was going to a meeting. Even if he was at a barbecue, the man was wearing a dress shirt and dress pants. He didn’t do the casual thing like his two best friends. “And hello, lovely Lila. How are you doing today?”

He hugged me, and I could feel him doing something over my shoulder to Hugh because his body shook a little like he was trying to hold in his laughter.

“Fuck off. That is not what I’m talking about. You’re helping Lila sell her car, and you didn’t think you should mention that?”