That Secret Crush (Getting Lucky #3)(57)

“Wh-what, uh . . . what exactly did she tell you?” I tread carefully, wanting to find out how much she really knows. Like, does she know about Eric and my trip down to Boston? I can’t imagine that going over well if she did.

“That your dad is starting a restaurant and asked you to head it up.” Okay, so she doesn’t know everything. “Why didn’t you tell me? That’s huge, Reid, and I feel like that’s something you should talk to your girlfriend about.” She moves her fork along her plate, avoiding my gaze. “Do you know how embarrassing it was to find out about the restaurant from someone other than you?”

If I were in her shoes, I would be pretty fucking pissed.

“I’m sorry, Eve, but it’s a little more complicated than that.”

“Really? Seems pretty easy to tell me. You just say, Hey, Eve, guess what?”

“Not when I don’t think I’m going to do it.” I push back from the table. “There’s more to it. One, I don’t cook anymore. Two, I’ve already lost a restaurant—I can’t lose my dad’s dream. I would never forgive myself.” And the fact that your brother doesn’t want to take a chance on me again pretty much justifies every fear I have. I keep this last part to myself, though.

“But with help, it could work. I’m getting my degree in business, and you guys will need a manager. I could—”

Knock. Knock.

We both turn our heads toward the door and then look back at each other.

“Expecting someone?” I ask, raising my eyebrows.

“Only you.” She stands from her chair, tosses on a sweatshirt over her tank top, and opens the door.

A gasp falls from her lips, followed by, “Eric, what are you doing here?”

I shoot up from my chair and stand as far away from the table as I can get, as if that’s going to make things look innocent.

I’m pretty sure he’s the last person either of us expected to show up at her apartment.

Jesus. Thank fuck we have our clothes on. I can’t even imagine what Eric would think if I was sitting in his sister’s apartment shirtless.

“Hey, sis,” he says, stepping inside and pulling her into a giant hug. “I thought I would come pay you a much-needed visit. I have some—” He notices me and stands straight, eyeing me from over Eve’s shoulder. “Reid, what are you doing here?”

“Hey.” I wave my hand awkwardly. “Good to see you, man. I, uh, was just catching up with Eve.” I stick my hands in my pockets, unsure how to act. Deny, deny, deny—that’s what’s on repeat in my head. “But I should get going. Early morning on the boat tomorrow.” I walk toward the door and quickly slip my shoes on and grab my coat. I reach out and shake Eric’s hand. “You look good.” I pat him on the back and give Eve a parting glance. “Thanks for dinner, Eve. See you around.”

Before I can hear her response, I’m out the door and headed straight for my truck, my lungs barely functioning as my mind whirls with what the hell he’s doing here.

Whatever it is, I don’t think it’s going to be very good on my end.





CHAPTER EIGHTEEN





EVE


I blink a few times, almost as if a ghost is standing before me. I can’t remember the last time I saw my twin brother. It’s gotten to the point that I don’t even see him on holidays. We barely talk on the phone. We shoot each other random texts on occasion, and that’s the extent of our interaction. After Dad died and Eric lost the restaurant, well, things have been seriously strained between us.

And the strain becomes all the more obvious when Reid leaves the apartment like his ass is on fire, and the only way to put it out is by getting in his truck.

And the worst part is that Reid barely spoke to Eric, someone he hasn’t seen in almost three years. Instead, they exchange a handshake, and he’s gone.

“So are you going to welcome me?” Eric asks, looking a little confused by Reid’s abrupt retreat.

“Yeah, sorry.” I stand there, blank and shaken. “I’m sorry, I’m just surprised to see you.”

I let him in and shut the door behind him as I hear Reid’s truck pulling away. I hope this doesn’t scare him off, that he doesn’t put even more distance between us—I’m pretty sure that would just about destroy me. And right when I was about to tell Reid how much I care, how much I want to be there for him . . . Eric decides to come waltzing back. I swallow down my annoyance.

Eric strolls into the kitchen. “Do you have dinner with Reid often?”

Eyeing the place settings, I bite down on the side of my cheek. Should I tell him that I’m seeing Reid, that I’ve been seeing him for a while now? Would the truth make Eric angry? He shouldn’t really have a say at this point since he’s been out of our lives for so long. Then again, judging from the way Reid sprinted out of my apartment, I’m guessing he’s not ready to let the cat out of the bag. But I don’t think I am either, in all honesty. Eric has kept so much from me; the last thing I want is for him to storm back out the door the minute he arrives because he’s pissed about my new relationship with Reid. I want to know why he’s here; I want to hash things out with him. I want to fix our relationship, and then I can ease him into the new development. So instead of telling my brother the truth, I say, “Um, not really, just on occasion to catch up.”