Delaney James seems to have it all-a successful husband, a stylish Manhattan townhouse, and a thriving career in fashion journalism-until it all falls apart. Her husband leaves her, shattering the perfect life she once knew. Heartbroken and desperat...
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It's nearly midnight and we're still at Jenkins. One more shot turned into one more beer, which then turned into a spirited – slightly heated – game of pool. Of course, once Greyson beat Bodie fair and square, he insisted they make it best out of three. I shouldn't be surprised, really. I mean, they're professional athletes who thrive on good, healthy competition. What was I honestly expecting?
Kutter and I sit on stools nearby, but neither of us participate. He's too busy heckling Greyson while I try my best not to fall apart and stay present, focusing on the game in front of me. It's not easy considering the destructive and negative inner monologue that's swirling through my mind, but I'm coherent enough to play along, cheering when Greyson wins the last game. Bodie tries to up it to best out of five, but my mouth is stretched in a wide yawn when Greyson looks to me for permission, so he declines – thankfully.
We offer to wait with Bodie and Kutter until their Uber arrives, but they wave us off and tell us to go home.
"Guys, this was awesome. Thanks for making it happen," Greyson says. "I really appreciate the detour."
Bodie reaches for me and wraps me in a warm, sweet hug. "I'm so happy I finally got to meet you, Delaney. It's been long overdue."
"Me too. Thanks so much for coming. I know it means a lot to Greyson that you guys were able to make the time."
He places a gentle, friendly kiss on my cheek. "Take care of him for me, okay?" I pull away, and when we make eye contact, I know without him having to say it that he understands the delicate, unstable mindset Greyson teeters between. "Make sure he stays on the straight and narrow."
"That's easier said than done, but I'll do my best." I smile reassuringly. "I've got him. I promise."
He smiles and winks at me, but our silent understanding is disconnected when Greyson pulls him away and into a hug. It's the kind where they grasp hands, bump chests, and slap each other on the back loudly. Nico calls them 'heterosexual bro hugs' and says that only guys with too much machismo and are hiding their true sexuality hug that way.
Nico is also a judgmental dick sometimes.
Kutter hugs Greyson and they say their good-byes, but the entire time they embrace each other, he stares at me over Greyson's shoulder – sneering at me. I cross my arms against my chest and drop my eyes to the ground. I refuse to let him know how uncomfortable he makes me. Guys like him feed off that type of power.
As soon as Greyson is free, I grab his hand – locking our fingers together – and move toward him. I know Kutter won't step out of line in front of Greyson, but the fact that I not only know he's next to me, but can also feel him, sets my nerves at ease.
A sly smirk spreads across Kutter's face as he walks toward me. I glance up at Greyson, but he's talking to Bodie, so I lay my hand over our grasp and lean into him.
