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“I’m happy to keep you company for a while longer. It’s been a long time since we’ve caught up.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. We had never been friends. Merely casual acquaintances, because in Pecan Orchard, that was the way of life. Everyone knew everyone. He had been three grades above me, and over the years all our interactions had been brief. “Not to be rude, but I don’t remember us ever having anything to catch up on.”
His eyes danced while he spat out a laugh. “My apologies. I would like to remedy that as soon as possible.”
I wasn’t sure what to say, and before I had to say anything, the door slid open, and in walked Brooks—with a purpose. Like he was practically marching our way, which I thought was unusual. Last time he had been here, he had approached with trepidation. Not only was I stunned by his sudden arrival, but his tight jeans and T-shirt had my heart betraying me and beating double time. Schnikeys, was he beautiful. I kept telling myself to look away, or at the very least not like what I saw, but it was hopeless, and apparently so was I. Why couldn’t I just get over him? It had been twenty years, and he was dating the mistress of darkness.
Brooks’s chocolate eyes darted between me and Julian, his scowl growing bigger and bigger. I guess he wanted to be alone. That was probably a good idea.
I popped up. “I was just uh . . .” Oh crap, I had lost all brain function. Think of something, Gracie. “Pepsi, yeah, Pepsi.” Holy crow, you sound like an idiot. “I mean Diet Pepsi.” Yeah, that sounded better. “I mean I’m going to get a Diet Pepsi.” I practically tripped over my feet in my rush to get moving. I had to hold on to the chair before I killed myself. Could I act more like a nutjob?
Julian jumped up. “I’ll go with you.”
Brooks clenched his hands, and his face turned a lovely shade of crimson as he stared at Julian. “I need to speak to Grace.”
No he didn’t. That wasn’t going to be any good for Grace. Why was I thinking about myself in the third person?
Julian looked between me and Brooks with a crooked smirk. “I’ll wait for you, Gracie, and we can get that drink.”
Why did I feel as if I were trapped in a no-win game?
“It could be a while,” Brooks growled.
That wasn’t helping my situation. At. All.
“I’m used to pulling all-nighters.” It sounded like Julian was taunting Brooks.
This was getting weird.
“You know, maybe you two should stay. I’m sure you have some things to talk about.” I scooted past Julian and was about ready to sprint past Brooks when he gently grabbed my arm.
His eyes zeroed in on my own, holding me in place. “Please stay.”
Under his penetrating gaze, my resolve began to weaken. I saw the boy I had loved in his pleading eyes. I tried to grasp for all the reasons I should go. I kept trying to form words, but nothing was coming. When I couldn’t respond, Brooks said, “Please, Grace.”
There he went using my name again. Did he know the power that it carried?
“For a few minutes,” I relented.
Brooks gave me a half smile before jerking his head toward Julian. “There are only two visitors allowed at a time. The nurse told me you would have to leave.”
Julian gave him a look that said touché before setting his sights on me. “I’m sure we will see each other again. Soon, I hope. I owe you a drink. I’ll throw in dinner too.”
“Um, okay,” I stuttered, before fully realizing what I was agreeing to. These men were throwing my brain out of whack.
Julian strode by, making sure to flash Brooks a wide grin. “Be sure to say hello to my sister for me.” That sounded an awful lot like a warning. If Julian thought Brooks had any interest in me, he was sorely mistaken.
“Will do.” Brooks let my arm go.
I faltered, then steadied myself. I ended up backed up against the sink the doctors and nurses used to wash their hands.
“Goodbye, Gracie.” Julian waved.
I half-heartedly waved back.
Brooks watched Julian leave, and as soon as the door closed, he turned toward me and growled, “You should be careful around him. He has a less than desirable track record with women.”
“Thank you for your concern, but Julian isn’t the one for me.” I was confused by his obvious irritation.
“Are you seeing someone?” His voice hitched.
“I try and go on one blind date a week.”
His brow arched. “Why?”
“I’m testing out a theory,” I admitted, a bit embarrassed.
“What theory?”
“I like to call it facial recognition. I won’t bore you with the details.” More like we needed to quit talking so I could leave his overwhelming presence. He was proving my facial recognition theory right, and that I couldn’t have. “Where’s Morgan?” I asked, flustered.
