I run a hand through my hair, already regretting being honest with him. “Yep. I can’t stop thinking about her. It feels like she’s everywhere. And it’s not because we’re friends. It’s becoming more. I see her laugh, or roll her eyes at me, or try not to look at me when we’re standing too close, and it fucks with my head.”And my heart.
Reed leans forward, elbows on his knees. “You’re catching feelings for someone who knows you. She’s known you all her life. You can’t pull your usual bullshit with her.”
“I know.”
“This could get complicated,” he says.
“Tell me about it.” I sigh. “I’ve always thought she was beautiful, but there’s been this invisible line with her I’d never cross.”
“What’s changed?” Reed asks.
“I can’t put my finger on one specific thing. Maybe it’s that we’ve spent one-on-one time together lately.”
“You could try talking to her,” he suggests.
“Or I could not say anything for now. This is a situation I’ve never been in before. For all I know, my feelings could fade out.”
“It’s possible but unlikely.”
My forehead wrinkles with a frown. “Why do you say that?”
“You told me you’re not even interested in flirting with or hooking up with other women. That tells me you’re in over your head. You’re fucked, dude, and I’d bet money Ginger is the only one who can fix you.”
Before I can respond, Drew saunters over in a sleeveless shirt he’s on the verge of busting out of.
“Are you two done gossiping? I’d like to get a set in.”
“Relax, Hulk,” I say, stepping aside. “The bench is all yours.”
Drew piles on more weight plates, making Reed and me look like a couple of weaklings. He lies down, gripping the bar.
“How much are you putting up?” Reed asks.
“Just three-fifty.”
I scoff. “That’s it?” I doubt I’ll ever bench that much weight. I work out to maintain my health, not for aesthetics.
Reed smirks. “The way our baby bro is going, he’ll be lifting houses soon.”
“Hey, you’re no lightweight. You carry around your massive ego,” Drew says, starting his set.
We both spot him, but he moves through his reps like it’s not difficult for him. He racks the bar and sits up. “So, what were you two talking about?”
“How your balls must be shrinking from steroid abuse,” Reed says without missing a beat.
Drew smirks and shakes his head. “You know I don’t touch that shit.”
Reed turns his palms up. “So you say.”
Leaning down, I study Drew’s face. “Your forehead’s looking a little large.”
Drew laughs and bumps me back a step as he stands. “You two should give up. You’re never gonna get me to react.” He smirks and walks away.
I wait until he’s out of earshot. “Do you think he’s right? Is it impossible to piss him off?”
“Hell no.” Reed grins. “It just means we need to work harder to figure out his weakness.”
I shake my head. “I really thought the steroid accusation was a sure thing.”
