Page 40 of The Truths We Find

Chapter 14

Gavin

“So, how did breakfast go?” I ask Emmett as he starts taking off his clothes, revealing his black board shorts underneath.

“It was good. We caught up, drank, reminisced. It was nice.”

“Good,” I sigh. “I’m glad it was good. I’m sure some classic Emmett time was exactly what she needed.”

“Emmett time is good for everyone.” He winks, getting comfortable on the towel next to me.

“What are you two up to?” Alexa questions, eying the two of us.

“Anything you want, honey,” Emmett replies.

“Ignoring that.” She holds her hand up to Emmett’s face, and turns her attention to me. “Did you send your brother to spy on Dani?”

“What? No! Breakfast was his idea, remember? You were there last night when they made plans.” I pause and let the next words escape in one breath. “We may have discussed after you left how we can get her to realize Sam’s a piece of shit and she should dump his ass, so Emmett used this morning to plant the seed.” I hide behind my hands.

“Gavin! You can’t do that! She’s smart. She’s going to realize what you’re doing—” She looks around for a moment and turns to Emmett. “But how did it go?”

“It actually went well.” He shrugs. “She definitely has doubts.”

“Whoa,” Alexa and I both say.

“How the hell did you get that out of her?” Alexa says. “I’m her best friend and constantly get the brave face routine.”

“Emmett has a superpower,” I say. “Somehow, he can get people to be really vulnerable around him, and then he hits them with the tough love.”

“Remind me to stay away from you,” she says.

“The fact is, she’s here, which is progress already,” Emmett starts. “But I’ve gotta go back to Pennsylvania tomorrow. It’s on you guys to keep the small gap in the window open. Get her going out more. If she keeps hiding inside, the window is going to close.”

As we start brainstorming more weekend activities, Dani makes her way back over. My chest tightens, and heat creeps up my neck the moment I see her. She’s in a black one-piece swimsuit, held together by loose laces up both sides that reveal glimpses of skin between the crisscrosses. A thin strap wraps around her neck, lifting her breasts just enough to create a curve, and I can’t look away. Every nerve in my body is suddenly aware of her. I subtly move my book over my lap, because there’s no hiding my growing erection.

“Alexa Li!” Dani yells. “I’m going to kill you!”

“No, you’re not. Because you look hot!” She smiles back.

“You know I don’t wear stuff like this. What were you thinking?”

“That you’re your own worst critic and it’s time to show off your hot bod. Help me out, boys.”

“If you weren’t my soul sister, I’d take you home.” Emmett grins.

“See?” Alexa yells.

“Sam’s a lucky guy,” I say.

What the fuck is wrong with me? Of all the things to say, that’s what comes out of my mouth? Apparently, Alexa and Emmett can read my mind because I have two death glares coming my way.

Dani offers me a small smile.

Emmett leans close to me, whispering, “You know what I’m thinking?”

“Hmm?”

“I think these girls need to cool off a bit.” He winks.