Page 105 of Hearts Storm

BREX

We need to talk. See you in 30.

I sigh, knowing this conversation is inevitable. Whatever happens between me and Reyna affects him too.

Nodding my head at the guys eating breakfast in the kitchen, I head straight for my office.

Dropping into my chair, I boot up my computer and get to work. I’m almost done going through my emails when I hear the sound of heavy footsteps right before the door flies open.

Brex storms in, mouth set in a scowl. “What the hell is your deal?”

What is it with my best friend storming into my office lately?

“The fuck are you talking about?” I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Shut the door.”

“I’m talking about you and Reyna.” Brex shuts the door. “I really like her, and I know you do too.” He plants his hands on my desk, leaning in. “You want to tell me why you’re still letting the idea of her get all twisted up in your head?”

I have to fight every urge I’ve got in me to keep my face neutral.

“Beats the hell outta me. I was with her first, remember. Or did you forget?”

“What I remember is you keeping her all to yourself.” His jaw tightens. “Look, I know there’s something there between you two, and you’re using the fact that you’re Captain as an excuse to keep her at arm’s length, but I’m not her superior—not under normal circumstances, anyway—and I want to shoot my shot. You’re my best friend, and I respect you and the feelings you insist on denying. Which is why I’m telling you, it’s gonna happen. With... or without you.”

When it comes to Reyna, I should be jealous and territorial as fuck. But this is Brex. He’s one of my best friends, and I trust him. So messing with him is the highlight of my day. My life even.

So I dig in.

“As I recall, you got a taste of her in Portland.”

“Yeah, and it wasn’t nearly enough. Now I want more.” He turns away, pacing the room.

I have to work at keeping a grin from splitting across my face. “Fine.”

“Cool, because she’s more than willing. And I’m all in when it comes to her and—” He stops pacing mid-step, spinning around to look at me in surprise. “Wait. What did you just say?”

I’m not as good as Brex when it comes to scheming, so I drop the act.

“I said...” I grin manically, tossing the pen down on my desk. “...I’m all in.”

Brex’s whole body goes still, hands dropping to his sides as he stares at me like I just told him I’m joining a cult.

“Are you being serious right now? Don’t go fucking around with me about this.”

“I’m not. I’ve thought about it and...” I scrub a palm over my face. “Ever since I saw her again, I can’t stop thinking about her, okay? It’s even worse than before. Happy now?”

Tension draining out of his shoulders, he drops into the chair across from my desk, running both hands through his hair in relief.

“Thank fuck.” The words come out on a shaky exhale. “Because I was about thirty seconds from clocking you.”

I snort, shaking my head. “You and what army?”

“The army of one that is my fist, asshole.” But he’s grinning, that stupid, dimpled grin. “So what’s the plan? Because, I gotta tell you, man, I’ve been losing my mind. Couldn’t sleep for shit after she sent me that text.”

Ah, shit. Here it comes.

I lean back in my chair, steepling my fingers beneath my chin. “About that...”

Brex’s grin falters. “What?”