Page 92 of Spurred On

For some reason, Ben looked aggrieved. “We think of her as our sister.”

“Yet you’re dating her?” God, he hated those words. Hated forcing them out. They burned all the way up.

Ben’s eyes went wide. “Dating her? Where did you get that idea?”

“Gee. I dunno. From the fact you told me you were dating her.” Did he not remember? Cody sure as shit did.

Ben shook his head and barked a laugh. “We went on one date-date.”

“Didn’t sound like that out there.” He thrust a thumb toward the general direction of the waiting room . . . where she and Ben had chatted about multiple meals, outings and fucking frolics. He could recount each and every one. They were etched on his soul. “And what the hell is a date-date?” And what was the difference between a date-date and a regular date?

“You know.”

No. He didn’t. And his scowl made that damn clear.

For some reason, Ben found all this amusing and he laughed. “Sidney and I went on a date-date. And we kissed.”

Cody’s hackles rose.

“But we both agreed that . . . well . . .”

Well, what? Well, the-fuck-what?

“You know. It . . . wasn’t there.”

“What wasn’t there?”

“Chemistry.” Ben winked. “She’s loads of fun and a great friend, so we’ve been hanging out. But there’s nothing romantic between us.”

“There’s not?”

Ben turned and exited the restroom, and Cody followed like a puppy dog in hopes if a treat. “Naw,” Ben threw over his shoulder. “Besides, she’s in love with someone else.”

A cold hand clutched his chest. “Who?” He barely forced the word out.

Who was Sidney in love with?

Holy God, he wanted to climb to the top of the Empire State Building and roar his agony and swat at planes.

Ben, unaccountably, shot him a grin. “I’m sure I couldn’t say,” he said. “Some guy she met in high school.” His grin widened and he shrugged. “Maybe someone you know.”

As they came into the waiting room, Sidney turned and smiled at them both, but her eyes were locked on him. Her expression was warm and open and welcoming.

And it hit him.

Hit him hard.

Hit him so hard he almost tripped over his own feet.

He did have a chance with her.

A real chance.

And by God, he would not fuck it up.