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Kayla nodded. “I’ll call them back and get it started.” She stood and walked to the door. “Thank you, Evan.”
“Wait,” he called after her. “Tell me, is that really what you think of me?” he asked.
“It’s what I think of me,” she answered.
“What does that mean? Talk to me, please.”
“I have never had this tight of a group of friends, Evan. I still feel like I’m on the outside of everything, and I don’t know why.” She turned away from the door and faced him. “Hell, Catherine got us all matching pajamas just to drink in. I’m not sure how much more included I could be, but they’re your friends, Evan.”
“They’d be yours too if you’d let them.”
“I’ve never had anyone who just did something nice to be nice. Never. Not big things anyway. I clearly am too screwed up for this.”
“You aren’t screwed up.” He went to her, pulling her into his arms. “I promise no one wants anything from you. I’ll sign everything over for the restaurant to you today if that’s what it takes for you to believe me.”
She shook her head but sank into his hug. “No.”
“I will.”
“I know. Please don’t. I just need some time to come to terms with a few things, okay?”
“I told you, take all the time you need. That applies to everything. I’m sorry I did this without talking to you first.”
“I’m sorry for all of this.”
“Keep me posted on what’s going on, and I promise, no more surprises,” he told her before letting go.
She nodded and let herself out of his office.
ChapterNineteen
Evan
“You sure you’re playing the same game as us?” Cade asked.
Evan was on a losing streak. He hadn’t won one hand. It was Friday night, and at this point, he wondered if hewasplaying the same game.
“He’s too distracted,” Luke pitched in. He raked in his winnings with a grin.
“Clearly, if you’re beating him,” Ryker threw out.
“Hey! I resent that,” Luke argued.
“What is up with you? For real,” Jake said seriously.
“The shit with the restaurant and Kayla. It’s just a lot. It’s been a long week.” He picked up his beer and took a sip. “I think I’m done playing tonight.”
“Probably smart,” Cade agreed.
“What happened with Kayla?” Jake asked.
Evan took another sip and wished he was drinking something stronger. “Which thing?” he sighed.
“After she high-tailed it to your office to rip you a new one yesterday,” Jake said. “Wait—is there something else?”
“We slept together,” Evan admitted. Damn, he needed to talk to someone.
“Last night?” Jake asked?
