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“Uh, about our father.”
“What are you talking about?” A sinking sensation washes over me in warm waves.
“Shit. I thought Oliver told you.” His lips twist into a grim line. “I’m sure he planned to?—”
“I’m sure he did.” I stand tall and hold his gaze, determined to get answers now. “Eddie, since you’ve brought it up, please tell me.”
I don’t know what he’s going on about. If he was concerned enough to seek me out, I need to know.
What has Dot done now? And why didn’t Oliver tell me?
Before he can respond, Jack, Brayden, and Courtney, along with a few other high school kids, plow through the door, laughing and talking a mile a minute. All of them make a point to wave or offer some kind of hello to Eddie and me.
Jack strolls over to us and sheepishly smiles. “Hey, Miss Wren. Mr. Winslow.” He puts his hand out for Eddie to shake.
“Hey, Jack. Call me Eddie and it’s good to see you. Great game last Friday.”
Jack plays tight end on the varsity football team.
“Uh, thanks, Mr.—uh, Eddie.” The boy doesn’t know what to do with the compliment and blushes. “Um, Miss Wren, these guys won’t be here long.” He waves a hand at the group settling in. “I’ve got some homework, and as soon as I’m done, you can put me to work.”
“Sounds good. Take your time.”
When Jack strolls back to his friends, I open my mouth to resume my conversation with Eddie but snap it shut as Oliver enters the library. My heart thumps wildly in my chest, and I’m shocked to see who he’s with.
“No way.” I rush over to throw my arms around the tall, dark-haired man.
“Wren, hello.” Maddox envelops me in a big hug. Oliver’s tall at six three, but his friend still has a couple of inches on him. “You were always something but look at you. Fucking gorgeous.”
He glances to Oliver who’s smiling though somewhat tentative. We are in public after all. My body sways toward him, aching to be alone with him, to ask about what Eddie had started to tell me.
Maddox squeezes my waist affectionately. “Look at her.”
“I’m very aware how stunning Wren is.” Oliver good-naturedly takes his friend’s hand off me, our arms brush, and Mad laughs, clearly enjoying this.
“You stop. You always were a ladies’ man.” I step back to get a better look at Mad, now closer to Oliver. “Oh my God, look at you. As I live and breathe, it’s the infamous Maddox ‘The Mad One’ Hartley.”
He grimaces at my use of his racing moniker, the one that’s been aptly used far too much in the media to report on much more than just his racing career.
“Not you too. Forget all that.” He glances to the man standing slightly to one side. “Eddie, good to see you again.”
Oliver and I share a quiet moment. Like magnets, we’re drawn to each other. We move closer, both aware we aren’t alone and don’t want to make this too obvious. The backs of our hands touch and neither of us pull away.
Our gazes lock and in those brief beats, while Eddie and Maddox talk, Oliver curls his pinky around mine and holds tight. So much is said in the quiet moments, and without a doubt, I know he would’ve told me whatever this latest threat is from Dot.
He believes in us, and he had his reasons for waiting.
“You better not fuck up with this one. She’s as good as it gets.” Eddie hooks a thumb at me, speaking in hushed tones.
Oliver uncurls his finger from mine, taking two steps away, and just like that, the connection is broken. At Eddie’s comment, Maddox’s mouth gapes open. His keen eyes flick rapidly back and forth between Oliver and me like a hummingbird’s wings.
Before he can open his mouth and spill the beans, Oliver clamps a hand over his friend’s lips. “Don’t say a word. I’ll explain outside. Understand?” He waits for Mad to nod before releasing his hand. Then he looks to his brother. “I don’t intend to. She’s the best.”
Oliver’s eyes roam my face, lingering a little longer than is necessary on my mouth. My skin prickles and burns, and it’s getting difficult to stand here and not combust.
The four of us chat for a few minutes, Eddie and I sharing a few awkward glances, then the men say they have to go. I want to demand that Oliver stay and talk to me, but I can’t.
Eddie leans in for a hug goodbye and whispers in my ear, “Sorry. I’ll tell him to talk to you. I’m sure he planned to and just doesn’t want to lose you.”
