“There was a guy there.”
“There was a guy where?” Smith asks, leaning back in his chair. He’s a massive guy. Always has been, even when we met as teenagers. Since then, he’s bulked up more. Working out helps with his focus.
Adrian and I share a look. “At Sierra’s.”
He holds my eye for a beat then tips the bottle back, consuming half of it in one gulp.
“Was it a boyfriend?” Adrian asks.
“No,” I reply. “I definitely got the vibe she didn’t want him there, and she seemed glad I’d interrupted him.”
Adrian looks at Robbie, who shrugs. “No idea who that was. As far as Katie says, she’s single, but it’s not really a surprise guys are coming around, is it?”
I grimace and drink my beer, before admitting, “I got a bad feeling about him.”
“Fuck,” Smith mutters.
“What?” I ask.
“You’re worried about this chick. I can tell.”
I turn to face him. “I walked up the front door, and it was open. I found her cornered by this shirtless asshat, who’d taken her by surprise. She lives way out in the middle of fucking nowhere, and if she got in any kind of trouble, she’d be screwed. So, yeah, I’m a little worried about her.”
“You’re not alone,” Robbie says. “Katie feels like she really could use some support right now, but it’s not in her nature to accept help. She’s always been really independent, raising her brother, and the other guys, by herself.”
“What’s that about?” Adrian leans forward.
“Their parents died in a car accident when she was just out of high school.”
“She’s an orphan?” Adrian asks. The three of us share a look. That explains a lot.
“Yeah,” Robbie says. “She was left to deal with their estate and her brother, who was a total mess at the time. Dexter’s come around lately and the shop is doing well, but something happened at New Year's with the guys and she just bolted.”
“At New Year’s?” Smith asks.
“Yes, that night you got pissed and left early. Remember that?”
“Shut up,” he says, running his hand through his dark hair. “Are you sure you’re just being the nice guys here? Tell me you don’t just want in her pants.”
He’s looking at me, but I know he means either of us. “I don’t just want in her pants. I like her.”
He rolls his eyes and stands. “You guys are ridiculous,” he says, followed by a string of curses, and he walks back into the house, slamming the door behind him. He comes back a minute later with his jacket on and his car keys in hand.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“For a drive.”
“What’s his problem?” Robbie asks. We watch him climb in the truck and haul ass down the road.
His taillights vanish and Adrian sighs. “Baggage.”
“Well, I don’t think Sierra needs any more of that. She’s been carrying too much for too long. I think it’s one of the reasons she took off in the first place,” Robbie says.
“What do you think she needs?” I ask.
He stretches back. “She may be game for a guy in her life, but she doesn’t need you two sniffing around her, okay? Be her friend. Help her out. Don’t ask for anything in return and keep your dicks in your fucking pants.”
Adrian nods and I do the same, before glancing at one another again. There’s no doubt we’re both attracted to Sierra and want more than friendship, but compromise is something we’re familiar with.