“Just can’t let go of Claire, huh?” Rio asked.
“This isn’t about Claire.”
“It’s about you being scared as hell to love again.”
Was it?
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Roan said.
“You’re probably right.” Rio raised both hands. “Have fun at your breakup. I’ll be here to help you pick up the pieces.”
“Thanks for watching Trinity.”
“You’ve got it, big bro. You might be an idiot, but I’m here for you, no matter what.”
Chapter 27
On the way to Jazzy’s house, Roan practiced his breakup speech. He’d thought about texting that he was coming by, but worried she’d start anticipating something pleasant.
Pulling onto her street lit up with festive Christmas lights, his anxiety hit hyperdrive. This was going to be harder than he thought.
“It’s for the best. For both of you.”
Yeah? Who are you trying to convince?
Wincing, Roan parked his truck at the curb on the opposite side of the street from Jazzy’s house.
There was a red SUV in her driveway. She had company.
Poor timing. He should have texted.
What now?
He was just about to restart his truck and drive away when her front door opened, and she walked out.
With Danny Garza.
Jealousy hit him like an arrow through the heart. It was stupid. It was illogical. He was on the cuspof breaking up with Jazzy, why did he care if Danny had been in her house?
Drive away. Drive away now.
Danny and Jazzy were facing each other. Jazzy went up on tiptoes to plant a kiss on Danny’s cheek. It wasn’t a romantic kiss. Clearly platonic, but Roan couldn’t stop the heat swamping his chest. This man had hurt Jazzy deeply. He didn’t deserve to be her friend.
You’re about to hurt her too.
Danny waved goodbye, stepped off the porch, and headed for his SUV.
Frozen, Roan sat unmoving in his seat. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to leave before she spotted him, to regroup and reassess before he committed to ending their relationship, but he couldn’t shake off the trance. He’d been insane to think they could come out of their affair unscathed.
Jazzy paused on the porch and peered out across the street.
Go, go.
He turned the key, pumped the gas. The truck didn’t move because he was still in Park.
Beaming, Jazzy came running across the street toward him.
All right. Moment of truth.