Page 24 of Quid Pro Beau

ROMEO: Grumpy fuck. You know I’m the actual old one in our group.

FLYNN: I am going to rip your head off when I get home.

EVAN: When is that going to be? Asking for a friend. Who wants to video tape such an event.

“It’s none of his business. I am an adult,” Daisy says.

“I know, beautiful. But there is a code among men, and I broke it.” I hug her to me so her head lays on my chest. “If he has to beat on me, I’ll let him.”

JACK: Oh damn, you walk away from your phone for five minutes.

DANE: This town’s gossip mill is more sophisticated than any spy network.

DANE: Secrets never stay secrets.

FLYNN: Beau!

FLYNN: I’m changing your name in my phone to MOTHERFUCKER.

FLYNN: You have anything to say for yourself, MOTHERFUCKER?

ME: We’ll talk when you get home.

FLYNN: Nothing to talk about. Unless you want an opinion about which way I am going to kick your ass.

“He is ridiculous,” Daisy says. “I’ve lived in London for the better part of the last two years, and in that time he married my best friend and then fell in love with her! He doesn’t get to have an opinion about my love life.”

“I tried to stay away from you,” I admit.

That makes her smile. “But you just couldn’t?”

“Nope.”

“I like that about you,” she says. She crawls out of the bed, and I enjoy the sight of her naked body as she goes into the bathroom.

I grab my phone, and send off a single text.

ME: I don’t really know where she stands. But from my perspective, I’d like to ask for that help now.

DANE: You’ve got it.

chapter fourteen

Daisy

A few hours later, Beau and I are getting ready to take Mouse for a walk.

I’m still pissed at my brother. I’m ready to go to battle on Beau’s behalf even if our night was a one-time thing. Which I’m guessing that’s what this is. I mean judging from the fact that Beau didn’t try to explain anything to Flynn.

I finish pulling my hair up in a ponytail and then step out into the living room.

“Are you ready?” I ask.

Beau holds up Mouse’s leash. “We just have to make sure we steer clear of the corgis’ house. They make Mouse very nervous.”

I scratch Mouse’s head. “Those tiny dogs are mean to you, huh, baby? We’ll protect you.”

We make it to the door, and Beau swings it open. And my past stands there on the porch.