Confused Hearts - Nicky James Page 0,1

time in weeks vanished into thin air. Lachlan was like salt in a wound.

My feet faltered, and I ducked my chin, refusing to look at the happy couple. Centering myself with a few cleansing breaths, I told myself to buck up and deal with it. With my hands shoved deep into my pockets, I puffed up my chest to try and add a few inches to my pathetic height of five-foot-five and faced off with my nemesis.

Unfortunately, my brain-to-mouth filter failed me every time my heart was twisted up. “Didn’t know he was gonna be here. Should’ve stayed home.”

Lachlan barely contained an eye roll. “A pleasure as always, Knox.”

I glared at the smug smile on Lachlan’s face, biting back another comment.

“He lives here. What do you expect?” Easton asked.

“That maybe he got killed by a stampede of horses, and you were inviting me over to share the devastating news. And in case it wasn’t blatantly obvious, the word devastating was sarcasm.”

“Good grief.” Easton tipped his head skyward and sighed.

Lachlan held his hands out, smug as always. “Still in one piece, I’m afraid. But good news, I’m heading into town with Percy, so you can have some precious friend-time without me. I know when I’m not wanted.”

I didn’t respond. Easton’s smile had faded with our bickering, and I knew I was going to get shit for stirring things up again. I couldn’t help it.

Lachlan called back into the house for Percy, the young boy who Easton had been fostering for a year. The adoption process was nearly finalized, and he would be Easton’s son.

Lachlan kissed Easton’s cheek, and I looked away. They said goodbye, and Lachlan headed to his Range Rover while a bubbly Percy flew out the front door after him, chatting Lachlan’s ear off as he skipped toward the vehicle.

They got in and drove off down the dirt road. The whole time, I didn’t look at Easton and remained with my feet planted, unsure of what to do. Everything was so mixed up inside me, I didn’t know how to process it. There was nausea, a stabbing, undefined pain in my chest, and steady, vibrating anxiety that made me shiver whenever I was near him.

I’d spent more time trying to process it all than I liked. A year later and I still didn’t know why I couldn’t be happy for Easton.

“Why do you always have to be a jerk with him?”

I flashed my gaze at Easton, who was no longer smiling. His welcoming stance seemed more defensive now.

Rightfully.

I was an asshole.

“I’m sorry. He gets under my skin.”

“Why? He never did nothin’ to you.”

I deflated, my shoulder sagging, my chin hitting my chest as I kicked at the ground. Why? Wasn’t that the million-dollar question. “Dunno. Never mind. It’s nothing.”

I couldn’t explain something I didn’t understand. All I knew was, Lachlan took something from me. Something important, and I hated him for it.

Easton sighed. “C’mon.”

I followed him into the house, scanning and hating this new life he’d adopted even more. Lachlan wasn’t only some tall, good-looking guy from the city, but he was well-off enough to give Easton whatever he wanted.

“Wanna beer?”

“Thought you didn’t drink.”

“I don’t. Lach does, and I know you do, hence my question.”

I shrugged, earning a long, suffering sigh. Easton pulled one from his fancy double-door fridge and handed it to me before waving at the long country-style table. It was all so extravagant.

Custom-built furniture. Pictures of the happy couple on the walls enjoying their time together. A board game that had been left out on the table, evidence of a fun family night. The kitchen had a sliding door with an incredible view of their extensive property. A back deck surrounded an enormous inground pool that was closed for the season. Beyond, it was nothing but mountains and evergreens. It was peaceful and gorgeous.

And not my life.

I rolled the bottle of beer in my hands, staring at the wooden table.

“What happened to you?” Easton asked, breaking me out of my musing.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, we’ve been best friends forever, but ever since I met Lachlan, you’ve vanished from my life.”

“I know when I’m not wanted.”

“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”

“Doesn’t matter.” I tipped the beer to my mouth, letting the cool yeasty ale trickle down my throat.

“It does matter. Why can’t you be happy for me?”

“I am.” The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, and I knew Easton saw it for what it was. He was no fool.

“No, you’re not. I love him, Knox.