“Because.”
“Because what?”
Jesse was quiet for a moment and then he turned and stormed back into his private office.
“Nah, man. We’re having this out,” Zach said, following him. He was glad Lilah and Jesse’s accounting assistant Mylene had the rest of the week off. They didn’t need to see this. “What is your problem with me talking to Evie?”
“I know you.”
“You do. And when have I ever gone around ruthlessly fucking women over?”
“I never said you fucked anyone over. You’ve been going around flashing thatcome here, ladiessmile at every woman in the county since Sunny.”
“Nah, you don’t get to bring Sunny into this. Sunny was ready to get married and I wasn’t. And that was a peaceful-ass breakup. She’s seeing some other dude now! I’ve been staying away from relationships—just like you, might I add—because I didn’t want to get into anything serious.”
“Exactly. You knew Sunny wanted to get married.”
“What. Are you talking about. The minute she told me, I pulled back.”
“What makes you think you’re ready to be serious now. Evie needs—”
“Okay. You have got to stop speaking for Evie. I know you guys kept in touch. I know you care about her. I know you want to look out for her. And I know she’s in a really tough spot right now, but she is an adult. She’s not a child that needs you to shield her from me. We had a good talk last night. We hashed some things out and then she kissed me.”
“Bullshit.”
Zach couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you have feelings for Evie?” He had to know because Jesse was on some total bullshit right now.
“Of course not. I just know how this is going to end.”
“Please enlighten me.”
“Why, Zach?” He tossed his phone on his desk and crossed his arms over his wide chest. He looked like a fed-up grizzly bear, but Zach wasn’t backing down.
“Have you talked to Evie about me once? This whole time? Like while she was in the hospital? Since we’ve been back.”
“I—no.”
“So you’re just talking out of your ass because you think I’m incapable of holding down a serious relationship with someone, but you have no idea what she wants from me or how she feels about the situation.”
“I—”
“You’re talking out of your ass. Grab your shit and let’s go.”
“Where?”
“To our grandmother’s house. You’re gonna talk to Evie once and for all.”
“No.”
“No, fuck you. Let’s go. I’m your damn brother and you’re trying to paint me like some silent-movie villain.”
Jesse looked at him for a moment then snatched up his phone. “Fine. But I’m taking my own truck. Lock up before you leave.” Jesse slipped on his jacket, then grabbed his Stetson off its hook. “Come on, Clem.” The dog glanced between them, then followed Jesse out the door. The wall of the office shook as he slammed the door behind him.
Zach let out a deep breath and collapsed into a chair. What the fuck had just happened?
He knew everyone was touchy about Evie and her current state of health, but he never really knew how little his brother trusted him, when it came to her. He understood. Shit with women made Jesse uncomfortable. He’d pretty much given up trying to find a girlfriend of his own. And it wasn’t for lack of interest. Women all over Charming had taken a crack at Jess, but nothing had worked out. Zach also understood how much Jesse cared for Evie. They’d been tight as kids and—
It dawned on him then. Jesse wasn’t just trying to protect an injured woman from a situation that had potential to go left. He was trying to protect his friend. Sometimes Zach forgot how close Evie and Jesse had been as kids. They were all together so much he’d forgotten all the time he and Sam had spent riding, leaving Jesse and Evie alone. Jesse didn’t have romantic feelings for Evie, but he loved her just the same. Zach knew he had to do right by Evie, but maybe it was time to have a serious conversation with his brother.