Page 43 of Covet (The Red #3)

Chapter Forty-Three

Max

Listen to Brushfire

by Gracie Abrams

I paced while Coop sat on the couch, face in his hands. “She wanted to break up. I’m so fucking confused. What is she trying to pull? Did Gabby say anything to you?”

I hated seeing my best friend in so much pain. His image reminded me of when I lost Landon and spun out. Shock barreled through me because I hadn’t seen this coming. Or maybe I was distracted and hadn’t been looking. Suddenly, I felt like a shitty friend.

“No, Gabby didn’t say a word. Go over the stuff she said again.”

He repeated their dialogue and my stomach pitched.

Crap, it sounded familiar. Not the big fallout like my video, but Elle seemed to be sure she wanted to move on.

Maybe the music stuff with Noah had made her realize there may be more than Coop?

Maybe she wanted fame like Adam and decided to leave him behind?

Still, Elle wasn’t the type to hurt or use people.

“Listen, don’t lose your shit yet. Talk to her tomorrow and maybe things will change.”

“I love her, Max. The fighting is bullshit, she’s using it as an excuse.” Suddenly, his head snapped up. His eyes widened. “What if there’s someone else?”

“No way. Elle’s not the type.”

“What if she found out I kissed other girls? Like what happened with you and Landon? If I ever find that motherfucker who leaked your video, I’ll make him pay.”

I tried not wince. I had to take Gabby’s secret to the grave. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I want to keep that stuff in my past, okay? I’ve moved on.”

“Fine.”

“Your make-outs were nothing compared to me fucking other women. No way would Elle know about any of it. I’m positive.”

“Yeah, but this came from nowhere.”

I wondered if that was true. I was starting to realize all our background mess eventually exploded.

On the surface, Coop and Elle had seemed fine, but just because they had good sex didn’t mean much.

Gabby’s image floated in my mind. We’d been spending more time together after work.

I loved exploring with her and had never had such satisfying sex in my life. But it was also more.

I was beginning to crave her. When I saw her face, my insides lit up, the way it used to be in the beginning with Landon.

But Gabby was completely different. She wasn’t afraid to ask hard questions and I didn’t hold back the truth.

For the first time, I was being seen and accepted for myself. There was no longer any pretense.

I felt free.

“It’ll be okay, Coop. Give her some breathing space and talk to her tomorrow.”

“Yeah. That’s what I told her. I’m sure it will work out.”

I sensed we were both bullshitting each other but there was no other choice. I poured him a shot, put on the boxing match, and tried to distract him. Then I texted Gabby and gave her an update.

Her answer came immediately. !!Are you fucking kidding? Can I call Elle?

I texted back. Yeah, but don’t say you know. See if she’ll tell you. Need intel.

Thumbs up emoji.

Later, my phone buzzed. No answer. TTYT .

Coop was staring at the television like a zombie. Finally, he got off the couch. “Going to bed. Can’t deal with any of this now.”

“Wake me if you need anything.”

“Thanks.”

I sat alone in the living room and wondered what was happening.

Everything had changed so much. In the beginning of summer, we’d all been together, taking on the world.

Now? We were split apart and changing partners like a fucking musical chair game.

I never thought Gabby would be more than a casual screw, or a fun distraction.

I was catching real feelings for that woman and had no idea what would happen next.

Adam and Landon would return in the next two weeks. I had no clue if they’d try to hang out with us again. And now Elle and Coop may split up, leaving a giant gaping wound.

Noah and Daisy were the only ones who’d made it.

Shaking my head, I turned off the TV and went to my room. I’d just sat on the mattress when Gabby called. The screen showed her in her apartment, clad in t-shirt and plaid boxers, sitting cross legged on her bed.

“Did you get a hold of Elle?” I asked.

She bit her lip and I wish I’d been there to do it for her. “No. But something happened at the club when we were together that’s making me suspicious.”

My brow shot up. “Tell me.”

“Okay. Daisy looked freaked out and mentioned that Noah and Elle had been super close lately. I think she suspects they have a thing for each other.”

My jaw dropped. “You’re fucking kidding me. Tell me it’s a joke.”

“Nope. We had a chat, and I got the feeling she was going to have a talk with Noah.”

“Wait—that doesn’t make sense. Noah told me they were moving in together so things are fine with them.”

“Now they are. But maybe they had a heart to heart and Noah chose to stay with Daisy. Who knows what’s going on.”

I spit out a curse. “I might’ve been the poster boy for being a cheating scum, but this is a whole new level if Elle and Noah are fucking.”

Gabby shrugged. “I have to dig deeper. Don’t say anything. It’ll only freak Coop out and I have no facts. I’m just not sure why Elle wants to break up.”

My stomach churned. I hated all this drama. If Coop got screwed over by another one of our friends, I was going to lose my shit. “Fine. I’ll keep quiet but move fast. I’m not great at secrets.”

Her laugh was low and sexy. “Oh, yes, you are,” she purred. “You be a good boy and keep that gorgeous mouth shut. Then I’ll give you a proper reward.”

I was immediately hard. “Done.”

I clicked off as she kept laughing. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. God, she was amazing.

Guess I’d let Gabby do her job and wait for the answers.