Page 49 of Hidden Plays

“I don’t know, Holden. You’re the one who’s always busy. How about you pick?”

“Friday. We can meet for happy hour.” Then it wouldn’t be too expensive for him. I sucked in a deep breath.

“Uh, can’t. I’m busy Friday.” He huffed.

“With what?” I clenched my jaw. I didn’t want to sacrifice a Sunday hanging out with him when I had to get up early the next day. He’d push me to drink more than I’d want to.

“None of your business.” He chuckled. “Maybe I have a date.”

My brows rose. “Are you seeing someone? Do you have a girlfriend?” Jesus, who in their right mind would date him?

“Yeah, sort of.”

“Who is she?” I covered my lips with my fingers. I shouldn’t have asked.

“No one you know.” He snickered. “How about you? Are you dating anyone?”

Oh, fuck. “Nope, no one.” An ache ghosted through my chest. I couldn’t tell him about JJ. I had a feeling he’d react badly. Plus, I wasn’t ready. It wasn’t fair to JJ, though.

“Thought so. You’re too busy for a girlfriend, I suppose,” he said. “Even though you’re surrounded by the hot cheerleaders at the games.”

“So?” I sipped more coffee. Where was he going with this?

“With your looks, you should have nailed a few of them by now. But I know you. You’re too focused on being the good son.”

I scoffed. If he knew the truth, he’d take that back. Why had I even called? “Listen, Noel, let’s schedule time for a drink. Maybe next week?” He’d only see me if liquor was involved, and nothing good would come of this conversation today.

“Sure, I’ll text you.”

“Okay, I’ll be looking forward to it.” Except, he might never text. I glanced through the windows. Did anyone else have a brother like this? Why me? “Talk to you soon.”

“Sure, bye.” He ended the call.

I balled my fist against my thigh. I’d never hear from him, and I knew it. He might not even answer my call again if I tried. I was so tired of his shit.

The next morning,I strolled into the gym, prepared with new exercises to test on the guys. I’d been texting with JJ nonstop last night, keeping our little fake but real relationship going for his friends. I stepped up behind them.

JJ stood with Casey and Eli at a treadmill, hovered around JJ’s phone.

“Dude, that’s a good one.” Eli pointed at the phone. “It sounds like you two are serious.”

“When will we meet this guy?” Casey planted his hands on his hips. “You’ve been dating for a few weeks now, and if you’re having sex, it’s time to let us assess him.”

“Naw, not yet.” JJ tapped his phone. “We’re still in the discovery phase. Before I do that, I want to confirm he’s a keep?—”

Clearing my throat, I shifted my stance. What had JJ told them about us? He told them we were having sex?

Twisting around, JJ stared at me, jaw falling open. “Uh, Holden.”He stuffed his phone into his shorts. “How much of that did you hear?”

“Enough.” My mouth tensed. Was I happy or angry about it? I knew he was showing them the texts, but there wasn’t anything about having sex in them. “JJ, a word?” I curled my finger at him.

“Uh-oh, JJ’s in trouble. Will he get a spanking?” Casey cackled. “Hey, Holden, he’d like that, in case you’re interested.”

“Sure.” With a glare at his friends, JJ followed me.

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I strolled to an empty side of the gym by the mats. They were already teasing me about being with JJ. How would they act if they knew it was true? I stopped and faced him. “What was that about?”

“What?” He gave me an innocent grin.