I nod but take another bite of my breakfast instead of responding. I have so many questions, but I’m not sure I should be getting my information about Teagan and Rich’s history from Rich—especially considering the warning she gave me about how he manipulates people.
He blows out a breath. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop feeling protective of her, and I’ll probably always love her, but I do know she’s a grown woman who gets to make her own decisions. I’m sorry if I came off a little too intense. I’m going to make an effort to be better. I don’t want to be in the way of you two enjoying yourselves this weekend.”
Well, hell, that sounds downright mature. “Thank you, Rich.”
“You’re welcome. Let me know if I can help at all, okay?”
Unlikely. “I don’t think we’ll be needing anything, but thanks anyway.”
He nods. “I know it’s hard for her to talk about the past, so if you have any questions, I can fill in details. I want her to be happy.”
“I think what she needs to be happy is for you to let her go.” I pause a beat. “Completely.”
Anger flashes in his eyes—there and gone in a beat—and then he smiles at my nearly empty plate. “I remember those days.”
I frown at the bite of eggs remaining. “What days?”
“The run-ragged-by-Teagan days.” He looks at his watch, then back to me. “I mean, here you are before the sun’s up, trying to get some basic sustenance.” He holds up his hands, palms out. “Been there, done that. I’m not judging.”
Dude, you almost made it through a conversation acting like a civilized adult and you had to go and ruin it. “Maybe you should mind your own business.”
“I’m just being friendly. And hell, I remember what it’s like. If Teagan’s anything like she used to be with me . . .” He looks around the room, ostensibly to make sure we’re still alone, before dipping his head and adding in a quieter voice, “And Heath? That dude was my best friend, and I mean no offense when I say he couldn’t keep up with her, and he tried. Not that it mattered to Teagan. She’s a modern woman with needs . . . And I didn’t mind helping her out with those.” He winks at me and stands, and I’m fucking speechless.
Maybe guys in his world talk to practical strangers like this, but I’d never even say this shit to my brothers about a woman I was seeing or saw in the past. It’s bad form and more than a little sleazy. And what’s he trying to say, anyway? That Teagan stepped out on Heath? With him?
“I’m saying that you should do what you can to keep up with her if you’re not into sharing . . . if you catch my drift.”
“I don’t think I do, Rich,” I say, forcing calm into my voice. “What are you trying to say?”
“Nope.” He mimes zipping his lips and locking them, and slowly backs away. “I don’t kiss and tell.” He points both index fingers at me, wagging them as he heads to the door. “Godspeed, sir.”
He leaves the dining room, and I make myself count to ten. On the one hand, I want to run after him and punch him in the face. On the other hand, I’m here to save Teagan from drama, not to cause more, so I make myself stay seated until I finish my coffee.
I’m about to leave when Saanvi comes in. She’s a shorter and thinner version of her sister, but they both have a smile that lights up their whole face.
“Good morning,” she singsongs.
“Good morning, Saanvi. How are you feeling this morning?”
“I’m great! No hangover, thanks to copious water, Gatorade, and some healthy exercise to clear some of the booze out of my system before sleeping.”
Exercise. It’s rare that I feel like the biggest prude around, and yet my first two conversations of the day are certainly making me feel that way. I like Saanvi and I like her fiancé, but I really don’t want to know about the “exercise” they did last night.
She must spot my cringe because she laughs. “A walk, Carter. Liam and I took a midnight stroll along the lake. As in, actual exercise.”
“Right. Sorry. And good. I’m glad you’re well this morning.”
“How’s Teagan?” Saanvi asks, filling a plate with Danishes.
“Good. Sleeping.” I motion to her plate. “I thought you were having breakfast with the girls this morning.”
“Yeah, but that’s in, like, two hours.” She lowers her voice. “And I am a little hungover.”
“The truth comes out.”
“Worth it.” She grins and takes a seat beside me. “Liam likes you, you know.”
“He’s a good guy. I’m glad he approves.”
“He said Rich rubs you the wrong way, though.” She says this casually, as if she’s just putting the information out there, but I can tell by the way she watches me from under her brows that she’s trying to read my reaction.