"That girl from yesterday...you need to be careful with her."
"Chloe? Why?" I pulled off my knit cap and scratched my hair frantically.
Dad's lip curled in a snarl, as if I cared what he thought of my hygiene. I'd worked hard and sweated like an ape all day. I needed a shower and clean clothes badly.
"She's a Burke, son. She doesn't seem like her old man, but I'm just warning you. Jonathan is a stealing, lying bastard."
"Chloe's leaving in two weeks, Dad. The only thing she's taking with her is likely my heart."
"That's what I'm worried about. You need to be smart about this. You're too damn giving." He leaned back in his chair and pinned me with a knowing glare.
"I don't really have a choice. I'm falling in love with her. She's smart and sweet, beautiful and probably the most authentic person I've met in ages." I slipped my hands in my pockets. "She makes me want to be a good man."
"Awe damn. You're already lost to her, then." He stood up and let out a long sigh. "Stay away from her father. He and I have..."
"Bad blood between you. I know. She asked me why yesterday, but I wasn't sure of the answer." I shrugged, not really caring. I might be falling for Chloe, but it wasn't like we'd be sending out wedding invitations anytime soon. There was the issue of her being a million miles away and not wanting a long distance relationship. Her father was the least of my concerns. Besides, her and I were still very much classified as friends.
"She knows about me and Jonathan?"
"I guess. Who knows how, but she doesn't know why." I walked to the door.
"You're not going to ask for her?"
"Nope. If you wanted me to know, then you'd tell me." I put my hat back on and tapped the doorframe. "You need anything else? There's a large mountain and a snowboard calling my name."
"Must be a nice break from it being a woman. There the only ones who usually call out your name," he laughed.
I rolled my eyes, flipping him off and walking back out into the freezing cold afternoon.
I got in the truck and texted Chloe to meet me at the ski lodge in front of the mountain in an hour or so. We could rent her a board or skis if she preferred. She reminded me that her brother Parker was coming, which I was looking forward to. I didn't have a brother, so I'd be happy to borrow hers for the afternoon, as long as he wasn't a tit.
My phone buzzed again as I drove home, and I growled. Brian again.
"Damn, dude. You'd think we were dating with as many times as you've called me today," I barked.
"Well, if you'd pick up, I wouldn't have to keep trying. I haven't heard from you since the other night at the club. How did things go with Cindy?"
"They didn't. You knew I wanted Chloe and yet you didn't help at all. You actually stepped on my dick. Is there a reason for that?" I didn't realize how pissed I was until we started talking about it.
"Yeah, because I don't want to see you get hurt. You have enough shit you’re dealing with. Falling in love with a girl who's leaving in two weeks and already has a man isn't going to fly."
"Already has a man?" My heart almost stopped in my chest. Was Chloe playing me?
"Yes. Please tell me that you haven't been hanging out with this girl."
"Of course, I have. She's everything I want in a woman." I ran my hand over my head and tugged my hat back off, throwing it across the console of the truck.
She didn't have a boyfriend. That would be ridiculous. With as timid as she was, she probably just told Brian that she was dating someone to keep him off of her.
"Well, stop. She's taken and you don't need your heart broken." Brian was still ranting at me, but I calmed as soon as I realized that he was only trying to protect me.
"I'm seeing her today. I'll talk to her about it, see what's up."
"I think that's a bad idea."
I clenched my jaw and held back a growl. "I appreciate your concern, buddy. But I'm a grown-ass man. I'll figure it out, but thanks."
"Whatever, dude. Don't get pissed when I say I told you so." He hung up and I gripped the steering wheel tight.