Crossing Lines Read Online Free PDF

squinted, like the increased focus would help clear things up.
    Kevin squinted back to see if it worked. Nope, still confused.
    “Sounds like there’s trouble in paradise,” Erik said, cocking his head to the side.
    Kevin laugh-snorted and motioned for the guy with the drink tray to bring him another. Shitty wine was better than nothing, especially during this conversation. After snagging two glasses, he said, “We’ve never been paradise, but lately…” He looked around, trying to find a nice way to explain the situation. Finally, he gave up on tact and said, “She’s lost her damned mind. She’s always been self-absorbed, but she’s out of control.”
    “Yeah, she’s planning a wedding .” Erik emphasized the last word by stretching his arms wide.
    “Kat didn’t get like this, and it was her wedding.”
    Erik grinned. “Yeah, but our wedding was a small, intimate affair. Not one of epic proportions. And Kat didn’t have a business riding on it, either.”
    Kat and Erik’s wedding had been perfectly suited for them. “Sometimes I wonder if Miranda wouldn’t have preferred something smaller, something similar to yours.” He actually wondered if Miranda was ready to get married at all. She was a young twenty-two and oftentimes seemed unsettled. When he tried to talk to him about it, Wade brushed off Kevin’s concerns. And Miranda accepted the proposal, so who was he to pop their balloons?
    “You think Lizbeth is doing things her way, rather than Miranda’s?”
    “Doesn’t she always?”
    “You got a point.” Erik stared at him as if he were studying tea leaves. “You’re ready to end things.”
    It wasn’t a question, but Kevin nodded anyway. “Yeah.” The weight of his decision settled on his shoulders while simultaneously breaking something loose in his chest. His gaze traveled back to her, and he finally felt something: sadness. A soul-deep sadness because they weren’t better matched, and no matter how hard he tried, they never would be.
    “But?”
    He turned back to Erik. “But what?”
    “You know what you need to do, but something’s holding you back.”
    “Hello…” He gave Erik a prompting look. “Wedding. No, make that epic wedding. Here”—he pointed to the ground—“at my house, in two weeks. If the best man dumps the maid of honor right beforehand, things will get awfully awkward and uncomfortable for everyone.”
    Erik opened his mouth, then closed it. Opened. Closed.
    “What?”
    After several tense moments of silence, Erik said, “You’re too nice.”
    “What?” Gee, he sounded like a broken record.
    “It doesn’t matter who or the circumstances—your sister, your girlfriend, the homeless kid you pick up off the street and employ.” At Kevin’s raised brow, he said, “You gonna deny it?”
    “Look how great the homeless kid turned out to be.” Wade was smart and hardworking, and hiring him was one of the best decisions Kevin ever made.
    Erik rolled his head around in a circle. “You’re missing the point. You and Lizbeth have been on and off more than a light switch, but you still care about her. For that reason, you’ll put her wants and needs before your own. Even if it makes you miserable.”
    Kevin glared, but it was all for show because he was having a hard time coming up with a decent argument. “So… what you’re saying is I’m a pussy.”
    “And a dick.” Erik’s eyes lit up as his grin stretched wide. “Hey, check you out; you’re a complete package.”
    “Fuck you.”
    “I’m just messin’, trying to lighten the mood.” Erik’s voice was soft and cajoling, like he was trying to talk Kevin off a forty-foot ledge. He chewed at the corner of his mouth, trying to decide whether or not to continue, which was weird because Erik was usually blunt and to the point. Decision made, he said, “Kat and I are worried about you.”
    Kevin flinched in surprise. “Why?”
    Erik rubbed his temple and took a step closer. In a low voice,