Chapter 13
This city is big. I hear it all the time. And yet it feels like every time I go out I run into Rhett. From my own damn shop to this very bar I stand in, I can’t seem to rid myself of the charismatic idiot. Sure, he’s nice to look at, but I’d be happy to stop bumping into him at any time.
I barely reach Daisy, and he’s already at our side. His interest wanders to his drink while my interest remains focused on finding a way to help Daisy get what she wants—Sawyer—while simultaneously getting the hell away from Rhett.
Witty comments aren’t coming to me as fast as I’d until my eyes fall onto his drink.
A Bushwacker? Really? Seeing a man with a drink that resembles a chocolate milkshake feels so out of place here.
Mostly because they always like to put on some macho show and drink something straight.
Get trashed fast and keep a very specific image.
Well, If I can’t get rid of him, at least I can poke a little fun.
He meets our side, his voice humming to life to surely hit me with some stupid remark first, but in an instant he lurches forward.
Shock consumes me as I watch Rhett’s drink splatter all over Daisy’s white silk top while she chats with Sawyer.
Of course, the idiot would be holding probably the worst item on the menu when it comes to spills and silk, which means my best friend is now face to face with her crush, covered in chocolate.
Daisy’s eyes well up, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks as she quickly excuses herself.
Oh my God, I feel terrible. Whirling to both of the guys, I peg Rhett with a harsh stare before turning to follow after my best friend.
I don’t even make it a full step before Sawyer races after her.
Part of me feels like I should still go and make sure she’s okay, but from the look of determination on his face, the other part thinks maybe she’d prefer his gesture instead.
I hesitate, taking another step closer to the direction she went until a firm hand on my shoulder stops me.
Swinging back around, I meet Rhett’s gaze, shooting him a telling look. He lets go of me just as fast. “He did not just follow her to the bathroom…” We both look equally confused until a drunken smirk covers the ass hat’s lips. “What?”
“I hope he licks it off her.” I’m stunned by his comment. “Ya know, after the clean bill of health we got this mornin’, might as well start right away riskin’ next month’s check up.”
Did he seriously just say that? What a fucking asshole. I shove him, which feels like growth for me. Had another man said something so revolting, he probably would have ended up drenched in a drink as well. “That’s disgusting. Don’t you have respect for anyone?”
“Listen, Angel…”
Avoidance of my question means the answer is no.
“Don’t call me that,” I hiss.
He ignores me and continues, “Sawyer’s shy, but he likes her a lot and the last thing he does is take risks like that.” His expression shifts from serious, back to his usual self-assured way. “But women love it.”
This man is delusional. Hot, but delusional. “Not a single woman I know would appreciate being licked by a stranger.”
“Ah, then ya clearly don’t know many.” He wiggles his brow, and it takes everything in me not to punch him square in the jaw.
He leans in, the warmth of his breath on my neck.
My body begins to tense, an unnerving weight hanging between us as he whispers, “Live a little, life ain’t all that serious. ”
I’m pissed for a multitude of reasons but all I can think of is how obnoxiously cocky he is and how irritating it is that good looks got wasted on someone like him. Seething, I put distance between us. “I doubt you know much about anything besides venereal diseases and cow shit.”
He laughs, following me toward the bar where we take a seat. I can’t help but appreciate his ability to take my verbal abuse. I still don’t like him, but, at the very least, I can stand another few minutes around him if I have to.
“So, ya think they’re goin’ to come back or run off?”
“She’s obviously going to come ba—” Just then my phone buzzes, and sure enough, my text reads the opposite of what I predicted.
Disappointment hits me a bit harder than I expected.
Now I’ll have to call it a night instead of celebrating the way I thought we would.
I snap my cell shut and then our eyes meet. “Guess I’m wrong.”
His expression is triumphant as a smile graces his full lips.
“No shit. Go get ‘em, Sawyer.” He lets out a soft chuckle at his victory, then whips out his cell phone. “Well, give me your number.”
I’m irritated that he thinks I have interest in him. “What the fuck makes you think I want you having my number?”
He frowns. “Boy that attitude never seems to waver does it? I don’t particularly want your number, but I know Sawyer well enough to know he won’t remember to ask for Daisy’s.
” He pauses, that bright grin returning to his face, “Plus, if she ends up at our place, at least you’ll have a way to contact her when I give ya mine. ”
I hate to admit it, but he’s probably right. “Fine, but I’m only taking it so that the police know exactly how to find you if I have to report her missing.”
“Yeah, that’s fine, Angel, but if she’s anywhere near me, ya can just tell them she found heaven on earth.”
Heaven on earth.
He’s got to be fucking kidding himself.
A teacher once told me that my future was destined to be with my eyes stuck firmly in the rolled position. I can’t help that it seems to be my go to every time someone does something I find irritating. And everything he says is clearly no exception.
I don’t know what I find most annoying about it, the fact he said it or the fact he seems to truly believe it. And yet, here I sit, at the bar next to the cowboy who pushes my nerves to no end. I don’t trust him, but what’s most strange is I don’t mind it.
“My my. Well ain’t this a sight.” Nancy, the barmaid cracks a smile as she hustles to our side of the bar. “Two of my favorite patrons side by side.”
I turn to my right, checking to see who she must be talking about, yet find the seat empty. Which only leaves Rhett. Of course, the charismatic cowboy has worked his way into her heart. The most deceitful ones always find a way into everyone’s, no matter how young or old.
Releasing a breath, I do my best to play it cool. I don’t want to look as pessimistic as I feel, though I do appreciate that she noted me right alongside him as a favorite, because I never did anything to fake my way into that position.
“Nancy, ya be careful now, or you’re goin’ to make me blush.” Rhett takes a swig of his drink, and I reach for mine out of annoyance.
“How long have y’all been seein’ each other?” Nancy asks nonchalantly, while she wipes smudges from the varnish of the bartop.
Before I have a chance to swallow, Rhett answers, “About ten minutes, but who’s countin’?” I nearly choke. This fool will stop at nothing to tick me off.
“In his dreams, Miss Nancy. We aren’t even friends.
” I look from her to him, and he beams at me like he’s having the time of his life.
His cheeks are rosy and his eyes are a bit bloodshot.
I can tell he’s had his fair share of alcohol tonight.
Frowning at him, I return my gaze to hers. “Acquaintances at most.”
Her eyes widen, bewildered by my response and her cheeks flush. “I’m sorry, Hons. I nearly never get that wrong, my heavens, I’m a bit embarrassed. I shouldn’t have assumed.”
In unison, we both tell her not to be sorry. Our eyes meet and behind his stare, an unexpected tenderness lingers, disarming my guard for a nanosecond and bringing a smile to my lips. He looks away, and whatever I felt dissipates just as quickly.
“Another drink for the lady, on me,” Rhett says as I take the final sip of mine.
Stupid cowboy. He can buy me drinks all night, but it won’t change a thing. He knows he’s hot, but that’s an eight second ride I have no interest in.
Raising my brow, I nod to Nancy in agreement. “Make it two.”