“Just went to get some air.”
“Well, your girl was looking for ya.” Lynch snickered as he glanced over at the back table. “And she was pretty pissed you disappeared on her. Was even talking about leaving, but Parker and Marlowe managed to convince her to stay.”
Even though Kiersten had ridden here with me, I had no doubt she would’ve found a way home if she really wanted to. With that in mind, I replied, “I’ll talk to her.”
“You better, ’cause I don’t wanna spend the next two weeks up there at her place with you two fussin’ and shit.”
“We aren’t fussin’. Just a misunderstanding.”
He cocked his eyebrow. “That’s where the fussin’ starts.”
“Yeah, well, I’m gonna fix it before the fussin’ ever starts.”
“Mm-hmm.” He reached over the counter and grabbed us both a cold one from the cooler. As he offered one to me, he suggested, “I’d give those shots a little time to soak in before you try and fix it.”
“Not a bad idea.”
I sat down next to him and took a slug of my beer as I glanced back over at Kiersten. She and Parker were leaned in close and whispering to one another. Kiersten’s smile faded, and she started shaking her head. I assumed they were talking about me, but when Kiersten glanced over her shoulder and glared at me, I was certain of it. She held my gaze for several moments, then turned her attention back to Parker. After seeing our little exchange, Lynch leaned over to me and chuckled. “I think she’s gonna need another shot or two.”
“I think you might be right.”
I called over to Caitlyn and sent her over to the girls’ table with another round of shots—which they all took without complaint. In fact, they ordered one more round, and it wasn’t long before they all started feeling the effects of the added alcohol. Their laughter became borderline obnoxious and their words even more slurred, but sadly, that fiery look in Kiersten’s eyes remained. The girls were getting a little out of hand, so it was no surprise when the brothers started gathering their women and headed home. Kiersten was still talking with Parker when I walked over to them. “You about ready to call it a night?”
“Nooo, act-ually, I’m not.” She motioned her hand over to Parker as she said, “We-ee were just about to have an-nother drink.”
“I think you two have had enough.”
“Well, nooo-body asked you, sooo ...”
“He’s right.” Parker slurred as she reached over and placed her hand on Kiersten’s arm. “I’m gonna lose my stomach if I have another shot. Besides, you guys have things to talk about.”
Parker stood, then immediately started to sway. I quickly reached over and took a hold of her arm, keeping her steady as I quickly scanned the bar for Menace. When I didn’t spot him, I motioned over to Lynch and told him, “Get Menace and let him know I’m taking Parker down to his room.”
“Sure, man.”
“You don’t have to take me,” Parker mumbled as she tried to keep her balance. “I can get there on my own.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you can, but I’m gonna take ya just the same.” I glanced down at Kiersten and ordered, “Stay put until I get back.”
With a roll of her eyes and a grumble, she replied, “Whatever you say, boss.”
I shook my head and let out a deep breath as I led Parker out of the bar and down the hall. We hadn’t gotten far when she slurred, “She’s reeal-ly mad at you.”
“I know.”
“You hurt her feelings.”
“I know.”
“You gotta fix it.”
“Gonna try.”
“You better.” Parker glanced up at me with a scornful look. “We like her.”
“I like her, too.” I opened Menace’s door and helped her over to the bed. Once she was seated, I asked, “You good?”
“Mm-hmm.” She leaned over and dropped her head down on the pillow. “Thank you, Country.”
“No problem.”
When I started for the door, Parker mumbled, “Country?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re a really good guy. She’d be lucky to have ya.” She rolled over and curled into the blankets. “Make sure she knows that.”
I didn’t respond. I simply closed the door and headed back to the bar to find Kiersten. When I walked in, I was surprised to find that she was no longer sitting at the back table. In fact, she wasn’t in the bar at all. Most of the place was already cleared out, so I stepped over to Caitlyn and asked, “You seen Kiersten?”
“Who?” I gave her a fierce look, and she immediately pointed to the back door. “Oh... I’m pretty sure she went outside.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, I charged over to the back door and stormed outside. I took a quick look around, but I didn’t see her. Worried something might’ve happened to her, I shouted, “Kiersten!”
“Stop yelling.” I whipped around and found her sitting on the ground with her back against the brick wall. “I’m right here.”