I straighten my shoulders. “Thanks for telling me. If he meant anything to me, I would have appreciated the information.” I place a hand on his upper arm. “You’re the best.”
“Thanks, Dani.” He bites his bottom lip. “Would you be willing to…”
Oh, shit, here it comes. My entire body tightens as if I’m preparing for another battle.
“Put in a good word for me with Ashley?”
Oh, thank God. All the adrenaline rushes out of me, leaving me weak as a ragdoll. I nod. “Sure.” My eyes narrow. The whole thing feels off to me. There’s something going on between them. Is he gauging my reaction to them being a couple?
“Don’t be obvious about it. Just mention in passing what a good guy I am.”
“Okay.” I chuckle and step back. Dillon’s not at all her type, but – who knows. Stranger things have happened. Although it would look like they were The Incredible Hulk and Thumbelina.
“Thank you. She’s been helping me with meal planning, but I’m not sure if she’s noticed – noticed me.”
“I’ll put in a good word.” I nod. The pulse in my head thumps against my temples. Shit. Not again. “I’ve got to go.” I weave my way through the crowded room.
When I reach the exit, I can still feel eyes watching my every move, causing me to shudder. As I shove open the door, I twist and scan the back of the room. Gunner’s eyes are tiny slits as he rolls his neck in a circle.
Damn it. I should have kissed Dillon. That would give him something to stew over. Motherfucker. Glaring like I did something wrong when he’s planning to hook up with some skank, or in this case, skank hoes. Probably planning some orgy. Asshole.
It’s like an ice pick jammed between my ribs twisting and gnawing at the bones on its way to my heart.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Gunner
The overpowering sound of rock music pounding through the speakers drowns out almost every conversation in the bar. Not that I want to talk to anyone. I grab the bottle of beer in front of me and drink the entire contents in one gulp.
“Fuck, dude. You’re going to get sick.” Tony nudges me.
“Don’t care.” I glare at him and motion to the waitress with a finger for another round.
“Slow down.”
“Fuck you.” It’s been the longest week of my life.
One week ago, I was picking up Dani to go to my cousin’s wedding. I glimpse at the overhead clock. No. About now, she was on her knees, sucking my dick. Fuck her. Fuck everyone.
The waitress comes over and cocks her hip to one side. The blue jeans look like they’ve been poured over her skin. “Hey, boys. What can I get for you?” She winks and bites her lower lip.
“We’ll take another round.” I dig into my back pocket and toss down a fifty-dollar bill.
“Thanks, man.” Devin nods.
It was his idea to go out for the night, but he’s not made any move to hit up random chicks. Instead, he’s spent most of the night glued to his cellphone. Not that I care. I’m in no mood to hook up with anyone. Let alone talk to a woman.
“Can I get you anything else?” She licks her thin red lips.
“No, thanks.” I shake my head and turn away from her.
“I’ll take your empty one.” She drawls and reaches out.
“Sure.” When I hand her the bottle, her fingers run over the back of my hand. I jerk away and clasp my hands together. I’m not in the mood to be fucked with.
“Thanks. Go on.” Jeremiah nods at her and motions for her to leave. His eyes are hard as steel. Obviously, he senses I’m not in the mood.
“Dude, what are you doing here?” Tony leans his shoulder against the brick wall.