I quickly scanned the area, searching for Boxer, but I didn’t see him.
“He’s at the picnic table by the fence,” Freddy said.
I looked where she pointed and felt an emotional knife stab in my chest. “He’s…not alone.” A woman was hanging on his arm, running her fingers through his hair.
And she washot.
She sighed. “Sorry, I had no idea, I didn’t think he’d—”
“It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I’m fine, Freddy. I swear.”
“Yeah, you look fine. Might want to uncurl those fists, unless you’re planning on punching him. Or her, if that’s your thing…”
I released my clenched hands.
“I know you said no booze, but trust me, I think you need it.” She handed me her red Solo Cup. I took a sip and nearly choked. “What the hell is that?”
She grinned. “Apple pie moonshine. You’re welcome.”
“You guys are nuts.”
I watched another woman approach Boxer, her hands reaching out for him. When she got to his side, her fingers danced up and down his body. I expected to see his face light with excitement and good cheer, but he was ignoring both the women fawning all over him. He held a bottle of liquor but didn’t make a move to drink from it.
He looked…lonely. And morose.
I handed Freddy her cup and then walked confidently toward the picnic table.
He didn’t even turn to see who was approaching, like he didn’t care.
Yup. Definitely morose.
This was not the Boxer I thought I knew.
“Hey,” the insanely hot woman greeted as I approached.
“Love your pants,” the other said.
“Thanks,” I said, surprised that they were being nice to me. I’d expected cat claws to come out since I was about to interrupt their fun time with Boxer.
Boxer’s head whipped around. Without taking his eyes off me, he said to the women, “Trish, Tanya, our Coeur D’Alene boys had a hard ride down here. Why don’t you go keep them company?”
“Ohhh, look, Knight’s alone,” one of the women said.
They exchanged a look and then clasped hands and all but skipped toward a cluster of men in leather. They didn’t seem at all upset about switching allegiances.
“They’re…friendly,” I said.
“The friendliest.”
“Sorry I ruined a sure thing.” I gestured with my chin.
He lifted the bottle of liquor to his lips but didn’t reply.
“Guess you’re no longer following my rules.”
“What rules would those be?” he pressed.
“The drinking rules.”