He winced. “Sorry.”
I took my beer, joining Aspen and her new friends.
“Evening all.” I dropped into the vacant seat beside Lynx. Hero was to my right.
Lynx elbowed me. “Hey, brother. Was wondering what happened to you.”
“I bet you were,” I grumbled. “What have I been missing? You all look like you’re having loads of fun, drinkin’ and laughin’. Like shit, it’s one big fucking party. New Year’s Eve take-two.” I raised my beer. “Cheers!” I gulped down half of it.
“Yo, stop being an asshole,” Hero whispered.
Aspen stood from her chair, swaying a little, and went to the bar.
“What the fuck, man?” Lynx hissed.
“What?” I feigned innocence. “Am I crashing your party with my ex?”
“I’m not putting the moves on her. She was feeling sad. Wanted to have some drinks.”
“Yeah, I heard. Three rounds of tequila shots and two beers.” I glanced over my shoulder to check on Aspen, as if I had any right to. She tossed back a shot. What was she trying to do? Get wasted?
“What are you doing? Checking up on her?” Lynx shook his head like he thought I was pathetic.
Maybe I was. But did I care? Fuck no.
Libby’s song finished and she walked my way. Her eyes were narrowed as if she knew I was acting like a dick. Friends sensed that shit with each other.
I grabbed her hand, tugging her onto my lap.
“What are you doing?” she asked as if annoyed.
“Missed you is all.”
“Don’t fucking do this, Boxer. Don’t use me to make your ex jealous.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I was on my way to be with Grizz.”
I looked sidelong at my brother, glaring at me. I jerked my chin in recognition, then turned back to Libby. “Kiss me first, then I’ll let you go.”
Libby rolled her eyes.
“You are a motherfucking dick.” Lynx glowered.
“More like a brutal brother,” Jill piped in.
I ignored them, pinching Libby’s chin and sealed my lips to hers.
Glass shattering had us breaking apart. Lynx was out of his chair in a flash.
“Oh my gosh.” Jill ran toward the bar.
Aspen was on the floor laughing as Lynx and Jill tried to help her up.
“Shit, she’s drunk.” I guessed I didn’t know what kind of woman Aspen had grown into.
Hero elbowed me. “Tara and I are out. Try not to fuck things up with your ex.”
I screwed up my face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You want her.” He jerked his chin at Libby on my lap. “Kissing a kitten in front of her isn’t the way to win her back.”