CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
From the darkest corner of the bar I’m able to watch the door for my buddy Keegan. The oppressive summer heat has people seeking shelter in the bar’s frigid AC. Loud music pounds from unseen speakers, and I question why we still meet up here on Friday afternoons.
Although, after the week I’ve had I think I deserve to knock back a few beers with my buddies. Even so, I can’t stop thinking about Bree. About kissing her. About the stupid way I implied it was okay for her to date my friend when it is absolutely, one-hundred-percent, never happening.
Keegan enters, and a lot of heads turn. A few inches taller than me and a lot broader, heads pretty much turn wherever he goes. Ignoring everyone in his path, he shoulders his way to the back of the room.
“Antisocial much?” he asks, dropping into the booth across from me.
I point a discreet finger at the pool table where I’ve watched a young couple hustle a couple college-age guys. “As a sheriff, I’m trying not to notice the illegal gambling going on over there.”
Keegan glances at the couple for a few seconds before turning back to me. “Why do we keep meeting here?” he asks.
“Blame Sully.” I signal our waitress to our table. I shouldn’t be drinking to forget what’s waiting for me at Vince’s house. I’ll have a full-blown habit in no time.
He shrugs. “At least it’s better than it used to be. A little harmless gambling’s better than the drug deals that used to go down.” Our waitress takes our orders and after she leaves, he lifts his chin. “Where is that fucker?”
“Sully? On his way. Had to pick up his brother.”
Keegan’s not a big fan of Jake and rolls his eyes at the mention of Sully’s brother.
“Still avoiding Bree?” he asks.
Wishing I’d never spilled any of the story to my friend, I prolong answering the question by draining the last of my beer. “I wouldn’t call it avoiding.”
He snorts and grabs our drinks from the waitress before she even has a chance to set them down.
“Christ, you’ve had it bad for her for as long as I can remember. What’s your fucking problem?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Seriously? You’re gonna play it that way? I get why you steered clear of her before. But she’s what, twenty-four now?”
“Twenty-three. And that’s not the point.”
“Vince know about some freaky shit you’re into?”
“What? No. She just got out of a bad relationship. Seems like a shitty time to make a move on her.”
“Didn’t you tell me she made a move on you?”
I pick up my beer, tipping it to my lips, so I can think about the question. “She was mad at me.”
“That makes no sense.”
“I took her to Sully’s place, so he could go over some self-defense moves with her.”
Keegan tilts his head, and I realize he has no idea why that was so important. When I hesitate, his face hardens.
“Fuck me. This guy hurt her? Where is he? Can we go kill him?”
“Can you keep your mouth shut? She doesn’t want anyone to know.”
“I understand. Seriously, though, where is he?”
“Lock-up down in Empire.”
He lets out a low whistle and throws himself against the back of the booth. “Had to be pretty bad. You pay him a visit.”
“Yup. Not sure the message sunk in though.”
“I got plenty of shovels. Just say the word.”
And this is why Keegan and I have been friends since we met at an arson scene a few years back. A loyal friend. Always ready to help bury a body.
“What’s new with you?” I ask to take the attention off my Bree situation.
He lets out an annoyed grunt. “Tyson got this dog to train for search and rescue and it’s not working out. She needs surgery, so now I gotta hold out my hand for donations.”
“I thought S and R dogs were usually male?”
“They are. She’s a rescue. Ty’s heart was in the right place, but—”
“Well, let me know. I’ll donate.”
“Thanks.” He cocks his head. “Your parents looking for a watch dog?”
“I can ask.”
“Aw, you two look like you’re on the most awkward date ever,” Jake hollers as he approaches our table.
“Make sure you hit this asshole up for money too,” I grumble and Keegan laughs.
Without looking up, I flip Jake off and he snorts. “So unprofessional, Sheriff.”
“Where’s your keeper?” I ask, slapping his outstretched hand.
“He got distracted by a butterfly.”
Keegan’s brow wrinkles. “What?”
Jake waves for Keegan to move over and slides in next to him. Not-so-discreetly he points to the pool table. “Butterfly tramp stamp. Gets him every time.”
“You’re both degenerates,” Keegan mutters. “Why do Liam and I still hang out with you?”
“For street cred.”
Sully ends up joining us a few minutes later. “Strike out?” Jake asks. “Need me to show you how it’s done?”
“Fuck off.” Sully takes the space Jake just vacated. “What up?”
“Just trying to avoid the heat.”
“How’s Bree doing?”
“All right.”
“She’s such a sweetheart.” He shakes his head. “She did well. I hope she comes back.”
I eye my friend carefully and manage not to crack my beer bottle over his head. “I think she will.”
He glances at Keegan. “He told me,” Keegan says. “Figure we need to go kick this kid’s ass.”
“Fine by me,” Sully grumbles. “I get a lot of girls like her in my classes. Gonna take her forever to trust someone else. If she doesn’t end up back with him.”
“Fuck that,” I mutter.
Sully shrugs. “I’ve seen it over and over. At least I hope I’ve taught them something useful.”
“She liked you.” Why the fuck did I have to say that?
Sully’s slightly more refined than his younger brother. He shakes his head and laughs. “She’s cute. I wouldn’t mind helping her get back in the game.”
I’ve known Sully for a long time. Never wanted to kill him until today.
He must read the murderous intention in my expression because he throws his hands in the air. “Not trying to step on your toes.”
Jake calls his brother over for a game of pool, leaving me with Keegan, and I can tell by the smirk on the big bastard’s face that he can’t wait to needle me.
“Got some competition?”
“Shut up.”
“What’s the problem?”
“You heard him. She’s not going to be able to trust anyone for a long time.”
“You’re not just anyone. But if you really feel that way, let her ride Sully’s dick for a while. Then you can swoop in and play hero when he dumps her.”
He’s deliberately trying to piss me off. So instead of reaching over the table and choking him, I sit back.
“Or maybe,” he continues, having way too much fun at my expense. “She’ll be the one to tame him, and you can be the best man at their wedding.”
“You’re an asshole.”
Keegan, fucker that he is, sits back and laughs. “Settle down. I’m jerking your chain because you’re being stupid.”
“Vince would have a stroke if I got together with his sister.”
“Fuck him.” Keegan takes an exaggerated look around the bar. “I don’t see his ass here, taking care of her.”
Vince is my best friend. Has been for most of my life. But I can’t deny that Keegan’s words get under my skin.
“He’s working.” Even to me, the excuse sounds lame.
“Bullshit. Some punk beat my sister up, nothing would keep me away.”
“He knew I was here.”
“Then obviously,” he says with exaggerated slowness, “he trusts you with her.”
“You don’t date your friend’s sister. That’s basic bro—”
Keegan cuts me off by leaning over the table and growling in my face. “I swear to fuck if you say any variation of bro code, I’m gonna punch you in the throat. You’re too old for that shit.”
I hold in my laughter, even though I know Keegan’s threat is very real. “Come on, there are rules to that sort of thing.”
He grunts at me and I decide to be more serious. “It’s not just Vince. She’s returning to school at the end of the summer. I don’t want to interfere with that. She’s worked really hard.”
“Is her school on the other side of the moon?”
“Empire. Don’t be a dick.”
“You seen Jenson lately?”
Not sure why he cares if I’ve seen one of my dad’s old cop buddies, I answer with caution. “No, why?”
“He asks about you a lot. You should transfer to Empire PD.”
“My parents are here. And I happen to like my job.”
“You’d earn more money down there.”
Yes, I know that, because the lack of competitive pay was one of the reasons we had so many deputies leave the job within their first two years. “This area is running thin as it is.”
“That’s not your problem.”
“It has to be someone’s problem. We need experienced deputies.”
“You sound like a recruitment ad.”
When I don’t answer, he sits back against the booth and in a lower voice says, “You’ve known her since she was a kid. You have history.”
I should’ve known he wouldn’t let this go. “You trying to tell me she’s the one?”
“Come on, Liam. You’re not some rebound guy for her.”
The words click in my brain, but I refuse to acknowledge why. “Since when do you say things like ‘rebound guy’?”
Whatever half-ass answer he was about to spew at me dies in his throat as his attention is drawn to the door. Following his line of sight, I groan when she steps farther into the bar. Giant bag slung over her shoulder, weaving her way through the crowd, Bree’s wearing a loose green sundress that does nothing to hide her curvy body. She tosses her hair over her shoulder and zeroes in on our table. A brief smile lights up her face and she hurries over.
“Speaking of our little dark-haired devil,” he says and I shoot a glare at him.
“I was hoping you’d still be here,” she says to me after waving a quick hello to Keegan.
“Is everything okay?”
I stand so she can slide into the booth next to me, but not before I catch the corners of her mouth turn down.
“I’m fine.”
She probably didn’t want to be alone, jackass.
Keegan gives me a raised-brow-smirk face that I’m pretty sure is saying the same thing.
“How you been, sweetheart?” he asks her, settling his hand over hers and turning on enough charm to make me want to drill my fork through his other hand.
“Not bad,” she answers. “Still putting out fires?”
I tune them out and consider Keegan’s words.
Or at least I try to.
“Hi, Bree. Good to see you again,” Sully says, motioning for Keegan to shove over. Jake follows him over and slips into the booth next to his brother.
Jake eyes her in a way I don’t care for. I’ve only met him a handful of times, and each time he’s gone home with a different girl. Thinks he’s the goddamn pussy whisperer.
I don’t want him anywhere near Bree.
I wrap my arm around her shoulders and tuck her against me, making it clear she’s not to be whispered to or anything else Jake might come up with.
Keegan ducks his head, his body shaking with laughter. Under the table I kick him, but he just laughs harder.
Bree’s gaze shifts between us, but she doesn’t move out of my hold or ask me what the hell I’m doing.
There’s so much weirdness going on here tonight.
Keegan and Liam seem to be challenging each other. Sully and Jake seem to be afraid to even look at me.
And let’s not forget Liam has his arm around my shoulders.
Even so, I’m enjoying hanging out with Liam and his friends. It’s like catching a rare glimpse into his world. The guys are obviously close and know how to walk a fine line between entertaining and irritating each other. I’m happy to be a part of it, even if only for a short while.
Liam leans over and whispers in my ear. “Do you want to go somewhere else for dinner?”
His all-consuming heat gives me a jolt. I turn and our lips almost collide.
My mouth twitches into a shaky smile. It’s hard to concentrate with him studying me so closely. “I’m okay. This is fun.”
“You trying to get away from us, Hollister?” Jake asks, pulling Liam’s attention away and giving me a chance to breathe.
“Yeah, I don’t want Bree exposed to your deviance.”
“Are you always this mean to your friends?” I tease.
“Only Jake.”
“He considers me more of an obligation than a friend,” Jake explains, jerking his thumb in Sully’s direction. “’Cause he’s friends with my brother.”
“Ohh, I’m familiar with that situation. We should compare notes.” Nervous laughter follows my words. But I’m the only one who seems to think it’s funny.
Liam’s whole body tenses and his hold on me tightens. His silent way of telling me he doesn’t see me as a chore?
“Our waitress looks overloaded, I’m gonna go up to the bar. Anyone need anything?” Keegan asks as he slides out of the booth. Jake gives him an absurdly long list, which Keegan ignores. Sully slaps his brother on the arm and follows Keegan to the bar.
Liam leans down, his lips brushing my ear again. “Let’s be clear, you’ll never be an obligation to me.”
If only that was true.
Jake waves his arm in the air, signaling to someone by the door. With Liam blocking my way, I don’t see who it is until he’s almost at our table.
“Teller! You’re early. Where’s Murphy?” Jake asks, half-standing and reaching across the table for a fist-bump.
Jake tries to introduce us, but I wave him off. “I’ve known Marcel since I was a kid. Teller, huh? I didn’t know you had a secret identity.”
Marcel shrugs off my comment with a smirk. His gaze slides to Liam and they each give each other a subtle chin lift that’s…almost friendly.
Weird. Since the last time they saw each other, they acted like two Pit Bulls about to lock jaws around each other’s necks.
“Evening, Officer.”
Liam nods at Marcel’s leather vest. “You supposed to be wearing your colors in here, Teller?”
Okay. So much for friendly.
Marcel’s not offended though. “I’m here to see Oscar. I think he’s okay with it.” He turns, dismissing Liam. He nods at Jake and jerks his head toward the kitchen.
“I’ll be right back,” Jake says, sliding out of the booth.
“Did you have to be so rude?” I ask after they’re gone.
Liam’s eyes widen, all country-boy charm—a look he hasn’t been able to pull off since ninth grade. “He’s probably here to shake the owner down for money.”
“Oh, stop it.” I playfully smack his arm and he leans in closer.
“I’m glad you came and found me.” His low-spoken words trigger goose bumps along my arms.
“I was worried I’d be interrupting guys’ night out or…” I drop my gaze to the side. A blush burns up my neck, landing on my cheeks.
“Never.”
Keegan and Sully return with two pitchers of beer and extra glasses. “Are we interrupting?” Keegan asks.
“Yes,” Liam answers in a bored tone.
I spot one of the girls from my support group and nudge Liam. “Can you let me out? I want to go say hello to someone.”
He actually hesitates and I wait for him to question me. Then he slides out of the booth and I hurry over to catch Emily before she leaves.
“Hey, Em.”
She turns and smiles when she sees me. “Hey, I thought I saw you over at Hot Guy Island.”
I let out a snort. “Overprotective Island maybe.”
“Is tall, dark, and staring holes in your back the guy you told me about? Your brother’s friend?”
“That’s him.”
My eyes follow Bree to the bar, where she stops to talk to a red-haired girl about her age.
“You scare Bree away already?” Keegan asks.
When I don’t respond, he and Sully resume whatever they were talking about.
Jake returns without Teller. “Where’d your buddy go?” I ask.
“He’s here somewhere,” he answers with the evasiveness I expect from Jake.
While the guys continue their discussion, my gaze strays to Bree, still talking to the redhead.
My diverted attention doesn’t go unnoticed by Jake. “So, is Bree single or not?”
Silence descends on the table while the guys wait for my answer.
“Not as far as you’re concerned.”
Keegan snorts.
“Dude, just piss a circle around her,” Jake suggests.
Hostility lights me up inside. “Fuck off.”
He’s not intimidated by my outburst. “Obviously you’re into her.”
“She’s special. She’s not one of your hit-it-and-quit-it chicks, so don’t even think about it.”
“Does she get a say?” Sully asks.
I cock my head, disappointed in my friend. “You too?”
“Nah. I hate seeing you so twisted up.”
“He’ll be fine,” Keegan says. “Can we discuss something else? I feel like I’m on an episode of Oprah listening to you three.”
Jake rolls his shoulders. “Just trying to get our boy laid.”
“Thanks for the concern.”
“It’s been what?” Sully asks. “Five or six months since you broke it off with Nurse-stick-up-her-ass?”
Guess I’ll never live down the night I brought Linda here to hang with my friends. It’d been an unpleasant night for everyone involved.
“Something like that,” I grumble, hating that my friend knows I don’t do one-night hookups.
I spot Teller coming out of the back hallway and stand. Jake follows my line of sight. “Christ, Hollister, aren’t you off the clock? You really need to hassle him now?”
“Mind your own business.”
I intercept Teller before he reaches the bar area and tap his arm, gesturing for him to follow me outside. He’s naturally suspicious of me and keeps his distance.
“What do you want?” he asks when we’re alone.
I hold up my hands, wanting him to understand this is personal. “Easy. You said if I needed anything for Bree, you’d help.”
That snags his attention and he drops his scowl. “What’s wrong?”
“Are you going to be around Sunday?”
“I can be. Why?” His gaze never stops moving, assessing everything around us while he waits for my answer.
Am I really asking this thug to look out for Bree?
“I have to work a double. I’m worried about Bree being alone so long.”
He runs his hand over the back of his neck and gives me a crooked smile. “I feel like you warned me to stay away from her last time we spoke.”
“Yeah, and then you fed me that line about her treating your sister nice and being a friend. Were you full of shit?”
His cocky act disappears and he glares at me. “No.”
“Can you come up with an excuse to drop by? Maybe mid-afternoon, early evening?”
“Am I staying for dinner or just checking on her?”
“Just checking on her,” I growl.
“Do I get more information?”
“What more do you need?”
He folds his arms over his chest. “Even with all the spackle she’s got caked on, it’s obvious someone cracked her in the face recently.” He stares me directly in the eyes. “Since I assume you didn’t do it, who did and where is he?”
“Her ex and he’s down in Empire County Jail.”
“Ahh, okay.”
“Satisfied?”
“I just like to know what I’m walking into.”
Fair enough. I still have an urge to punch him, though.
“If he’s in lock-up, what are you worried about?”
“His family. Specifically his brother. I’m having him served with a restraining order for continuing to harass her.”
“This douche have a name?”
“Chad Joseph. The brother’s name is Christopher.”
“Why you asking me?” He lifts his chin toward the bar. “Why not one of your more upstanding friends?”
“Because Bree doesn’t know them that well. It would be obvious I asked them to check on her.” I hesitate before adding. “And I don’t trust Jake around her.”
Teller snorts. “Can’t blame you there.”
“I can ask one of the other guys in my department to drive by, but I don’t want to freak her out.”
“Yeah, I hear you.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem.” He cocks his head, studying me for a minute. “You have any connections in Slater County?”
And this is why I didn’t want to ask for Teller’s help. Now he’ll want something in return.
“Not really. Their department’s a fucking mess. Word is that they’re under investigation for corruption.”
He nods slowly as if that wasn’t new information.
“Sunday afternoon,” he confirms.
I hold out my hand and he shakes it. “Thanks.”
Inside, Bree’s finishing her conversation and meets me at the table. Feeling territorial, I take her hand and she smiles up at me. “Emily said a group of her friends are going dancing at the Lantern and asked if we wanted to go.”
Christ, that’s the last thing I feel like doing. But I want her to feel more comfortable to go out and do things. I guess I can suck it up for one night if it makes her happy. “Do you want to?” I ask.
She glances down at her dress. “I do, but maybe another time.”
Can’t say I’m not relieved.
“Who’s the hot redhead?” Jake shouts to Bree.
She giggles and slides into the booth. “You stay away from her. She’s getting out of a bad relationship.”
The jerk has the nerve to raise his eyebrows. “You know what they say, right, Bree? The best way to get over a guy is to get under a new one.”
“No, I’ve never heard that before,” she deadpans. “That’s brilliant.” Her tone makes it clear she finds it anything but. The guys crack up. Even Jake.
Keegan leans in. “So when do you start graduate school, Bree?”
“End of August.”
“Moving back to Empire or you going to commute?”
“I…” For some reason her gaze lands on me. “I haven’t decided yet.”
I’m not sure where Keegan’s going with his questions, but given his earlier interest in my career, I sense the sneaky bastard’s up to something.
“Vince is away so much, you’d have the house to yourself most of the time,” Keegan says.
Bree tosses her hair in a vigorous headshake. “No way. It’s bad enough I need to stay there now. I don’t want to make it permanent.”
I raise an eyebrow and give Keegan a pointed look that he ignores.
“Going to live on campus?” Keegan asks.
“I guess I could. I liked my apartment…” her voice trails off. “I really need to look for a job.”
Jake jerks his thumb toward the bar. “Oscar’s always looking for pretty girls to serve drinks.”
“No,” immediately pops out of my mouth.
All heads turn and stare at me. Mistake. Telling Bree ‘no’ is as good as laying down a challenge.
Under the table, I squeeze her hand. “You don’t want to be on your feet all night long, dealing with drunks. Can’t the school find you an internship or something?”
My explanation seems to relax her. “I’ll ask around Monday.”
While I want what’s best for her, I know if she takes a job near campus, it’s one more thing that will pull her away from me.