“Hey, Trevor.”

Shayla Caruso catches me the second I walk through the bar and runs a red-tipped nail down the front of my shirt. “You just get off work?”

“Yup. Long-ass day and now I’m going to relax and knock a few back with my family.”

Shayla’s lips form the perfect smirk. Her eyelids droop as she leans in close. “I don’t have any plans tonight, if you want to come over afterward.”

I grab her wrist before she hits the buckle of my jeans. I’ve used Shayla more times than I can count. There’s nothing like a warm, tight pussy to chase away the stress of a long day. I’m tempted to tell her to leave her front door unlocked, but when I glance toward the back of the room and see Claire sitting at the table with my family, the words die on my lips.

Today was rough. Two structure fires made for a busy morning, and then we were called out to a fatal five-car pile-up on the interstate. When Coop and Rhett called to see if I wanted to have drinks and hang out, my initial answer was no. All I wanted was an ice-cold beer, a hot shower, and my bed. But those assholes bitched and moaned, and when Rhett told me Claire was going to be at Dirty Dicks with Mo, I caved.

I haven’t seen Claire since she walked out of my hospital room, and seeing her now is the drink of cool water my charred soul needs. It’s been hell, though I keep reminding myself that separation makes things easier for both of us.

Claire looks up, and my heart slams against my ribs. She holds my gaze for what feels like forever, and although her face is a blank mask, I can see the pain in her eyes—pain I’d hoped would’ve faded long before now.

Her eyes drop to Shayla’s hand on my chest, and she turns away. I have no idea what’s going through her head, but I want to run over there and tell her Shayla and I are nothing more than old friends. But that would be silly.

If I was smart, I’d grab Shayla’s hand, drag her out of the bar, and let her spend the night riding my cock, ending my year-long drought. Maybe then I’d finally be able to forget about Claire. Yeah, right. Unfortunately, I’m a glutton for punishment, and I’d rather end up with a major case of blue balls after sitting next to Claire all night than spend it blowing my load into another meaningless woman.

“Sorry, not tonight.” I drag Shayla’s hand from my body and walk away before she has a chance to argue.

My family is far from quiet. Add Mo and Linc to the mix, and things get downright crazy. I can hear them laughing and carrying on from across the crowded bar—everyone except Claire. Arms folded tight across her chest, legs crossed, she’s closed herself off, and it doesn’t look like she’s too keen on being here tonight.

She watches me walk across the room, and when she glances at the empty chair between her and Linc, her back stiffens. Not wanting to make her any more uncomfortable than she already looks, I take the empty chair between Rhett and Linc. But if I’m not mistaken, a flash of disappointment crosses Claire’s face.

“Where’s my beer, asshole?” I ask, shoving Rhett’s shoulder.

He raises his hand, flagging Sarah, and then motions to me. There’s no need for her to come over; Sarah knows my poison, and within minutes, she places an ice-cold Bud Light in front of me.

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

Sarah winks. “Anything for you, Trevor.”

Coop tosses a napkin, hitting me in the nose. “Stop flirting with my employee.”

“I wasn’t flirting.” I snag the napkin off the table and toss it back, aiming for his mixed drink. The napkin hits his mark, and all of the arms at the table go up in celebration. Well, all but Claire’s and Coop’s.

Nose scrunched, Coop pulls the napkin from his drink, tossing it on the table.

“How’s it going, Linc?” I ask, reaching out a hand. “It’s been a while.”

Linc captures my hand for a quick shake. “Work. Same ol’ shit, different day.”

“Don’t I know it.” I make my way around the table, checking in on everyone’s day, and when I get to Claire, I tip my hat. “Red.”

She swallows. “Trevor.”

“Good to see you out and about.”

She tilts her head. The brilliant smile she normally wears is gone. “Yes, well, I didn’t have much of a choice. Mo forced me to come, and Coop forced me to stay.”

Coop hooks an arm around her shoulder and whispers something in her ear, making her smile. I love my brothers. I’ve always been closer to Coop than the other two, but right now I want to kill him, and if he doesn’t stop touching Claire, I might do just that.

Smart son of a bitch catches the warning in my eye and drops his arm, but not before giving me a curious look.

“So, what’s up with you and Shayla?” Mo asks. “You two an item?”

“Nah.” I slouch back in my seat, taking a drink of my beer. The cool liquid slides down my throat as I steal a glimpse of Claire over the end of my bottle. “Just friends.”

“Really? ’Cause y’all looked like more than friends a second ago.”

What the hell is she up to? “What do you care who I screw around with, Mo? Unless of course you’ve decided to ditch my brother and take the better, younger Allen brother for a ride.”

“Get your own girl.” Rhett punches me in the arm.

He’s strong. I’m stronger. Which is why I laugh when he rubs his fist.

“Leave mine alone.”

I hold up my hands. “I can’t help it that ladies love me.”

It’s all fun and games. My brothers know I’d never touch their women, sloppy seconds or otherwise. I might have a reputation for liking my women fast and easy, but even I know where to draw the line.

“Excuse me.” Claire pushes away from the table and stands up. Mo reaches around Coop and grabs her hand, stopping her before she can get away.

“Where are you going?”

“To the bathroom.”

“Hold up. I’ll go with you.”

Claire shakes her head. “No need.”

Mo looks around the table and then back to Claire. She lowers her voice, but we can still hear her. “Are you okay? Do you need me to take you home? I swear I didn’t know everyone would be here.”

Claire places her hand on Mo’s shoulder. “I’m fine, Mo. Stay.”

We watch Claire walk toward the bathroom. Mo waits until she rounds the corner and then grabs her purse and makes a move to stand up.

“Babe.” Rhett puts his arm around Mo, pulling her back into her seat. “She said she’s fine. Give her a minute.”

“She’s lying.” Mo frowns. “And I feel bad. I told her it was just going to be us tonight, and then everyone else showed up, and—”

“She’s fine.” Rhett kisses Mo. “Maybe she just needs some fresh air.”

Mo nods, and I’m left wondering what’s going on. Rhett has mentioned that Claire’s been sort of distant since the fire, but the way she’s acting tonight makes it seem a lot worse than he let on. It’s not like her to be this quiet and withdrawn.

“What’s going on with Claire?” I ask.

“Nothing.” Mo takes a drink of her beer, glancing back toward the bathroom.

“Bullshit. What was that all about?”

Rhett runs a hand through his shaggy hair. “I told you she’s been struggling.”

“Yeah, you said it in passing a few weeks ago and made it sound like it wasn’t a big deal.”

Rhett opens his mouth, but his words never come because the front door of Dirty Dicks flies open, bringing with it my baby sister, Adley, and a gust of warm air.

“I’m here, I’m here!” She waves, gliding across the floor. I love my sister, but she is notoriously late, and it drives me insane.

“Punctuality is a virtue,” I joke, earning a glare.

“So is empathy.” Bending down, she kisses me on the cheek. “Cut me a break. It’s my last semester, and I’m commuting back and forth to Houston for clinicals.”

“They’ve got you driving that far for clinicals?”

Lincoln pulls out the empty chair between him and Claire. Adley drops her purse to the floor and sits down.

“Unfortunately, but it’s necessary. Houston Memorial has the best pediatrics floor, and I’m learning a ton.” Adley points to the empty chair beside her.

“Claire.” Coop answers her silent question. “She’s in the bathroom.”

“Good. I’m glad she’s here. I’ve been wanting to talk to her.”

“You could always stay in my house,” Rhett offers when Adley turns her attention back to the table. “Mo and I aren’t there very often.”

“Oh…” Adley’s eyes dart around the table. “That’s very generous, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“We insist,” Mo counters. “It’s silly for you to drive an hour and a half before and after an eight-hour clinical rotation. And your brother’s place isn’t far from the hospital.”

“I—“ She looks around, avoiding eye contact with all of us except Mo. “I’ve got a friend who lives in the area. If I’m tired, I just stay there.”

“Better not be a guy,” Coop warns.

Lincoln sputters, choking on his beer, and Adley pounds on his back.

“You okay, buddy?” Rhett asks.

“Yeah. I’m good.” Linc covers his mouth. “Just went down the wrong pipe, that’s all.”

“So what if it is a guy?” Adley argues, her hand lingering on Linc’s back. “I’m a young, healthy female, and I have sexual needs just like you—”

“Shit,” I hiss, covering my ears. Coop and Rhett scowl at our baby sister. “We don’t want to hear about your needs, Adley.”

“Okay.” She holds her hands up. “Fine. I won’t talk about my sexuality as long as you buffoons don’t tell me who I can and cannot stay with.”

“Deal.” Coop drains the rest of his beer. “But if we find out it’s some prick and he hurts you in any way, all bets are off.”

“We’ll kill him,” Rhett adds.

I raise my beer to that, along with Rhett and Coop. We all look at Linc. He smiles and taps his bottle to ours, and we drink to protecting Adley’s virtue from all men everywhere.

“Why are men so stupid?” Adley says, looking at Mo.

“No clue,” she mumbles absently, her eyes drifting toward the bathroom.

The worried look on her face doesn’t sit well with me. I stand up from the table, and Rhett stops me. “Where are you going?”

“To get another beer.”

He gives me a knowing look. “You don’t have to get up for that.”

“I know I don’t.”

“You’re going to check on Claire.” It isn’t a question because Rhett knows me all too well.

“You got a problem with that?”

He cocks a brow. “If I say yes?”

I turn away, giving him my back, and when I get a few feet from the table I hear him say, “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”