“You can’t come.”
They were the first words out of Susie’s mouth when Barlow swung by to pick her up the following morning.
After hastily agreeing to go, and on getting all the details from Jules, he told Susie he’d pick her up at seven and then left before she could change her mind, or before he could for that matter. He didn’t want to say yes – why would he? He hated weddings, and Susie didn’t seem interested in a repeat of Vegas, so what was the point? But it was the mention of this other male – Joe – that persuaded him to change his mind. Hey, just because he wasn’t getting anywhere with Susie didn’t mean anyone else could either!
Besides, he wouldn’t mind spending time with her. She made his inner beast… happy. Being around her was kind of refreshing. Plus, who knows? Maybe he’d also get the opportunity to punch her dumb-as-shit ex as well – serve him right for breaking her heart.
Barlow got out his truck and stood in front of Susie. Her arms were folded tightly. There was a determined look on her face and a stubborn tilt to her chin that his wolf found absolutely adorable.
“Jules invited me.”
“Well, when I get there I’m just going to say that something came up.”
“So you can spend the weekend with Joe?” he growled as his beast snarled in a fury.
He had no idea who this Joe was or what kind of guy he was, but he already knew he hated him.
Susie blinked at him in surprise. “Joe’s an idiot that Jules is trying to set me up with – I don’t want to date him.”
“So, take me up there with you, and you won’t have to worry about Joe.” Grrr.
“Well, I wasn’t really worried, he’s pretty harmless. He’s a wolf shifter, but he’s a vegan.”
His wolf blanched. How could a creature like that even exist? “My god. You definitely need me up there.”
“Why on earth do you even want to come?”
A question he had been asking himself and the only answer he had was jealousy. Not an answer he wanted to admit to Susie.
Instead, he shrugged. “Free vacation. Plus I know a guy who lives round there, maybe we can annoy him by visiting on the way back.” Although Derrick did usually welcome guests by firing a shotgun at them.
“Look, it’s very fancy there, and Jules’ pack are really snobby, are you sure you can…”
Her voice trailed away as he gave her a look.
“Are you worried I’ll embarrass you?” he asked in amusement. His beast snorted.
Admittedly, there was every possibility he would. In his younger days when it took a lot less to get him drunk, he would usually bring out his elephant impression at the end of the night. That involved pulling out the pockets of his trousers to make the ears and pulling out something else entirely to make the trunk. There were a lot of places he was no longer welcome following an elephant incident.
“No, not at all,” she replied as her cheeks turned a ruddy color.
“Then let’s get going.”
*
“You can sleep if you want,” said Barlow. They’d been driving for a few hours in awkward silence. Or at least, she felt awkward. She wouldn’t hazard a guess at how Barlow was feeling.
“Thanks but I’m too wired to sleep.”
That was due to the three coffees she had that morning. No way was she turning up looking rumpled and sleep soiled. Plus, she’d also been a little nervous about telling Barlow he couldn’t come. With good reason given how crappily it went.
“Is everyone else driving up?” he asked.
“Yeah, but only because there isn’t an airport close.”
“Good, hate them to think I’m a hick for driving.”
Susie groaned. “Would you stop? I didn’t mean it that way.”
Barlow chuckled. “Sure.”
She couldn’t tell whether he was just making fun of her, or if his feelings were a little hurt.
“Jeez - why on earth did you want to come?” she exploded. “If you think I’m a total snob then why are you even here?”
“Like I said – free vacation. Didn’t have anything better to do.”
“Like you couldn’t have found something,” she muttered, turning back to look out the window.
“Better than being treated like a country bumpkin?”
Susie whipped back to look at him. “Look, Jules’ pack are super snooty, and yeah, they may very well insult you – so brace yourself for it. That’s all I meant. They think anyone who changes the oil on their own car is beneath contempt. Their pack is not as relaxed or friendly as your pack.”
“Little darling, I was in the army for over ten years – I can handle a few wolf shifters with their heads up their own butts.”
“I’m not ashamed of you, if that’s what you think,” she added.
Heck no, if they walked into any room she’d expect everyone to be wondering ‘what’s he doing with her.’
“No?” He flicked a look at her.
“Of course not, look at you, you’re…”
Her body flushed as she thought of all the ways she wanted to end that sentence. Sexy? Incredible in bed? Irresistible?
“What?”
A sign for a convenience store flashed by, and she saw an escape route.
“Let’s stop.”
“What were you going to say?”
“I want some beef jerky,” she said, resolutely ignoring his curiosity.
Barlow grunted and pulled over, but before she could run out the car, his hand clamped on her arm.
“C’mon, little darling, what were you going to say?”
Susie sagged in defeat. “You’re incredibly hot, okay? You’re sexy and charming when you want to be – now, obviously is not one of those times. Every girl is going to envy me bringing you.”
His grip relaxed, and she virtually flew out of the car. A quick glance over her shoulder showed that he was smirking.
Ugh!