Текст книги "Desertion"
Автор книги: River Savage
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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 23 страниц)
Thirty-Six BELL
JESSE: Thinking of you.
I pick up my phone as the daily text from Jesse comes through right on time. My thumb dances over the buttons, tempted to reply, but I don’t.
It’s been two weeks since Jesse called me. Two weeks of waking up every morning and seeing his name come up on my phone. Two weeks of him telling me he misses me. Two weeks of going to bed and reading his apologies. Two weeks of guilt.
I know I’m shutting him out, and maybe I’m not playing fair, but what else can I do? Pulling back from Jesse is the right thing to do.
“Bell, are you ready?” My mom’s question travels up the staircase and into my bedroom.
“Yep, give me five,” I shout back, placing my phone down and moving to finish packing the last box left. Even though the last few weeks have been hard, they’ve made me realize, Jesse was right. I let Paige and my need to find her stop me from moving forward. I don’t want to live like this anymore. I don’t want to lose any more time, and when I finally realized that I made the decision to move out.
At first, Mom and Dad were shocked. So soon after Jesse and I breaking up, they voiced their concerns that I was reacting. And maybe I was, but deep down, we all knew it was the right thing to do. Deep down, we all knew it was coming.
It also allowed me keep my mind off things. Things like a hurting Jesse.
“You got the last box?” Dad asks from my door, breaking my thoughts.
“All done.” I stand and point to the last box.
“You better go check on your mom. She’s very close to losing it. Lissy isn’t helping.” He winks before bending to pick up the box. I roll my eyes picturing what my best friend could be filling my mother’s head with.
“Maybe she should stay. I can come back when I’ve settled in?” I begin to follow him out, not sure Mom is going to cope.
“No, give her this. It’s good for her,” he encourages as we head down the stairs and out to the truck that holds all my belongings.
“Okay, but beware of the tears,” I warn, watching him move toward the front door. I don’t follow; instead, I move to where Lissy and my mom are talking in the kitchen.
“All done,” I tell them, walking to the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water. Mom is quiet, while Lissy lets out a loud shout of excitement.
“This is gong to be so awesome!” I point a look her way, telling her to cool the enthusiasm. She doesn’t get it, so I give up and turn to mom.
“Now, are you certain you’re ready for this, Bell?” Mom asks when I step back around the counter.
“Yes, Mom. I’m ready. We’ve been over this.” She nods, her head moving fast, like she’s trying to force the reality of what’s happening here today to sink in.
“Okay, before anyone starts backing out, let’s do this.” Lissy claps her hands once. Her smile is huge and I want to mirror it, but I don’t want to upset Mom too much.
“Dad’s ready,” I agree, and wait for her to move.
“What am I going to do without you?” She steps forward and takes me in her arms. Her body shakes in mine, her emotions becoming too much. I knew it was coming, so I let her have her moment.
“Well, if I were you, I’d be turning Bell’s room into a gym,” Lissy jokes, breaking the moment.
Mom steps back and forces a smile. It’s not much, but it’s a start, and I know it’s going to take time. Everything is going to be all right.
At least with us it would be.
JESSE: Noticed a shirt missing today. You know anything about that, sweetheart?
Shit
I drop my phone back into my bag and continue to make my way out of the building.
Jesus, he won’t give up. Three weeks. Three weeks of guilt is worse than two weeks. I should just give up and reply to at least one of them, but something is still holding me back
“Bell Johnson, you better not be ignoring me, woman.” I turn at my name and watch Holly stand from a waiting chair and step forward.
“Holly?”
Just finishing a twelve-hour shift, the last person I ever expect sitting here waiting for me would be Holly.
“Don’t Holly me. I’ve been trying to call you the last three days. What’s your deal?” Her hands move to her waist as she levels her best pissed-off look at me.
“Sorry, I’ve just been really busy with moving.” I cringe, watching her eyes narrow further.
“You moved? What the hell? Girl, you have some explaining to do.” She steps forward, takes my hand, and starts moving me forward in the direction I was heading.
“You’re here alone, right?” I look around, quickly checking my surroundings.
“Of course I am.” She shakes her head.
“Where are we going?” I ask when we make it outside. The sun has only just set, and my hopes of a quiet night in are dashed when she answers.
“You and I are going for dinner. I think a good chat is in order, don’t you?” I want to argue, tell her I’m not really up for company tonight, but I know she’s not going to take no for an answer. So I keep quiet and follow her to her car.
“I can meet you there?” I offer, walking past the hospital’s employee parking lot, right past my car.
“And give you a chance to escape? No. Get in.” She clicks the key fob, unlocking her car. Holly is scary when she’s pissed so I do as I’m told, take a seat in the passenger’s side and buckle my seat belt.
“You want Fireside or Happy Chef?” She kindly offers me the choice of where to go.
“Happy Chef,” I answer. She nods, but doesn’t say anything. I’m not entirely sure why she’s angry. Yeah I’ve been keeping a low profile. Not taking calls, but it’s nothing personal. Between moving and work, I really haven’t had a chance to breathe.
“Holly—” I begin but get cut off.
“Wait till we get to Happy Chef. I’ve messaged Kelly and Kadence to meet us there,” she says, turning left onto the main road.
Shit. This is worse. Maybe I would have been able to handle Holly, but Kadence and Kelly…
I’m screwed.
“Why didn’t you call us?” Kadence asks twenty minutes later after we place our order with the waitress. The rest of the ride with Holly was quiet. We pulled up at the front of Happy Chef and made our way inside. Surprisingly enough Kelly and Kadence were all ready here waiting for us.
“It was just one of those things, guys,” I try to explain, but how do I?
“We’re family, Bell. You can’t just shut us out like this,” Kelly argues this time, making me feel worse.
“I just needed do this on my own. For once in my life, I needed to do something on my own.”
“We get that, we do. But not taking our calls, and pushing us out, how are we supposed to support you?” Kadence reaches for my hand. I don’t pull away, allowing her touch to comfort me.
“I just thought, with Jesse and I…” I trail off, not really sure what I thought. These women are Jesse’s family. I have no claim to them.
“We’re still your friends, Bell.” Holly sounds insulted but her smile throws me off. Is she pissed or not? “I’m offended you thought we would ditch you, just because that stupid idiot couldn’t sort his shit out.”
“I’m sorry.” I shake my head, realizing I’ve been stupid. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”
“It’s fine, we get it.” Kadence releases my hand and moves back to her soda.
“Just don’t do it again,” Holly adds, throwing me off again.
“Are you okay?” I ask, picking up on her hot-and-cold mood.
“Ugggh, no. I’m a mess, but I needed to make sure you’re okay first before dumping it on you,” she spills, confirming my suspicions.
“I’m fine, guys, promise. Just dealing in my own way.” I direct my gaze to all of them, offering them a smile.
“Good, ‘cause we have a change of plans for the bachelorette party.”
“In Vegas?” I ask, remembering them talking about it last month. I know it was planned for next month, but I wrote that idea off when Jesse and I broke up.
“Yes, our Vegas bachelorette party turned into our Vegas wedding.” She squeals her excitement.
“You’re getting married in Vegas? What? Why?” The last time Holly and I spoke I was told they’d already settled on a venue here in Rushford.
“Sy doesn’t want to deal with a big wedding. I don’t blame him, but it’s just becoming too much of a hassle. We’re fighting over the stupidest shit. I just want it to be over with.”
“I can’t imagine,” I offer, not sure what to say. Sy’s a pretty relaxed person. I’m not sure what would have him so tense.
“I know. So we’ve bumped the date and are going next week.”
“Next week?” I repeat as the waitress brings our orders to the table. Holly doesn’t reply until the waitress leaves us.
“Yes, next week. So you need to sort whatever you need to sort out.”
“Holly, a week is barely enough time to get time off—” I begin, but her shaking head stops me.
“If you had answered your damn phone…” She has a point. A point that shuts me up.
“We booked you a room. We’re heading down next Friday.” Kadence smiles, digging me deeper into this mess. Not that I can get out of it anyway.
Shit Jesse
“And Jesse?” I ask, my pulse finding a rhythm I thought I had lost.
“He’s going to be there.” Holly shrugs and I swallow, wondering how I’m going to get through it.
“I don’t know,” I start to back track. God, the thought of seeing him a week from now has me panicking.
“You can bring your best friend, Lissy?” Holly offers, softening her stand.
Lissy, Jesse, and the Rebels in Vegas?
“I’m not sure if it’s the best idea or the worst idea,” I offer and watch the girls smile.
“So you’re in,” Holly pushes, bringing me back to the moment of truth.
“Do I have a choice?” I know I don’t. I have vacation time saved up at work anyway. Even if I didn’t, I’m sure Holly would find a way for me to be there.
“You’re a fast learner, Bell.” She laughs, moving back to her dinner.
I’m far from a fast learner, but I’m coming to realize it doesn’t matter when it comes to Holly. It was her way or no way.
Kind of like Jesse.
Oh, God, how am I going to handle Jesse?
Thirty-Seven JESSE
“It’s like two opposing forces. Grief and rage.” I look up for the first time and catch Conner’s eyes. “Truth is I’ve been angry a long time.” My hands shake at my side as I fight my flight response.
It’s taken me three weeks to stand up here today. Three weeks of listening to these men tell their stories and trying to encourage me to tell my story. Three weeks of hiding.
“Instead of being a burden to my family, the people I needed to let in, I shut them all out. I mean, it’s not like they could possibly understand that physically being home didn’t mean I really came home.” I get a few nods and grunts agreeing. Taking a deep breath, I fill my lungs and continue. “When I close my eyes at night, sometimes I still see myself picking up the body parts of my brothers. I still see myself holding them as they die in my arms on the battlefield. I still see the blood spattered all over my uniform as they take their last breaths.” My voice falters but I keep it together. It’s not like I prepared a speech ready for this moment.
“Do you wrestle with thinking you’re to blame?” Frank, the group session leader, asks, encouraging me to continue.
“My mind tells me that I didn’t cause their pain and grief, but my heart tells me otherwise. I know I can't change their pain, but I can change mine and the pain I inflicted on my family, on the people I love.” I look up at Conner and watch him nod. I know I’m starting to lose it, so I decide that’s enough for today. Small steps.
“That’s all. Thanks,” I tell Frank, letting him know I’m done.
“Thanks for sharing, Jesse.” He doesn’t push me to continue and I’m fucking grateful. Just talking aloud for the first time in front of others has me on edge.
Frank moves on to the next person, and I spend the rest of the session reliving not only mine, but their nightmares over and over. It’s probably the most honest thing I’ve ever shared, and even though I’m on edge, wired from living this shit that plagues my dreams, I know I’m safe. I know my brothers have me and I know I’m not going to fuck up again.
It’s not an option.
“You gonna keep looking at that phone, or you gonna eat?” Conner asks, breaking me out of my stare.
“Huh?” I look up and watch him smirk.
“What the fuck are you doing, Jesse? Since when do you let a woman mess you up like this?”
“You’re the fucking one who said to give her time.” I pocket my phone and force myself to get my shit together.
“How’s that working out for you?” He smirks, knowing just how fucking well it’s working. Asshole.
“About as well as it was last week.” I shake my head and move back to my burger. We just finished our group session and decided to come into town to eat.
“You tried going to see her?”
“Not ready for that yet.” I shut that idea down knowing I need to pull my head out of my ass and step up. I just need a bit more time.
“Remind me what you’re waiting for again?”
“She asked for time. I’m giving it to her.” I wish she would give me something more to work with. I do worry I’ve pushed her too far. The night of my father’s funeral was brutal. Maybe she would never forgive me for that, but we were long past forgiveness. I just needed to prove it wouldn’t happen again.
“Just don’t forget who you are, Jesse. Yes, you fucked up. Yes, you’re giving her what she asked for, but in my experience, most women don’t know what they want.”
“In your experience?” I snort at the fucker as he throws a French fry at my head.
“Hey, I’m not the sucker looking at my phone every day wondering when some pussy is gonna call.”
“That’s my woman you’re talking about, asshole.”
“Exactly, now just remind her of that.”
I don’t respond ‘cause he’s fucking right.
Bell is my woman, and maybe I was going to have to make her remember. Maybe her plea for more time needed to end. I knew what I was doing now wasn’t enough. I had to do more. She deserved more. We both did.
I just needed to do one more thing.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” T’s eyes connect with mine as soon as I step foot in the bar just outside of town.
If any of my brothers were here, they’d have me by the scruff of my cut, pulling me back out to my bike.
“Calling in a favor.” I clock the three men to my right, Bear, T’s VP, and some other fucker I don’t know, and the on my left, the punk ass I should have laid out, Danger. It might turn out to be my biggest fuck up to date, but I can’t not try.
“You got some big fucking balls walking in here right now, asshole.”
“I don’t have balls. My woman fucking took them when she left my ass,” I counter and watch him throw back his head in laughter.
“Fuck, you messed up by some pussy, Jesse? Welcome to the club.” T nods to the stool beside him. I take a seat, keeping an eye on my surroundings. It might be stupid for me to just walk in here, but I had to give it one last shot.
“Your prez know you’re here?”
“Does it matter?” I don’t like that I’m going against my club, but if I play this right, it won’t matter.
“It does if I have Nix breathing down my neck.” I hold back my smile, knowing T and his men want the truce just as much as we do.
“You give me what I want, there won’t be any drama on our end.” I know he’s apprehensive, but I won’t renege.
“And when I’m ready to call in that marker?”
“You deal with me.” I point my stare at him, letting him know this is a must. Not Nix, or the club but me. I’ll owe the fucker.
“What do you have that’s going to persuade me?” He crosses his arms and rests back, waiting for the sweetener.
“You get your marker from me and my brother.” I offer him something that isn’t mine to offer, but I’ll deal with Jackson later.
T doesn’t say anything at first, his eyes calculating me, sizing me up, trying to figure out if I’ll deliver on my promise. I’m not messing around. I’m a man of my word and I’ll come through.
“I give you what you want, this doesn’t come back on us.” It’s not a question but a thinly veiled threat.
“You think I give a fuck what happens to you? I don’t. But you give me what I want, I’ll make sure when heads roll, this shit doesn’t come back on you,” I promise. By the time we’re done with these sick fucks, the Warriors will be the least of their concern.
“Do we have a deal?” I push, needing to move this shit along. “I got a wedding to attend.”
“You getting hitched to the little piece you’re messed up about?” the little punk, Danger, calls out.
“You don’t even fucking look at me, cunt.” I point back to him but keep my eyes on T. I don’t give a fuck if I’m in their house, the little fucker will see the full effects of my rage if he even speaks Bell’s name.
“Name,” I urge T, needing to the get fuck out of here.
“Axle David.” My skin crawls as the name registers.
“Where?”
“Arizona. Not gonna lie, getting her out…it’s not going to be easy.”
I nod and stand. He might believe that, but my options aren’t exhausted.
“You call your marker to me,” I remind him as I make my way to the door. He doesn’t reply. Even if he did, I wouldn’t respond. We both got what we needed.
Now I had work to do.
I needed Jay in on this.
Thirty-Eight BELL
“Are you ready yet, Holly?” Kadence claps her hands together growing impatient.
“Quit rushing me. I have some serious props to get through here,” Holly calls back, not one to be rushed.
“Like I said, payback’s a bitch,” Kadence nudges me with a whisper.
“This view is amazing.” I move toward the window and look down at the Bellagio fountain as it lights up, dancing in time with a classical number.
“Have you ever been here?” Kadence comes forward and hands me a glass of wine. I stop myself from pushing it away, and accept it with a smile.
“No, first time.” I raise my glass then take a sip. Citrus and a hint of pear ignite my taste buds, and I relax into the taste.
“Come on, ladies, we’re going to be late!” Kadence yells out, still waiting on the other three.
“Okay, I’m ready!” Kelly shouts out this time before walking out of the bedroom with Lissy on her tail.
“Oh, my gosh, Kelly, look at you.” I move toward the glass table that sits in the middle of the room as I place my glass down to get a better look at her.
“Thanks?” She twirls on the spot and her black dress shimmers under the penthouse suite lights. Her blonde hair sits in curls past her shoulders and her makeup has been applied flawlessly. Lissy worked her magic on her and she looks absolutely amazing.
“Umm, I feel so underdressed.” I look down at my basic little black dress that sits a little shorter than I’m comfortable with and contemplate heading back next door to my suite and changing.
“No, you look hot.” Lissy scowls, but I’m not convinced. The whole weekend still feels wrong. When Holly originally invited me to her bachelorette party months ago, Jesse and I were still together. Now that we are no longer seeing each other I didn’t feel right coming with everything still between us. The last thing I wanted was to make anyone uncomfortable.
“Girl, you’re looking fine. What are you talking about?” Kadence asks, pulling me out of my thoughts as she pours Kelly her own glass of wine. Shaking my insecurities off, I shrug and let it go. It’s not like I have anything else here to wear.
“Yeah, you’re looking amazing, Bell. What’s this glow you have going on?” Holly steps out from the master bedroom wearing white from head to toe. The short white dress she showed us earlier hugs her body in the best sort of way. You wouldn’t even believe she had a baby only six months ago. A cheap plastic veil sits over her blonde hair letting everyone know what we’re here for tonight.
“That glow would be the new crush that’s been happening at work. Our little naughty nurse has the eye of some sexy doctor.” Lissy comes around the bar with her own drink oblivious to my daggers.
Holly was gracious enough to invite Lissy along to her special weekend and I’m thankful. When I realized it wouldn’t just be a girls’ weekend, but the whole club would be joining, I wasn’t very keen on coming. Things between Jesse and I are in limbo right now, but knowing I have Lissy here with me when I finally do see Jesse for the first time in weeks, makes this weekend a whole lot easier.
“You look amazing, Holly.” I ignore my best friend and turn the attention on the bride-to-be.
“Oh, I know I do.” Her laugh fills the suite as she does a little twirl. “But, I wanna hear more about this doctor. Spill, naughty nurse.” She holds her hand out for a drink and like a well practiced maid of honor, Kadence has one ready.
“It’s nothing, guys. He just asked me out for coffee.” I brush it off, starting to feel guilty. “I’m not even sure I’m going to go.”
“You’re going, Bell Johnson.” Lissy takes on her ‘mother hen’ tone, her finger pointing down at me. “You need to get out there. Besides, it’s coffee, not marriage.” I know she’s right. I do need to get out there, but everything is still raw since the fall out with Jesse. It’s not like I’m crying myself to bed every night. I’m just not sure I’m ready.
“Lissy, dating is the last thing I need right now. I’ve only just settled in to our new place,” I try to explain, but I know it’s only falling on deaf ears.
“Even more reason to relax.” Her brows bounce on the words relax before she throws her head back and laughs. “Think of it as a house warming present for yourself. Flying Out Of The Nest Award.” She laughs louder at her own joke but I don’t.
“Isn’t this weekend meant to be about Holly? Let’s talk about her.” Heat creeps up my neck. I hate being the center of attention. I know everyone is worried about me this weekend, but I didn’t come here for lectures or adventures. I came here for Holly.
“New goal tonight. Let’s get Bell laid!” Holly exclaims, placing a bright pink sash over her head and totally ignoring my attempt to shift the attention.
“What? No! Oh, God, no!” My head moves from side to side, watching everyone nod in agreement. Even Kadence.
Jesus, help me. “I’m so not ready for that.” I’m in way over my head. A one-night stand is not my scene and never will be.
“It’s exactly what you need. You’re still hung up on Jesse, God knows why when you keep avoiding him. Seriously, girl, you either need to let that man in, or decide he’s not the only one who can flick your bean,” Lissy says, pushing my blush back into the hot zone. Just kill me now.
“Oh, I love her! Where have you been hiding her, Bell?” Holly laughs, holding her palm up for a high five. Lissy returns it then they both fall back giggling.
“Jesus, this isn’t good.” I turn to Kadence and Kelly for help, but they don’t offer any relief. Only telling me the inevitable:
“Welcome to our world. Just hold on, Bell. It’s easier if you don’t fight it.” Kelly chuckles, leaving me to fend for myself. Taking a deep breath, I reach forward and take my glass. I probably shouldn’t have another drink after this one, but something tells me between Lissy and Holly, I’ll need it.
“We’re not talking about dating or one-night stands tonight.” I dig my heels in, refusing to get into anything with them.
“Why? ‘Cause we’re right?” Holly taunts just as bad as Lissy.
“I need another drink.” I ignore her jab and turn to Kadence holding up my glass. She holds my stare but doesn’t push. Instead she leans forward and pours me more wine.
“This reluctance to talk about dating doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that a certain someone is in this hotel and we might possibly see them at some point tonight?” Holly continues, knowing exactly how to rile me.
“Not at all,” I deny, and watch as all the girls look at me with grins. “We’re not seeing them tonight, right?” My voice hitches in my panic. Shit.
“No, tonight the boys know it’s girls’ night.” Holly laughs, calming my nerves. I know I have to see him; I’ve just been trying to hold off for as long as I can.
“You do know you won’t be able to hide from him tomorrow night at the wedding, right?” Kadence pushes this time. I don’t know why they think I’m trying to hide… Oh, right ‘cause it’s what I’ve been doing for a month now.
“Of course I know.” I laugh awkwardly, swallowing my unease. It’s what’s going to happen when I see him that worries me.
Ever since Jesse called and told me he was going to win me back, I’ve been laying low. Hiding out. Avoiding his texts. It’s not that I don’t want him back. It’s more that I’m exhausted and unsure. The back and forth, it’s been too much for me. Jesse is dealing with some pretty deep issues, issues he has to handle on his own.
“Are you going to be okay when it happens?” She watches me carefully.
“Yeah, of course. I mean it might be a little strange seeing each other, but I’ll be polite and won’t cause you any problems, Holly. It’s going to be fine.” I turn to assure Holly but catch her sharing a look with Kadence. “What?” I stop and ask.
“Nothing,” Both girls reply, but something tells me their nothing means something.
“Don’t be playing any games, guys,” I say, watching both of their grins grow wide.
“We’re not playing anything, Bell. We just know Jesse. There is no way that man is going to see you and want to be friends.”
I roll my eyes because I knew this was coming. “Jesse knows how I feel guys. He’s respecting my space.” I direct my stare at each of them, willing them to understand.
“If you say so, Bell.” Holly shrugs, not looking directly at me. She doesn’t believe me.
I turn to Lissy to gauge her opinion. “Don’t look at me. I’m with them on this.”
“I do say so. What we had is over.” I shake my head, ignoring the flutter their doubt ignites in me.
“It doesn’t have to be,” Holly argues, ready to challenge me. I knew this would happen. Dealing with Jesse on my own I’ve managed to stay strong and not cave, but with a room full of Jesse fans, I don’t see how I’m going to survive.
“What we had, it wasn’t healthy, guys.” I’m not ready to admit they might be right and maybe I should let him in. I just wish I wasn’t so confused.
“Bell, you know I love you, and I will respect your decision either way, but that man has been through hell the last few months. What he did that night was wrong, I’m not taking that away from you, but people make mistakes, babe.” Holly fights his case, cracking a little at the hard shell I’ve locked myself away in since Jesse pushed me out of his life.
“I know, but I’m not ready guys.” I look back to Kelly and Kadence hoping they understand. I know I’m probably hurting everyone for pushing Jesse away, but I still need time.
“Just don’t give up.” Holly steps forward and wraps her arms around.
“I’m trying not to.” I admit, more to myself than anything.
“Okay, we’ve all established whatever is happening between Jesse and Bell is just going to have to wait. Now we have dinner and drinks to go to.” Kadence steps in, taking the focus off me.
I blanket my mind from everything Jesse, and focus on getting through the night. Through this weekend.
“She’s right. We have a bachelorette party to have. Strippers to see, money to win. Are you ready to do Vegas, ladies?” Holly calls shifting gears into party mode.
“Hell yeah!” they all reply, hopefully forgetting their need to fix Jesse and me.
“Let’s do it then, ladies!” She hollers before throwing her drink back. Kadence turns her gaze back to me and gives me a wink.
“Thank you,” I whisper as we gather our bags and start to head out.
“Don’t worry, Bell, I have your back,” she assures me and I trust that she does. I know none of these ladies will let anything happen to me. They are part of my family now. Even after everything that’s happened, they have been there every step. Even when I tried to push them out they wouldn’t allow it. I’m stuck with them and I can’t fight it.
“I know you do, Kadence.” I smile and follow them out the door. I have to force myself to not think about Jesse and put away everything the ladies said. This weekend isn’t about Jesse and me. It’s about Holly and Sy, and I refuse to let him ruin it.
I’m going to stay strong and when I see him, act like it means nothing to me.
Easy. Right?
“Oh my, he sure is pretty.” Holly giggles next to me as we wait for our row of shots. It’s been a few hours since we headed out. After eating downstairs at Le Cirque, we moved the party on to The Bank, one of the many bars in the Bellagio.
“Yeah, he’s okay.” I shrug, watching the bartender give Holly a wink. He’s cute in a boy-next-door kind of way, but isn’t anything to make me stop and flirt.
“Girl, you still have it bad for Jesse. No other reason you would be saying that man is okay.” She nudges my shoulder, making me fall sideways.
“Whoa there.” Two hands grab me and stop my descent.
“Oh, sorry.” I look up at the man who saved me. His dark hair is cut short on the sides but sits messy in length on top. Locked in a brief moment, my eyes sweep his face. His nose is long but slightly crooked, like it had been broken and left to its imperfections. A boyish grin spreads across his face, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. “That was an accident.” I shake my head out of his spell and awkwardly finish my sentence. “My friend slipped.” I turn to point at Holly and watch a cheeky grin split over her face.
“No, I changed my mind. He’s cute,” she whispers, tilting her head toward the man beside me.
I turn back to the handsome stranger, before Holly embarrasses me more.
“That’s okay, not every day I get to save a pretty girl.” He winks. His hands are still on me, his grip firm.
“Umm, yeah, well, thanks again.” I softy shrug out of his grasp. He lets go then instantly extends his hand.
“My name’s Grant.” His voice is deep and raspy, and makes me want to ask him a question just to hear it again.
“Bell.” I fit my hand into his. He shakes firmly, his thumb lightly stroking my hand before he releases me.
“Can I buy you a drink?” he asks, nodding for another bartender’s attention.
“She’s having champagne and you can get the bottle.” Holly sticks her head into our little space interrupting.
“Oh, my God, Holly. Go to Kadence, now,” I say, pointing over to the leather sofa area where the rest of the ladies are sitting. Holly pouts but does as I say, giving Grant a wink then turning and walking to the girls.
“I’m so sorry, she’s a little drunk.”
“It’s fine.” He smiles again, handing me a glass of champagne. He pays the bartender, takes the bottle and holds it up. “Let’s get your girl her bottle.” He nods, before taking my hand and moving over to where Holly and the girls all sit, watching us. A new level of excitement starts to build inside of me as the warmth of our connection resonates in my hand. I don’t know what I’m doing, I told the girls I wasn’t interested in meeting anyone this weekend, but falling into Grant might have changed my mind.
