“What kind of guy are you?”
“We talked about this last night, doll.” I’d learned the hard way to be totally up front with the women I chose to fool around with. They always knew I was only looking for a one-night stand, someone to enjoy an evening with, that wouldn’t put any expectations on me or be disappointed when I bailed. “I’m the kind of guy your mama warned you about. The kind who’s not interested in anything more than a good time.”
“Well, you certainly delivered that.” She pulled the sheet back up over her chest and gave me a disappointed smile. “If you change your mind?—”
“I won’t.” I walked over to the bed and leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead.
The only woman I’d ever entertained thoughts of a future with had never been an option. I just needed to keep reminding myself of that, since we were about to be sleeping under the same roof.
Twenty minutes later, I pulled into a spot in front of the Merc. I was still wearing the flannel shirt I’d had on at the bar last night. It smelled like beer and the brunette’s perfume. Too bad I hadn’t had time to grab a quick shower and change. Bracing myself for what waited for me inside, I left the brisk chill behind me and entered the Merc.
“Levi.” Ruby waved at me from where she stood behind the checkout counter. “Hold on a second.”
I waited for her to finish ringing up a customer. Probably someone from out of town since I didn’t recognize the guy.
As soon as she was done, she motioned me over and leaned across the counter. “Brooklyn’s been through a lot. Go easy on her for the next few days.”
“Hell, Ruby. What kind of monster do you think I am?” I shot her a frown, wondering what exactly had gone down between Brooklyn and my brother.
Ruby reached out and patted my hand. “You’re not a monster, you’re a good man. Why do you think you were my first call?”
Not even Ruby’s confidence in me could ease the tightness in my chest. This was a bad idea. I could feel it deep in my bones.
“Where is she?” I asked as I slid my hands into my pockets.
“Back at the counter. Let me get you that cup of coffee I promised.”
CHAPTER 2
BROOKLYN
My fingers tightenedaround the handle of my mug as Levi approached. Too bad I wasn’t close enough to the front of the Merc to hear what he and Ruby had said to each other. I could imagine it, though. Ruby probably told him all about how I’d shown up at the women’s shelter and bawled like a baby when they said they didn’t have room. It had taken every ounce of willpower and strength I had to make it that far. I didn’t have anything left.
Every step brought him closer. Every step made my heart beat faster and louder until I felt like I was going to pass out. He glanced my way, then shifted his gaze to a spot on the floor.
“You okay?” His voice sounded cold, like standing next to me was the very last place on earth he’d like to be. I could appreciate how he felt. I’d asked Ruby not to call him, but she’d done it anyway.
I took in a deep breath and willed my pulse to settle. “I’ll be fine.”
“What happened?” He slid onto the stool next to me, his gaze tracking Ruby as she filled a mug with coffee and set it down in front of him.
“Can we talk about it later?” I didn’t want to get into it. Not with half a dozen people occupying the stools around us. I’d always been a private person, preferring to keep to myself, especially when things weren’t going my way. And lately, things definitely hadn’t been going my way. Not since I’d agreed to follow Kyle to Mustang Mountain, and we’d moved in together. That’s when he’d changed.
Levi took a sip of coffee before finally turning to face me. His brows knit together, and his blue eyes turned to ice as his gaze swept over my cheek. “Did he do that to you?”
My skin warmed as his fingertips grazed over my cheekbone. I’d iced it right after Kyle hit me, but it hadn’t seemed to help. Not even the thick layer of makeup I’d carefully applied could hide the deepening shades of blue and purple.
Levi pulled his hand back like touching me had burned him. “I’m going to fucking bury him for that.”
“Can we go?” I didn’t care where, I just needed to get away from the prying eyes of strangers. In a town as small as Mustang Mountain, word had probably already made its way through the gossip mill. I hated being the center of attention, especially in a situation like this. That’s why I hadn’t tried to leave before. I couldn’t stand thinking about the way people would look at me. Like I was needy and weak. Exactly like Levi was looking at me now.
“Yeah. Do you have any stuff?”
“Just this.” I hadn’t had time to pack my things, not that anything at Kyle’s place truly belonged to me. Ruby had filled a bag with a few essentials like a toothbrush and deodorant. I picked it up along with my purse. At least my brain had been working well enough to remember to grab that on my way out.
Levi nodded, tossed a couple of bucks on the bar, then got up and helped himself to two paper cups with lids. He poured our coffees into the to-go cups and handed mine over. I pulled thehood of my jacket up around my face and ducked my head as I wound my way through the Merc.
We’d almost made it to the door when Ruby called out from her spot behind the counter. “Thank you, Levi. I’ll give you a call in the next day or two to check in.”
