“What’s settled is that men who can’t handle their drink shouldn’t imbibe.”
Shane chuckles. “Yeah, well, we’ve all had a misadventure or two. Can’t ban someone for life on that account.”
I remain silent, but scowl. The fact that a falling out with Reynolds unmoored Declan makes him suspect in my book. Men need to keep their shit together.
Climbing the stairs to get the Peralta suitcases, I shake my head.
Declan could’ve just asked me to stay away from Reynolds. I’d have told him that wasn’t a problem. If I’d wanted Camrynn Reynolds, I’d have made my move sooner.BeforeHeyworth started something with her.
Reynolds is innocent in that way that appeals to men who like to stroke their egos with a girl’s awe. That kind of innocence doesn’t interest me.
“Hey?” I say, pausing. “Tonight when we meet up, you’ll bring Avery?”
“Yeah, she’ll hang out downstairs. With Cami if she’s there as well.”
“Good.”
“Why?”
“Arya Peralta will be with me. It’ll be good if there are other females present to keep her occupied. Girl packs are standard for her.”
“You’re bringing Arya the dancer to a meeting at Declan’s? Why?”
“Uncle Joe needed someone to watch her. Add babysitting to my résumé.” I grab the suitcases and swing the door shut. I test to be sure it’s locked. It’s not. For fuck’s sake. She doesn’t even bother to secure her own apartment? I turn the lock and close the door.
Shane takes so long to speak, I think he’s ended the call. But then he says, “Is that a gig you volunteered for?”
“Definitely not.” I head down the stairs to finish loading the truck.
“Pretty girl, but she’s got quite a mouth on her.”
“Indeed.”
“You know?” Shane’s question hangs in the air. “Didn’t realize she interested you.”
I climb in my truck. “Never said she does.” I yank my door closed.
Arya is already in her Mercedes, revving the engine impatiently.
“I’ll text later.” I end the call.
She backs out of her spot suddenly, causing me to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting her. I’m sure she hears the tires screech, but she doesn’t look back. Yeah, things with the spoiled brat will go smoothly.
Pulling out, I cut in front of her. She hits her brakes hard and glares at me.
I ignore it for now.
There’s a confrontation coming, and I’m going to win. Which I’m sure she won’t take well. She never does when she doesn’t get her way.
7
ARYA
Ifollow Sorensen to a deserted section of waterfront that has several old industrial buildings. He backs into a parking space in an empty lot near the door of a rusted warehouse. Climbing out of my car, I frown at the building. It’s barely a step up from the derelict site where we found Declan’s uncle’s body.
“No way.” I walk to the back of his truck as he opens the hatch. “Are you kidding?” I ask, pointing at the rough structure.
“Wait for it.” He grabs my suitcases, carrying all three like they’re two-pound weights rather than forty pounds apiece.Show off.Sorensen is staggeringly strong, even compared to other college football players.
