He flashed her another smarmy grin. “Isn’t that convenient?”
This guy needed to seriously go the hell away. “She’s just running late. In fact, she should be here any moment.”
He gave her a look that said he obviously didn’t believe her. “How about I buy you dinner and we get to know each other better?”
Simmering irritation had heat flooded over her cheeks. “No, thank you.”
“Oh, come on. How long did you say you were staying here for?”
She hadn’t. In fact, aside from her name, she hadn’t mentionedanythingabout herself. She’d barely spoken a word since he’d sat down, and considering the man had been talking nonstop, he’d also never asked.
“I’m pretty sure Freya’s boyfriend wouldn’t appreciate her having dinner with some random guy,” Maya said, refilling her water glass. “Need anything else, sweetie?”
Food. But not while Brayden was still sitting here. Instead, she gave her friend a grateful smile. “I’m good for now, thanks.”
“Boyfriend, eh?” He waggled his eyebrows.
Maya snorted and waved at her. “Dude, of course she has a boyfriend.”
She didn’t, but good God, did she love her friend.
He clapped his hands together. “Well then, challenge accepted.”
Wait, what?
She frowned and held up her hand. “Uh, there’s no challenge. Look, it was kind of you to buy me a drink, but I will happily pay you back for it because... just no.”
“Loosen up, gorgeous. How about this?” Brayden leaned closer, and she leaned away. He flashed her a smile that she was certain was supposed to be charming. It wasn’t. “If your friend doesn’t show up in the next five minutes, you let me buy you dinner. Your boyfriend doesn’t need to know.”
There was no way this guy could be serious. But one look at his slimy, lecherous smirk said otherwise. Gross. Her brain scrambled for a snappy come back and?—
“Shit, dude. You’re a persistent one, aren’t you?” a familiar voice huffed.
Turning in her barstool, Freya let out a thankful breath.
“Sorry I’m so late,” Hazel said and then glanced at Brayden. “You’re in my seat.”
Brayden held up his hands, gave Hazel an appreciative once-over, and smirked as he stood. “Just keeping your friend company.” He turned back to her. “Freya, it was lovely meeting you. As I mentioned, I’m here for the next week. We should get together before you check out. Another drink or dinner or...”
She internally winced as he let the innuendo hang there. “Brayden,” she said, giving him a nod.Gah! What is wrong with you? Fuck off is the appropriate response to the creeper!
Hazel cleared her throat as the man lingered. “Chop-chop, buddy. You’re blocking my seat.”
“My apologies,” he said, stepping aside and holding his hand out to assist Hazel.
“I’m good,” Hazel said, brushing his hand away. Once she was settled on her barstool, she turned to him and smiled sweetly. “You can go now.”
Brayden chuckled and nodded to a table in the corner where two similarly dressed men sat. “If you change your mind about dinner, Freya—or about anything else—I’ll be over there. And just so we’re clear, I have no problems with you having a boyfriend. I can be discreet.”
As he walked away, Hazel shook her head and muttered, “Holy shit. Why were you sitting with that douche?”
Freya arched an eyebrow at her friend. “You’re kidding, right?”
Hazel arched an eyebrow right back. “And when did you get a boyfriend?”
“Uh, when you took your sweet-ass time getting here?” Maya thunked a glass of water down in front of Hazel. “The poor thing was like a deer in headlights with that guy. Now what can I get you?”
“Geez, I said I was sorry.” Hazel held her hands up before checking out the placard with the drink specials. “Miriam said I get a couple free drinks, so can I get a shot of Patron and the spicy prickly pear margarita?”
