“It’s Grady.” I spit the words through clenched teeth. The reminder shouldn’t be necessary.
Her responding giggle is acid in my veins. “You’re so funny. We’ve known each other long enough that I can use your nickname.”
Something black and dirty twists inside of me. The fuck she can. Only one girl calls me that and she’s long gone. “Nah, Trista. Grady will do. Need something?”
The question is a courtesy she doesn’t deserve, but I ask it all the same.
She twirls a lock of her bleach-blonde hair. “Want some company?”
A quick shake of my head. “Nope.”
“Maybe you should think a little harder.”
I snort at the innocent pout this chick is trying to pull off. Every man within a five-mile radius is well aware of the game she’s trying to play. Most fall victim to the tempting ploy. But I sure don’t.
Trista’s fingers walk up my arm. “Come on, Grady. Just a drink.”
The stool squeaks when I jerk away from her reach. “I’m all set. Go hassle some other sap.”
“But Grady—”
A clap to my back is a welcome interruption. “Hey, brother. What’s up?” Jace narrows his gaze at the scantily clad woman hovering by my side. “Am I intruding?”
I let my lips pinch with the threat of a grin. “Nope. She was just saying goodbye.”
Trista glares at my friend. Several awkward beats pass where the three of us stare at one another. Without another word, she huffs and stomps off.
Jace eases down onto an empty seat. Smart move considering the likelihood of that shit breaking. Decker stops by long enough to pass him a cold beer. What can I say, the service is tough to beat.
He enjoys a couple pulls and leans an elbow on the bar. “Trista?” Jace whistles. “That chick has been after your junk since high school. You’d think she’d get the message by now.”
I snort. “Her perfume is killing brain cells. That’s gotta be it.”
He taps his bottle against mine. “No shit. Smelling like a flower explosion isn’t sexy.”
And that’s the truth. The most alluring scent is coconut with subtle hints of strawberry. It’s the aroma of forbidden desire. Just the memory makes my dick twitch, which in turn has me feeling like a filthy asshole. I tug at the waistband of my jeans and groan. If the guy sitting on my left knew I fantasize about his little sister, he’d likely string me up by the balls. When I glance over, Jace is studying me closer than I’m comfortable with. I almost tell him to knock it off.
He tilts his head at me. “So, what’s up? Surprised to see you around while the sun is still out.”
I pick at the grease under my nails. “Ran outta paint for the Drefter house. Called it an early day.”
“Ah, gotcha. How’s the project going?”
“Smooth, as always. These jobs are all simple restoration.”
He nods. “And your place?”
“That’s a challenge I can appreciate.” I smirk.
“Glad to see something makes you smile.” The expression slips off my lips and Jace grunts. “Shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
I scowl. “Nah, that makes me feel foolish. It’s just a house.”
Jace grips my shoulder. “But it’s yours. Free and clear. You’re allowed to be proud of that.”
I shake off his touch. “For now. I’m sure something will change that soon enough.”
My mother immediately comes to mind. She’s a deeper money pit than the foreclosure I snatched up at bottom dollar. That thought turns my stomach. The brew I’d been enjoying turns sour with an unpleasant gurgle. I finish off my ruined beer and slam the empty bottle down. Decker walks over but I wave him off. It’s a one and done sort of afternoon. I stand and reach for my wallet. After settling up the tab, I turn to leave.
