I open my mouth to correct him, but Daylen shifts his glare from the dickhead to me as if to saywhybother.
I uncharacteristically remain tight-lipped while Daylen shifts his eyes back to the man and then gives him a little shove. “Yes, she’s my girl, so buzz off.”
The moron grins. “She’s sexy as fuck, man. Congrats.” He holds up his hand for Daylen to high-five, but Daylen doesn’t budge. He just stares at him like he’s about to pummel him.
The manfinallygets the hint and walks away.
I look up at Daylen. “I don’t need you to protect me. I can handle myself.”
He shakes his head in obvious frustration. “A simplethank youwould suffice.”
I eat a bit of humble pie, and my voice cracks a bit as I croak out, “Thank you.”
His face immediately softens, and he rubs my arm. Why is his touch suddenly so comforting to me? “Are you okay?” he asks. “Have you been with anyone since New Year’s? I haven’t seen you go home with anyone in months, and it used to be the regular course of business for you.”
“Are you keeping track of my sexual partners?” I snap in annoyance. Who the fuck is he to keep tabs on my sex life?
He exhales a long breath. “I don’t know why I bother.” He starts to turn away but then looks back at me. “You haven’t told any of the girls, have you?”
I shake my head.
“You should. I think it will help.”
I smirk. “Looking to help me get laid, Dr. Humblecut?”
“No, looking to be a decent human being. You should try it sometime.”
I didmy best to flirt with every man at the pool all afternoon to prove to Daylenandmyselfthat I’m fine. I could feel his eyes on me the whole time. For a reason I will never understand, I liked it. I liked that he was watching over me. It made me feel safe.
We’re now getting dressed to go out for the evening. Palmer is letting me do her hair and makeup. We’re at the vanity in the bathroom as I put on the final touches for her. Sulley gasps as she walks in. “Oh my god, Palmer, you look amazing.”
Palmer’s face lights up. She likes how she looks too, with the makeup on point and her adorable dress that we bought last year together.
I nod. “How fucking amazing are her eyes? I swear I’ve never seen anyone with this shade. I bet you used to get accused of wearing colored contact lenses when you were a kid.”
Palmer’s face falls a bit. “All the damn time. People can be so cruel.”
Sulley and I exchange knowing glances in the mirror. No one gets more online hate than Palmer. It’s tempered down since last season ended, but I’m fearful it will start up again as the new season approaches.
Sulley looks me up and down. “You look amazing too. Wow,that dress. And those shoes. Holy crap. I don’t think I could walk in those.”
I’m wearing a very short, tight red halter dress with a plunging neckline. A little gift to myself after the PC2 check came in this fall. My matching red, strappy Ferragamo shoes and lacy undergarments are all courtesy of Reagan’s Black Card last summer. My hair is up, a little looser than I normally wear it, but I’m very excited about my overall look. I’ve been dying to have somewhere to wear this dress, and a night out in Vegas seems like the perfect choice.
Sulley is also dressed to kill. In fact, all the girls are. Everyone has stepped up their fashion game. I’d like to think I had some small hand in making that happen.
Layla joins the five of us for a champagne celebratory toast. I look around at my beautiful friends. “We clean up pretty good, ladies. Not bad for a bunch of jocks.”
They all agree as we toast. I let the citrusy, flavorful bubbles slide easily down my throat as I vow to have a good time tonight. It’s been far too long.
We make our way downstairs to meet the guys. They’re all dressed stylishly except you know who. Daylen Humblecut. He’s wearing cargo shorts, sandals with socks, and a black T-shirt that readsWalking Red Flag. He’s capped it off with a giant—and I mean giant—gold necklace.
The girls all break into hysterics when they see him. His eyes move up and down my body. I think he’s about to say something complimentary, but instead he says, “Is that dress short enough, Peppermint Patty? I guess we’re about to find out if the curtains match the drapes.”
I cross my arms and happily reply, “There is no carpet. Only floor tiling.”
His lips twitch with amusement while the other guys all laugh. I roll my eyes. “Your outfit is ridiculous. Are you going to change? You’re not seriously wearing that all night, are you?”
He shrugs. “I wore it just for you. And I willneverchange.”
