Grinding my teeth so hard I think I may crack a molar; I flash my patented death glare at anyone who dares to look her way. She’s gone from her signature hoodie and leggings to a pair of dark, skintight jeans that hug her little curves, heeled ankle boots, and a loose white shirt. Over the shirt, there’s a black leather jacket and a long necklace.
Fuck me.
I can’t make out what the necklace is because I’m too caught up in staring at the smoky eyeshadow that makes her blue eyes pop, and the loose curls framing her face. She’s laughing with Mila, so she doesn’t see my expression, but I can’t turn away. She’s breathtaking and doesn’t even know it.I need our kids to have her smile.
Joining us at the table with a smile and a greeting, she takes her jacket off, and the action almost has me putting my shirt on her. Her white tee hangs off her shoulder and hints at the bare skin underneath. She’s wearing a pale pink bra, and I’m dying to know if it’s part of a set. Along with every fucker in here. Scanning the room, I fight the urge to shove Rhett out of the booth to cover her up from prying eyes.
“What the hell are you wearing?” I grit out as soon as she smiles in my direction. I’m currently crammed on the inside, but I lean over Rhett, ignoring the way he snickers.
“I think what Atlas means is that you look lovely,” Kash interjects, setting more drinks on the table. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, but I can happily get you anything.” Smiling at Mila, he adds, “Anythingyou want.”
He ignores Mara’s gagging noise, but I’m still staring at Cora. Her eyes won’t meet mine anymore, and that won’t do.You can’t ignore me, pretty girl. You’re in trouble.
“We can get our own, pretty boy.” She nudges Mila to get up, and Cora walks toward the bar with them. She can’t ignore me forever.
“The hell is your problem, asshat?” Rhett hits me on the shoulder. “Didn’t you just get done apologizing to her? She looks hot, man. You know it, and so does every man in here.”
“Don’t talk about her like that,” I grit out.
“What? You don’t want me to call her hot? Sexy? Banging? Take your pick, my brother.” He laughs.
“It’s not funny, Rhett. I will break your nose.”
“Yeah, Rhett, it’s not funny to say Cora looks as delicious as a hot fudge sundae on a summer day, but what do I know?” Kash laughs.
Assholes. “You guys are the worst brothers. I don’t even need anyof you.” I glare at all of them. Sure, poke fun at the guy whose girl looks like temptation personified in a bar full of sinners, current company included.
“I know I’m going to regret this”—Seth leans forward in his seat— “but while you’re stewing over all the ways we’re calling your girl attractive, that guy over there”—he points—“is ready to do something about it.”
What’s the most painful way to die? Drowning? Fire? Or maybe it’s having your spine pulled out through your mouth? The guy heading Cora’s way is about to find out. If he touches her, there’s no telling what I’ll do to him.
Shoving Rhett out of the booth, I stalk toward the bar. If he lays a finger on what’s mine, because Coraismine, he’s going to be picking his teeth up off the floor, and heaven help anyone who comes between us.
Chapter Seventeen
Cora
That freaking asshole. As soon as I think Atlas and I are making progress, his asshole side comes out, and it makes me remember why I’m frequently mad at him. I thought we had a truce, but I guess I was wrong.
There’s nothing wrong with the way I look. I rarely get to go out and enjoy myself, but the Morgans were all too happy to have Noah for the night. Mila, Mara, and I swung by my house so I could get changed.
Heading out for girls’ night in leggings and a sweatshirt wasn’t acceptable according to Mara, so after spending thirty minutes destroying my closet and making me play Barbie, they were satisfied with my outfit.
I look good, and I’m going to enjoy being out with my friends. If Atlas doesn’t like it, he can stay with the guys. I look and feel really fucking good, and I’m tired of his hot and cold. I only agreed to the guys tagging along because it’s so hard to say no to Kash.
“What’s that guy’s problem?” Mara shouts over the music.
It’s loud in here, so even standing close to each other while waiting for drinks, it’s hard to hear.
“I don’t know. He apologized for being a dick the other day, but now he’s back to it. I don’t get it.”
“I bet he’s jealous.” Mila giggles.
Mara gives her an incredulous look, while I sigh.Atlas jealous?
I still remember the feeling of his chest pressed against mine, and the way he held my hand in his grasp. If Kash hadn’t interrupted, I don’t know what would have happened.
There’s something different there; his eyes hold so many secrets and so much sadness. He’s not very open. I could never be with someone who is shut off like that. The biggest fuck you I ever gave my parents was living happily.
