“To reply to what I told you earlier.”
Preston ran his hand over his hair. “Fuck, I don’t remember.” His nostrils flared. “I’m glad you’re excited and exhilarated. I wish you felt that way about me.”
One more sip.
Forgetting that, I tipped the glass back, swallowing the remaining cocktail, and set it on the bar. “You know what?” I stared into the hazel of his eyes, seeing the golden flecks that used to intrigue me. “I wish I did too.”
“What the fuck are you saying?” he growled near my ear.
“I’m saying, thanks, Preston, for finally making it clear. Right now, I need some space to learn what’s involved with the Coopers—the whole franchise—things that I’ve previously overlooked.”
“Fucking breaking up with me in the goddamned family suite?”
“Would it have been better to wait until we were at your place?”
Preston reached for my hand. “At least there I could try to convince you otherwise.”
I shook my head. “I’m beyond convincing.” I called the bartender. “One more cosmo, please.”
Preston looked from side to side and stepped away from the barstool. “Call me if you decide you have time in your life for me.”
I didn’t reply; instead, I stared up at the TV screen. Thankfully, the closed captioning was on. The reporter was showing the hit on Dennison. Seeing it again made me squirm. The broadcast team at the table were discussing his injury and predictions on his possible return.
“Oh shit,” Lip said, taking the seat Preston had just left as my new drink arrived.
I turned, meeting his expression. “Shit what?” I questioned as I blinked away unexpected tears.
Lip put his arm around me.
I laid my head on his shoulder.
“He wasn’t good enough for you.”
Looking up, I grinned. “He’s thoroughbred royalty.”
Lip moved his arm. “Oh, that’s right. I’m sure the Clarks and Preston himself thought he was too good, but he wasn’t.” Lip wrinkled his nose. “The man was a little too cocky with nothing to show for it but Daddy’s money.” Lip lifted his chin.
I followed his line of vision to see Fin, showered and sitting at the press briefing.
“Now, Fin may be cocky,” Lip said, “but from what I’ve seen, he’s riding on his own talent, not old money.”He wiggled his eyebrows. “It’s been a bit, but do you remember just how cocky he is?”
Shaking my head, I closed my eyes as warmth filled my cheeks. “Fourteen years is a long time.” That didn’t mean I didn’t remember. It meant I didn’t want to discuss it.
“I’d guess the size hasn’t changed,” Lip said softly, “but the art of delivery has no doubt improved with practice.”
Staring up at the TV, I noticed a bruise blooming on Fin’s left cheek and a small bandage on his forehead. “I don’t know.”
“He came here to the Coopers knowing you were part of the franchise.”
“He also left me. He never called when he said he would. I even reached out.”
“How many times?” Lip asked.
I shrugged and swallowed. “A few. Each time was more humiliating than the last.”
“Ask him.”
Lifting my hands, I rubbed my temples. A dull thumping was growing louder. “I should go home.”
