Declan
Isit across from Zara, the conversation easy and interesting. She’s an influencer from New York who’s in town to meet with the wife of one of my poker buddies and old high school friends, Zane Wyatt. His twin sister owns this restaurant, an upscale modern bistro decorated in dark woods, blues, and yellows.
The subtle hum of conversations drifts throughout the space, the upbeat music adding to the festive yet relaxing atmosphere.
“It’s been nice, Declan. I’ve got a conference call to prep for, but I’d like to do this again.” She watches me, her finger running down her glass suggestively. “I’ll be heading to Chicago in a few days, then back to New York.”
“I’d like that.” I scoot back my chair as she stands. “I’ll text you tomorrow.”
Zara leans over to kiss my cheek, her green eyes full of promise, and I walk her to the door leading into the hotel lobby, watching her walk away, her hips swaying, her long legs accentuated by the heeled boots hugging her calves. I turn to head back into the bar, the intoxicating scent of her perfume lingering, when I glance into the main dining room.
Dammit.
Sitting at a table with a clear view into the bar where I’m standing is Bree Winthrop, who obviously saw me through the squared archway with Zara. She sends a half-smile that doesn’t reach her eyes and turns her attention back to her friend.
I stride over, weaving through tables, frustration coursing through me at this unfortunately timed turn of events.
“Hi.” I glance between Bree and her friend, one of Nash’s sisters, I think. Hannah, maybe? Is she the friend who was at the bar in Austin? “Can I speak to you for a second?”
Bree looks at Hannah before meeting my eyes, no hint of what she’s thinking in those honey-brown orbs. “I’m having dinner right now, Declan.” She takes a bite of food to emphasize her point.
Poor Hannah. At hearing my name, her eyes widen. It’s Nash’s sister. I remember now. She takes a sip of water before placing her napkin on the table. “I need to run to the ladies, anyway. I’ll be back in three.”
Good call, Hannah.
I slide into her seat across from Bree, the clock ticking down. “It was too late to cancel drinks, Austin. I’m not going out with her again.”
“Who you see is none of my business, Declan.” She reaches for her cocktail, taking a sip as if I don’t exist.
“Is that right?”
“Yes. That is right.” Bree shoots me a look that could freeze whiskey, and the way she fiddles with the stem of her glass leads me to believe it’s going to shatter in about three seconds.
I place my elbows on the table and lean in, my voice low. I hold her warm brown eyes with mine as I speak. “I asked for your number, to which you said ‘no’.” Her nostrils flare. “Then you introduced a fake boyfriend to me. Earlier today, I might add. A smarter man would take the hint.” Bree’s lips tighten, a thin,hard line. “But our kisses? They are fucking fire. Which tells me everything your words won’t.”
I stand, pushing Hannah’s chair in . “See you around, Austin.”
And before she can say anything back, I stride into the bar, pay my tab, and head home.
I pull into the parking lot of Stillwater Animal Hospital, unsure of what’s next. The vet kept the pup from yesterday overnight to run tests, which came back normal except for a little dehydration. Bree and I had left both our names in the event that an owner wasn’t located. No owner was found, so I’m here to collect the little bug. The vet tech said Bree wasn’t available.
So it looks like it’s just me and Ladybug. That’s what I’ve decided to name her. It’s sort of short for marmalade, the color of her fur. Plus, she’s cute as a bug. I don’t really need a dog, but I have property with plenty of space for her to run around. Once she’s trained, I can even bring her to work with me. The office staff will love her.
I try to push down my feelings of regret about yesterday. I didn’t do one damn thing wrong, but the lack of expression on Bree’s face said everything. She saw me with another woman after we kissed in the vault. And if I could redo yesterday and never make that date, I would.
But I’m not the kind of jerkwad who cancels a date an hour out. Not my style, and it never will be. I step out of the car, storm clouds in the distance moving in quickly. I hope this is quick so we don’t get caught in the rain.
A bell chimes as I open the clinic door, the smiling receptionist greeting me from behind the large counter. The interior is a soft sunny yellow with the trademark Hill Country limestone half-way up each wall. An assortment of toys and treats line the wall to my left.
“May I help you?”
A woman’s voice cuts in from my right. “He’s with me.”
Before I even turn around, my entire body goes on high alert. Wasn’t expecting her to be here. I nod at the vet tech and head over to the long bench where Bree sits.
“Hey, Austin.”
She pretends to be composed, but the way her eyes track my movements tells a different story. “They called you, too?”
