When he leaves with Tater, I have a minor meltdown in the shower.
twenty
Rhett
“The meds worked well. No sign of infection. Flex your hand a few times for me.”
I do some movements for the doc, and while it’s still slightly swollen, the hot, burning pain is gone. Thank god for that.
“You were lucky, Rhett. This could have gone far worse. How did the meds hit you?”
“Like I flew off the back of a bronc and hit a brick wall. Felt like I might die on the second day.”
He winces with sympathy.
“Sorry, but it was worth it. If that hadn’t worked, you’d be looking at surgery and being out of commission for longer. You’re free to go about life as usual. Just ease into things. The body needs rest in order to heal.”
“I’ll do my best. Thank you.”
After leaving the doctor’s office, I stop at The Thirsty Cow before heading to the training facility. Diamond is behind the counter serving a customer, and his gaze meets mine when I enter. I nod, and he quickly turns his attention back to the man in front of him while I wait behind him in line.
I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but it’s kind of hard not to.
“Do you flirt with all the men who come here, or just the new ones?” the customer asks Diamond, and I don’t like the sound of his voice. Or the intention behind his words.
“Oh, I’m a believer in sharing the love, Sug. I’ve never left a handsome man without a compliment.” Diamond smiles in the way that’s flirty and friendly, but not suggestive. I think of it as his work smile and not his Rhett smile.
“Maybe we could grab dinner together one night? If you’re free, I mean. Since you find me handsome and all that.”
Do I sound as idiotic as this guy? He’s wearing a suit. His hair is styled so immaculately that I wonder how much product he has in it. Even his hands are perfectly manicured. He’s not Diamond’s type. At all.
“That’s a lovely offer. I’m flattered, but—”
“Do you like Italian?” the man blurts, and I nearly burst out laughing.
Diamond’s gaze flicks to me before turning back to his customer. I know he’s just being polite, and he hates making people feel bad, but I have to say something.
“He loves Italian,” I rumble. “But he’s not going to dinner with you.”
Diamond’s brows shoot up, and the other man turns slightly to eye me up. Clearly, he doesn’t like what he sees and turns back to Diamond.
“I think the man has a tongue, and he can turn me down if he wants to himself. Isn’t that right, Diamond?”
My eyes stay glued to Diamond as he answers and slides the man his coffee.
“He’s right. I love a good Italian. Where would you take me?” Diamond says.
The man smirks at me, like he just won whatever this is, and by the grace of god I keep my mouth shut and let him keep talking.
“I’ll have to ask around. Can I get your number?”
Diamond waits a beat before reaching for a business card and a pen. He gets the first three numbers down before I step behind the counter and close my hand over his. I toss the pen aside with a low growl before turning to the man who doesn’t know what to make of this.
“He’s not going out with you.”
Diamond’s lips twitch. “No?”
“No. You’re having dinner with a real Italian, and I’m making it for you.”
