I smile and tilt my head to the side. Graham is handsome. That red hair suits him. His hazel-blue eyes always have mirth dancing in them.
He’s a big lad, but something about his presence is welcoming and calming. I don’t mind that the cousins still come around. They make me feel like I did gain something from coming here.
“What about ye?” I say as I focus.
“I have something for ya. He-who-shall-not-be-named sent it for ya. Where should I put this?” he says as he holds up a long box.
I frown, knowing the gift is from Cole. So much for him staying away. At least he knows not to come around here himself.
I point for Graham to place the box down on the bar top. He places it down then stands there with his arms folded across his chest. I snort and lift a brow.
“Well, yer going to open it, aren’t ya?”
I laugh and shake my head. “It could be something private,” I mutter.
“I doubt he would have had it sent here if it were,” he says pointedly.
“This is Cole. I’m sure he wouldn’t give a shite either way.”
“Ya have a point. If it’s a replica of his bod, just shut it back and I’ll go mind my own business.”
“Or ya could mind yer business now and I could open it when I feel like it,” I say.
“Aye, but we both know I’m not going to do that.”
“Ach, yer doing my head in. Fine.”
I open the box and can’t help the smile that comes to my face. It’s a new matte-black-painted baseball bat. There’s a metal plate fixed to the end.
I bring the bat to my face to read the inscription on the plate. My smile wobbles a little.
DJ and Cole. A force together.
The year and date of our anniversary are under the message. I frown and toss the bat back into the box. I don’t even bother to pick up the note that’s in the box.
“Ya told him about last night, didn’t ya?” I hiss.
“Ach, we told him some guys tried to get out of hand. Aye.”
“What don’t ye get? Ya and yer brother and cousins need to understand Cole and I are done. Stop involving him in my life.
“This is my pub. My business. Take it back. I don’t want it.”
“But—”
“Are ya deaf? I said I don’t want it.”
He stands staring at me like I’ve lost my mind. I can handle myself. I don’t need or want Cole’s stupid bat or his help. I kicked those guys out myself before Carrick or Malcolm could interject.
I warned them to keep their mouths shut last night. I can’t believe they went behind my back and told Cole anyway. All at once, it all comes crashing down on me.
I grab my things and storm out of the pub. I can’t do this. I never should have stayed. I can’t breathe here. He’s everywhere. I need a break from all things Cole.
Brooklyn
I pinchmy eyes closed and throw my head back against the headrest as I sit in the back seat of the SUV. I just watched DJ storm out of the pub. I figured she would be angry after receiving my gift.
However, I wanted her to have it. Keeping my distance in the last three months has been harder than I ever thought it would be. Every time I get ready to say fuck it, Phoebe Romaine texts my phone to stop me.
