“Of course I don’t.” Melody’s smile seemed less friendly and more condescending now.
What did that mean? Did she think Beth wasn’t pretty enough or good enough for Saint?
Lindsey snorted. “Can you imagine Copper’s reaction if you guys had something going?”
At least she could respond with the truth. “I’d rather not think about it.”
She was going to throw up. Her skin prickled with discomfort. Good thing the napkins were fabric, or she’d have torn hers to shreds by now.
“Anyway, I’ve been a little aggressive with my flirting, and I’m starting to think that might be the wrong approach for a guy like him. What do you think? Do I need to be more subtle andcoy? Or maybe I should be straight up, tell him I want him, and ask him on a date outright.”
“No!”
Melody jumped while Lindsey pressed a hand to her chest.
Beth grimaced. “Sorry. That was loud. I don’t think that’s the best way.”
Oh, you little liar. You’re going straight to hell.
“Really? This is good?” Mel bounced in her seat, sending a wave of guilt over Beth. “Why do you say that?”
“Yeah, I mean. It’s just… you know? I think he’s the type of guy who’d rather ask you out than have you ask him.” Beth cleared her throat.
Lindsey frowned.
Oh God, was she onto Beth’s bullcrap?
“Okay, so maybe a more subtle approach. I can do that, I think.” Mel sighed and leaned in closer. “Look, I’m trying to play it cool since I barely know you, but I’ve been working on Saint a long time. I’m getting to the point where I’m ready to do anything to make him mine. I won’t let any of the bitches who hang around the club get close to him. Promise you that.”
“Whoa, intense there, Mel,” Lindsey said with a chuckle.
“Maybe.” Mel shrugged and tossed her luscious hair over her shoulder. “But I’m done playing nice. Iwantthat man, and I’m willing to play as dirty as necessary to get him in my bed. I’ve put a lot of time and energy into the MC. I deserve to be an ol’ lady. Itwillhappen.”
Yikes, intense was right.
Lindsey pressed her lips together.
“Here we go, ladies.” Their server delivered their meals with a flourish. The smell of melted cheese and salty French fries would have had Beth salivating on a typical day. Now she wasn’t confident she could stomach a bite.
“So here’s what I’m thinking,” Melody said after consuming a crispy French fry. “You invite Saint to hang out. Maybe meet you at the clubhouse for a drink. Tell him you need a break from living with mommy and daddy again.”
Her chuckle had Beth frowning, as did the cunning gleam in her eye. Gone was the friendly woman she’d met on arrival, and in her place was the woman who wouldn’t hesitate to shove her down a flight of stairs to get at Saint.
Beth cleared her throat. “I’m in transition.”
“Of course.” Lindsey covered Beth’s hand with hers as she shot Mel a warning look.
“Sure, whatever.” She waved a hand, clearly not concerned with Beth’s feelings. “Anyway, when he gets there, you find some reason to leave. Linds can text you with an emergency. I’ll happen to be there, and, voila, I’ll keep poor abandoned Saint company. All. Night. Long.”
Beth’s phone chimed. “Um,” she said as she checked the screen. She’d tried not to think about the meeting between her father and Saint.Would Saint even tell her what her father said?
Copper: Where are you?
“I don’t know, Mel. I’m pretty sure Saint is not a game player, and he wouldn’t appreciate those kinds of tricks.”
Beth: Lunch with Linds at Laurel and Spoon.
“Well, he won’t know it’s a trick, will he?”
