He’s at the bar, seated on a stool, eyes lasered on me. Tension sparks immediately in me and my jaw clenches. My teeth grind together and I swear it’s so loud it overpowers the music. I think for a moment about changing directions, but we’re going to come face to face at some point. It's inevitable. I continue heading toward the bar with the same confidence and control Ialways have. The kind that has people scurrying to get out of my way.
“Didn’t think I’d see you here.” I lean against the bar beside him, and the bartender quickly hands me another beer and a shot. I can’t remember what she said her name was, but she’s made it very clear she’s down to go home with me tonight.
Luke snorts. “Funny. I was thinking the same. Thought you had the night off. Figured you’d be at the clubhouse.”
We just sit there in silence for a moment. Neither of us saying a word to each other as the dancing continues behind us.
“I didn’t know,” Luke finally says. “About how deep your feelings for Vee are. That you didn’t know we were still seeing each other. I swear.”
I lift the shot to my mouth and take a slow drink of the cool liquid. The liquor burns, but not enough.
“Doesn’t change anything,” I tell him as I set the glass down on the bartop.
“I’m not here to fight,” Luke says. “I’m here to fix what I can.” He picks at the paper label on his beer bottle.
I let out a grunting laugh. “There’s nothing left to fix.”
“What do you mean? She loves you, man. There has to be a way to make this work.”
He doesn’t get it.
“Yeah, and she loves you and fuckin’ Doc. Tell me how that can be fixed?”
Luke swallows, his eyes dropping down to his beer. “You still love her?”
I don’t answer right away. The truth sits heavy in my chest, impossible to deny. I could lie and say I don’t. But he would know it’s bullshit.
“Yeah.” I exhale the word. “That’s the problem.”
“But what if it isn’t a problem?”
I frown, my eyebrows pulling together as I look at him questioningly. Lifting the beer to my mouth, I take a swallow, waiting for him to elaborate.
“You love her. I love her. And Doc, well, he wants to be with her. Why don’t we give her what she wants? What if we don’t make her choose and all be with her?”
I feel my blood starting to boil. I know he’s not fucking suggesting that.
“It works for the guys and Ash, and with Arizona too. They all seem happy.” He clears his throat.
I grip the bottle in my hand so tightly, I’m afraid it’s going to bust. “No,” comes out through gritted teeth.
“Come on man. How do we know it won’t work if we don’t try?” Luke tries to convince me.
“No,” I growl.
Luke should’ve stopped there, but he doesn’t.
“Come on Hank. I love Vee. I have for a long time. And now I’m losing her. Why can’t you fuckin’ man up and just give it a try? You claim you love her, but you’re not willing to fight for her?”
“No,” I growl, as I turn towards him. “I do love her.” I slam my fists down on the bartop, the vibrations sloshing my beer. The group of men, sitting a few stools down leave heading toward the stage.
“Then fight for her. Say yes. Give this thing with all of us a try.”
I take a breath, needing to calm the hell down. Luke’s my brother and I don’t want to start a fight with him, but if he doesn’t back up, I’m going to fucking punch him in the face.
“I can’t share her. What don’t you understand? If you and Josh can, then go for it. But I won’t. Either she wants me alone or not at all.” With that, I turn and walk away.
Chapter 19
