Everyone just called the place "the bar" because it opened without a sign, and the owner hadn't bothered to put one up.I wasn't sure it had a name.
What could happen in twenty minutes?How many guys would approach her?What would I do if she went home with someone?What if she brought a guy here?We hadn't talked about male visitors.That was an oversight.
I didn't want her to bring guys here.This was my house.But she was a roommate.She had autonomy.I couldn't dictate who she hung out with.Could I?I could play the part of the overprotective brother, but somehow, I didn't think she'd appreciate that.
I couldn't come in hot.I had to be casual.I could be cool and not lose my shit.
I was totally going to lose my shit.
I quickly showered and drove into town, parking on the street.
Inside, the music was loud.There was a band playing tonight, and a ton of people were in attendance.It wasn't my scene.It was too crowded.I preferred weeknights when it was quiet.I was getting old.
Cooper waved me to a spot at the bar."It's busy tonight."
"Yeah," I agreed as I slid onto the stool and waved at the bartender.
Cooper tipped his head toward the table of women by the window."Is that why you wanted to come out tonight?"
"No."Reina appeared to be the center of attention.She was gesturing with her hands and talking excitedly about something, probably her plans for her bakery.
"You haven't stopped looking at her since I pointed them out."
"I'm supposed to keep an eye on her.I promised Tom."
Cooper laughed.
I glared at him."Why are you laughing?"
He gave me a look."That's bullshit, and you know it.Tom wouldn't want you supervising her night out with the girls.That's messed up."
The bartender brought my favorite draft beer, and I nodded my thanks.Then I asked Cooper, "How do you know what Tom would want?"
"I'm just thinking about how you would feel if your best friend was hanging around Aspen."
That made me pause."Are you hanging around Aspen?"
He let out a guffaw."You just proved my point.You wouldn't like it.You wouldn't want me creeping on her."
My head was still beating hard at the idea of Cooper being interested in Aspen."I'm trying to be the good guy here."
"By stalking Tom's sister?"
I gritted my teeth."That's not what I'm doing."
"Then why did you want to come out tonight, because it wasn't to hang out with me?"
I shook my head."My brothers are pairing off.No one wants to hang out anymore."
Cooper sobered."Except for us."
I raised by beer."We have to stick together."
He clinked his bottle against my glass."I can get on board with that."
"No women.They're nothing but trouble."
"Tell me about it," he mumbled, then took a long pull of his beer.
