“Thank you for stepping in with Brock. I appreciate it. I think having you there discouraged him from making a scene.”
“It was nothing. It’s part of my job. Besides, Bella doesn’t deserve to be treated with disrespect. No woman does.”
Fifteen minutes later, I’m discussing the control panel on my dishwasher randomly sticking in lock mode with Sam and wondering when I turned into an old man.
A couple of girls have asked me to dance, one offered to buy me a drink, and another whispered in my ear that she’d gladly take me back to her place for a little fun. Before she stumbled on one of her heels and nearly ate the floor.
But I’d rather figure out how to fix my dishwasher than entertain one of them.
And that includes Ruby. I don’t know what Emily thought she saw, but there’s no sexual tension between Ruby and I. But the fact that Emily said she was willing to set us up….
I can’t even think about it. I rub the heel of my palm over my heart. I either have indigestion, or I’m having a heart attack.
Tabitha, the girl who offered the good time is now circling Dominic. She places her hand on his chest and licks her lips.
“Hey, handsome.” Her mouth turns up at the corners. “You’re the most gorgeous man in the place. I’d love to get to know you better.” She bites her bottom lip and sways toward him. “I’d like to get to know certain parts of you better. If you catch my meaning.”
She’s barking up the wrong tree. Dominic is head over heels in love with Bella, and there’s zero chance he’ll screw that up for anything.
Unfortunately, that’s when Bella and Emily march across the bar floor.
Shi-i-it. I cringe as they dodge other patrons with their eyes zoned in on Dominic. Bella’s gaze remains on the back of Tabitha’s head with such intensity I’m surprised when her red hair doesn’t flame to life.
Before I can break away from Sam and intervene, he brings up a video of a guy fixing a dishwasher control panel and shoves it in front of my face. “Have you tried this? I’ve watched several of his videos.”
Tabitha glares at the two girls, says something with a sneer, and stalks off with her head held high. The expression on her face turns my stomach. Not only is she livid, but her eyes are glazed from the alcohol she’s drunk, and she’s pissed enough to do something stupid.
Something stupid like driving.
“Send me the link.” I nod to Sam and step into Tabitha’s path. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she spits out between clenched teeth. “Your friend’sgirlfriend….” She emphasizes the word to sound like a slur. “Is a bitch.”
“I’m sure she was just staking her claim so that you and the other girls at the bar are aware he’s taken.”
“Well, if she’s concerned, she should make sure her man doesn’t flirt with other girls.” She sways on her feet again.
“Did Dominic flirt with you? From where I was standing, it didn’t sound like he was encouraging you.”
“Screw you.” She glares at me as her anger shifts to a new target. Me. That’s better than being directed at Bella. “Get out of the way. I’m going home.”
I grab her shoulder, gently but with enough authority that she doesn’t keep moving. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I glance around in time to catch Emily’s narrowed gaze, shooting daggers at us, and groan.
Now, I’m the bad guy. Again. Jesus. Can things get any worse?
“Why?” Tabitha’s eyes roam over me. “Did you change your mind and decide you want to come home with me?”
“Listen, …” I return my attention to her. “I appreciate your interest, but you’ve had too much to drink, and you’re not thinking clearly. Do you have a designated driver?”
“Screw you,” she spats at me while lunging forward, pressing her hands into my chest, but the movement knocks her off balance and into me. “You’re like all the other men. Thinking you’re too good for me.”
I straighten her on her feet. “Now is not the time to discuss this.” Who was she with earlier tonight? I scan the bar looking for someone I recognize that she’s talked to that isn’t male. Surely, she has a friend here who can drive her home.
A blonde-haired woman skirts past a couple and shoves my chest with both hands. “Stay away from Tabitha. She doesn’t need another asshole taking advantage of her.”
Tabitha raises her eyebrows as her eyes travel up and down me. “You never said. Who’re you?”
“My name is Jake Thompson. I’m a police officer in Brookhaven.”
