Old Elvis would’ve bought her a drink and asked what she liked to sing.
Old Elvis would’ve made poor decisions with enthusiasm, ready to drink the night away and wake up in her room in the morning, wondering what her name was.
But now?
Now all he saw was Julia’s eyes when she’d told him he had the wrong woman.
He didn’t even turn his head., his gaze focused on the drink between his hands. “I’m good. Thanks.”
She blinked, her brow furrowed. “Seriously?”
He gave a slow bob of his head, still not looking at her. “Yeah. Seriously. I wouldn’t be good company. Trust me.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her studying him like he was a defective product, and then she gave a small shrug and slid off the stool.
Her attention immediately landed on Colin. “Well, you look friendlier than your friend. Tell me that’s the case.”
Colin lifted his beer in salute. “Definitely friendlier. And I dance, too. Poorly, but I do it with enthusiasm. I even offer to kiss your toes better afterward.”
Her mouth curved. “Sold. I love my toes kissed.” She winked at him as she took his hand and tugged him toward the dance floor.
Colin shot Elvis a look over his shoulder. “Your loss, man.”
Barrett hooted as the woman led his brother away. “That’s the most action you’ve gotten all year, Colin!”
Colin flipped him off without breaking stride.
Hawk watched the entire exchange with a bored interest, then glanced back at Elvis. “You all right?”
Elvis tipped his glass back and swallowed hard. “Living the dream.”
Hawk made a soft sound that might’ve been a laugh if he’d ever done that. Elvis couldn’t tell. Gideon ‘Hawk’ Raines was the stoic of the group, more so than Anders or even Callen.
Levi leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. “You just turned down what looked like a fun ending to the night in a casino bar. From what my sister tells me, that’s not really your style. You sure you’re all right?”
Elvis shrugged. “Guess I’m growing.”
Barrett snorted. “Sage will be shocked.”
“That woman had the same intentions you usually have,” Hawk deadpanned. “Growing, my ass.”
Elvis smirked despite himself. “I’m sure she did. I’m just not in the mood for it tonight.”
Levi studied him for a moment through narrowed eyes. “This about her?”
Elvis didn’t answer, which was answer enough.
Barrett followed Levi’s gaze. “Damn. He’s got it bad.”
Hawk took a slow sip of his drink. “Please. He gets it bad once a night.”
Elvis rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the weight pressing between his ribs. “Y’all done diagnosing me?”
Taylor grinned. “Just making sure you’re still your playful, adorable self.”
Elvis glanced toward the dance floor, where Colin was absolutely murdering rhythm while the woman laughed and tried to teach him something resembling timing. Colin was laughing as well and doing everything ass backward.
“Yeah,” Elvis whispered. “I’m still me.”
