It would be an ego boost to have this boyfriend who was gorgeous, and I assume dynamite in bed, and have other people thirst after him. Touch him. But have him look at me with the kind of soft-eyed expression I’d always dreamed of.
But if Perry really were mine, I wouldn’t be with him just for the ego boost. I’d be with him because he was sweet and kind and my dog liked him. Never again would I ignore Danish’s judgment of a person.
The conversation drifted away from exes, which I was all too glad for. The server returned and Perry and I had just ordered our appetizers when I heard a familiar voice. It had to be some kind of cosmic joke. Or maybe I’d somehow sensed that I’d run into him tonight and that’s why he’d popped into my head, but suddenly Bryson was standing over our table. His date stood behind him, frowning down at both Perry and me.
“Rex, darling, it’s been forever.” His voice was syrupy sweet to cover the venomous barbs he’d no doubt prepared. “Youlook…” his voice trailed and his gaze slid over to Perry. “And who is this?”
“Perry, this is Bryson. Bryson was just leaving.”
Bryson’s date tried to urge him to walk away, but Bryson held firm. “So rude, Rex. I saw you sitting here when we came in, and I just had to say hello. We should join you.”
“You shouldn’t, actually,” Perry said, and his voice had an edge to it that made my dick twitch.
Bryson’s expression darkened and he glared at Perry. “And who’s going to stop me?”
Perry glanced over at Bryson’s date. “If I were you, man, I’d open my eyes to the fact that this guy is a walking red flag, and I’d jump ship before I got in too deep.”
Bryson gritted his teeth. “Now listen?—”
“Maybe he has a point,” the mystery man said and suddenly he was heading toward the exit, leaving Bryson to have to make the split-second decision whether to follow him or to continue his harassment campaign. Thankfully, Byron chose to shoot a parting glare at both Perry and me before he scurried after his date.
When they were gone, I slumped in my chair and let out a breath. My chest was too tight to let me draw in a full breath.
“Did you want to get out of here?” Perry asked. “We can get our appetizers to go and skip to the second part of our date.”
“You went to a lot of trouble to plan tonight. We shouldn’t let Bryson ruin it. He’s a petulant brat, and I’m ashamed that I was ever fooled by him.”
Perry leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Rex, I promise leaving now is perfectly fine. I think I’ve seen enough of this place to know that it’s not my style.”
“If you’re sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then take me somewhere that is your style,” I said, exhaling some of the tension that gripped my shoulders.
Perry’s style was a little bar called The Anchor. The inside was dimly lit and decorated with wood and the odd bit of nautical decor. It had a small dance floor that no one seemed to be using, a dartboard which was currently occupied, and a pool table that boasted a buck a game and all the profits went to local charities.
Once we were settled into a booth, a server came over and smiled brightly at Perry.
“Hey, long time no see. How’ve you been?” a man withMickeyscrawled onto his name tag asked.
“Good. Been keeping busy. What about you? Aren’t you usually behind the bar?”
“We’re down a couple of staff tonight,” Mickey explained. “Wedding planning is kicking my ass, but I’m good otherwise. What can I get you two?”
“Two of whatever’s local.”
Mickey nodded and handed us a couple of menus that he’d had tucked under his arm. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
“You know,” I said, popping the top button of my shirt open. “I think I like this place a lot better. You’re more comfortable here.” Before Perry could respond, I decided that I wanted to apologize again for Bryson. “I’m sorry about what happened back there.”
Perry shook his head. “It’s hardly your fault. I feel bad for his date. I’ve dealt with men like Bryson before. They don’t like to lose.”
Mickey returned with two bottles of a local IPA. “Shane’s newest acquisition.” Mickey set the drinks down in front of us. “Are you ready to order?”
Seeing Bryson had killed my appetite, but walking into The Anchor had reignited it. The scent of burgers and fries lingered in the space.
“Oh, we haven't had a chance to look at the menu yet,” Perry said.
