“It has its perks, that’s for damn sure.”
She giggles, and we fall into easy conversation, talking and laughing like we’ve always done, and it feels good. For a brief moment, my sadness and insecurities fade away, making room for the bright ray of happiness I’m used to, and I feel like the old me again. The me who didn’t have much of a care in the world.
That all comes to a screeching halt when I look up. Mrs. Marks is standing beside our table. She’s a librarian at the local library, and we’ve known her most of our lives.
“Hi, Mrs. Marks, how are you?”
“Oh, I’m fine, dear. Saw you sitting over here and wanted to stop in and check on you. I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since the fire.”
I take a deep breath and reply, “I’m good. Thank you for asking.”
“What you did was wonderful, Claire. Your daddy would be so proud of you.”
Shifting around in my seat, I give her a tight smile, but I don’t reply because she wouldn’t like my answer. My father wouldn’t be proud of me; he’d be disappointed, but those thoughts are better left in my head.
“You deserve some sort of medal. I’m going to make a proposal to the town council, try to get them to put together an award ceremony.”
“No.” My eyes widen, and I shake my head. “No, I don’t. Please don’t do that, Mrs. Marks. It’s completely unnecessary.”
“Yes, you do,” she insists. “You saved those boys’ lives. It’s the least the town can do to thank you for being such a devoted teacher.”
“I didn’t save them, ma’am. The firefighters did.”
“Hmpf.” She cuts a shriveled hand through the air, brushing me off. “You’re a hero. Not many teachers would go back in for a student. You love those kids, and they love you.”
“I may not agree with the hero part, but I appreciate the kind words. But no award ceremony, okay?”
“Okay, dear, if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
She smiles. “I better get out of here before the crowd gets too thick. I hate the name of this place, but the food is just so good.” With a pat to my shoulder and following her husband’s guiding hand, Mrs. Marks shuffles off.
Mo and I watch her cross the room, and then Mo looks at me. She opens her mouth but doesn’t get a word out because Sarah approaches our table.
“Here’s your food, ladies,” she says, placing our plates on the table.
My mouth waters. “Tell Coop I said this looks amazing.”
“Or you could tell him yourself.”
Coop appears out of nowhere and kisses my cheek and then Mo’s before pulling a chair up to our table.
Mo gives him a funny look. “What are you doing?”
“I’m joining you. Is that okay?” Without waiting for an answer, he turns to me. “Finally decided to join the land of the living, huh?”
“Something like that.” Although I’m regretting it now.
“Just no crying, okay? That didn’t work out so well for us last time.”
“Coop.” Mo nudges him in the side. “Get out of here. I thought you had to work tonight.”
He winces, rubbing his ribs. “I said I had to work today. Tonight, I’m off.”
“Well, you need to leave. We’re having a girls’ night.”
Coop looks at me like I kicked his puppy—if he had a puppy—and I thaw just a little. “It’s okay. He can stay.”
“Thank you,” says Coop.
“Are you sure, because I won’t feel bad giving him the boot,” says Mo at the same time.
Coop shoots her a dirty look, and I smile. I didn’t realize how much I missed my friends until right now. “I’m sure. I’m not in the mood to hang out with a crowd, but one extra person doesn’t hurt.”
“So…now’s the time I should probably mention that Rhett is on his way.” Coop grimaces and waits for my reaction.
Mo looks at me apologetically, but she can’t keep from smiling.
“And Adley and Trevor,” he adds. “Oh, and Linc.”
Grabbing my purse, I yank the strap over my shoulder and stand up, food be damned. It was bad enough to let Coop hang with us, but his siblings and Rhett’s best friend? I think not. Coop’s big hand on my shoulder stops me. He pushes me back into my seat and tugs my chair close to his. He wrangles my purse off my shoulder and out of my hands, then scoots my plate to me.
“Eat,” he demands.
“I lost my appetite.”
“Bullshit. You’re practically drooling, and I slaved over a hot stove to make you that food.”
“It’s a turkey club,” I deadpan.
“And fries.” He picks up a fry and shoves it in my mouth, causing Mo to laugh.
I glare at Mo, and her mouth snaps shut.
“Did you know about this?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I swear, I thought it was just going to be us. If you want to go home, say the word and we’ll leave.”
“You’re not going anywhere.” Coop unwraps my silverware and hands me my knife and my side of mayo. “You’re going to sit here and eat, and then we’re going to get a beer and wait for everyone else to show up. And when they do, you’re going to laugh and have fun—then and only then can you go home.”
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t. You love me. And when tonight is over, you’ll thank me for making you stay.”
I give him the side eye. “We’ll see about that.”
17
Trevor
“Hey, Trevor.”
Shayla Caruso catches me the second I walk through the bar and runs a red-tipped nail down the front of my shirt. “You just get off work?”
“Yup. Long-ass day and now I’m going to relax and knock a few back with my family.”
Shayla’s lips form the perfect smirk. Her eyelids droop as she leans in close. “I don’t have any plans tonight, if you want to come over afterward.”
I grab her wrist before she hits the buckle of my jeans. I’ve used Shayla more times than I can count. There’s nothing like a warm, tight pussy to chase away the stress of a long day. I’m tempted to tell her to leave her front door unlocked, but when I glance toward the back of the room and see Claire sitting at the table with my family, the words die on my lips.
Today was rough. Two structure fires made for a busy morning, and then we were called out to a fatal five-car pile-up on the interstate. When Coop and Rhett called to see if I wanted to have drinks and hang out, my initial answer was no. All I wanted was an ice-cold beer, a hot shower, and my bed. But those assholes bitched and moaned, and when Rhett told me Claire was going to be at Dirty Dicks with Mo, I caved.
I haven’t seen Claire since she walked out of my hospital room, and seeing her now is the drink of cool water my charred soul needs. It’s been hell, though I keep reminding myself that separation makes things easier for both of us.
Claire looks up, and my heart slams against my ribs. She holds my gaze for what feels like forever, and although her face is a blank mask, I can see the pain in her eyes—pain I’d hoped would’ve faded long before now.
Her eyes drop to Shayla’s hand on my chest, and she turns away. I have no idea what’s going through her head, but I want to run over there and tell her Shayla and I are nothing more than old friends. But that would be silly.
If I was smart, I’d grab Shayla’s hand, drag her out of the bar, and let her spend the night riding my cock, ending my year-long drought. Maybe then I’d finally be able to forget about Claire. Yeah, right. Unfortunately, I’m a glutton for punishment, and I’d rather end up with a major case of blue balls after sitting next to Claire all night than spend it blowing my load into another meaningless woman.
“Sorry, not tonight.” I drag Shayla’s hand from my body and walk away before she has a chance to argue.
My family is far from quiet. Add Mo and Linc to the mix, and things get downright crazy. I can hear them laughing and carrying on from across the crowded bar—everyone exc
ept Claire. Arms folded tight across her chest, legs crossed, she’s closed herself off, and it doesn’t look like she’s too keen on being here tonight.
She watches me walk across the room, and when she glances at the empty chair between her and Linc, her back stiffens. Not wanting to make her any more uncomfortable than she already looks, I take the empty chair between Rhett and Linc. But if I’m not mistaken, a flash of disappointment crosses Claire’s face.
“Where’s my beer, asshole?” I ask, shoving Rhett’s shoulder.
He raises his hand, flagging Sarah, and then motions to me. There’s no need for her to come over; Sarah knows my poison, and within minutes, she places an ice-cold Bud Light in front of me.
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
Sarah winks. “Anything for you, Trevor.”
Coop tosses a napkin, hitting me in the nose. “Stop flirting with my employee.”
“I wasn’t flirting.” I snag the napkin off the table and toss it back, aiming for his mixed drink. The napkin hits his mark, and all of the arms at the table go up in celebration. Well, all but Claire’s and Coop’s.
Nose scrunched, Coop pulls the napkin from his drink, tossing it on the table.
“How’s it going, Linc?” I ask, reaching out a hand. “It’s been a while.”
Linc captures my hand for a quick shake. “Work. Same ol’ shit, different day.”
“Don’t I know it.” I make my way around the table, checking in on everyone’s day, and when I get to Claire, I tip my hat. “Red.”
She swallows. “Trevor.”
“Good to see you out and about.”
She tilts her head. The brilliant smile she normally wears is gone. “Yes, well, I didn’t have much of a choice. Mo forced me to come, and Coop forced me to stay.”
Coop hooks an arm around her shoulder and whispers something in her ear, making her smile. I love my brothers. I’ve always been closer to Coop than the other two, but right now I want to kill him, and if he doesn’t stop touching Claire, I might do just that.
Smart son of a bitch catches the warning in my eye and drops his arm, but not before giving me a curious look.
“So, what’s up with you and Shayla?” Mo asks. “You two an item?”
“Nah.” I slouch back in my seat, taking a drink of my beer. The cool liquid slides down my throat as I steal a glimpse of Claire over the end of my bottle. “Just friends.”
“Really? ’Cause y’all looked like more than friends a second ago.”
What the hell is she up to? “What do you care who I screw around with, Mo? Unless of course you’ve decided to ditch my brother and take the better, younger Allen brother for a ride.”
“Get your own girl.” Rhett punches me in the arm.
He’s strong. I’m stronger. Which is why I laugh when he rubs his fist.
“Leave mine alone.”
I hold up my hands. “I can’t help it that ladies love me.”
It’s all fun and games. My brothers know I’d never touch their women, sloppy seconds or otherwise. I might have a reputation for liking my women fast and easy, but even I know where to draw the line.
“Excuse me.” Claire pushes away from the table and stands up. Mo reaches around Coop and grabs her hand, stopping her before she can get away.
“Where are you going?”
“To the bathroom.”
“Hold up. I’ll go with you.”
Claire shakes her head. “No need.”
Mo looks around the table and then back to Claire. She lowers her voice, but we can still hear her. “Are you okay? Do you need me to take you home? I swear I didn’t know everyone would be here.”
Claire places her hand on Mo’s shoulder. “I’m fine, Mo. Stay.”
We watch Claire walk toward the bathroom. Mo waits until she rounds the corner and then grabs her purse and makes a move to stand up.
“Babe.” Rhett puts his arm around Mo, pulling her back into her seat. “She said she’s fine. Give her a minute.”
“She’s lying.” Mo frowns. “And I feel bad. I told her it was just going to be us tonight, and then everyone else showed up, and—”
“She’s fine.” Rhett kisses Mo. “Maybe she just needs some fresh air.”
Mo nods, and I’m left wondering what’s going on. Rhett has mentioned that Claire’s been sort of distant since the fire, but the way she’s acting tonight makes it seem a lot worse than he let on. It’s not like her to be this quiet and withdrawn.
“What’s going on with Claire?” I ask.
“Nothing.” Mo takes a drink of her beer, glancing back toward the bathroom.
“Bullshit. What was that all about?”
Rhett runs a hand through his shaggy hair. “I told you she’s been struggling.”
“Yeah, you said it in passing a few weeks ago and made it sound like it wasn’t a big deal.”
Rhett opens his mouth, but his words never come because the front door of Dirty Dicks flies open, bringing with it my baby sister, Adley, and a gust of warm air.
“I’m here, I’m here!” She waves, gliding across the floor. I love my sister, but she is notoriously late, and it drives me insane.
“Punctuality is a virtue,” I joke, earning a glare.
“So is empathy.” Bending down, she kisses me on the cheek. “Cut me a break. It’s my last semester, and I’m commuting back and forth to Houston for clinicals.”
“They’ve got you driving that far for clinicals?”
Lincoln pulls out the empty chair between him and Claire. Adley drops her purse to the floor and sits down.
“Unfortunately, but it’s necessary. Houston Memorial has the best pediatrics floor, and I’m learning a ton.” Adley points to the empty chair beside her.
“Claire.” Coop answers her silent question. “She’s in the bathroom.”
“Good. I’m glad she’s here. I’ve been wanting to talk to her.”
“You could always stay in my house,” Rhett offers when Adley turns her attention back to the table. “Mo and I aren’t there very often.”
“Oh…” Adley’s eyes dart around the table. “That’s very generous, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”
“We insist,” Mo counters. “It’s silly for you to drive an hour and a half before and after an eight-hour clinical rotation. And your brother’s place isn’t far from the hospital.”
“I—“ She looks around, avoiding eye contact with all of us except Mo. “I’ve got a friend who lives in the area. If I’m tired, I just stay there.”
“Better not be a guy,” Coop warns.
Lincoln sputters, choking on his beer, and Adley pounds on his back.
“You okay, buddy?” Rhett asks.
“Yeah. I’m good.” Linc covers his mouth. “Just went down the wrong pipe, that’s all.”
“So what if it is a guy?” Adley argues, her hand lingering on Linc’s back. “I’m a young, healthy female, and I have sexual needs just like you—”
“Shit,” I hiss, covering my ears. Coop and Rhett scowl at our baby sister. “We don’t want to hear about your needs, Adley.”
“Okay.” She holds her hands up. “Fine. I won’t talk about my sexuality as long as you buffoons don’t tell me who I can and cannot stay with.”
“Deal.” Coop drains the rest of his beer. “But if we find out it’s some prick and he hurts you in any way, all bets are off.”
“We’ll kill him,” Rhett adds.
I raise my beer to that, along with Rhett and Coop. We all look at Linc. He smiles and taps his bottle to ours, and we drink to protecting Adley’s virtue from all men everywhere.
“Why are men so stupid?” Adley says, looking at Mo.
“No clue,” she mumbles absently, her eyes drifting toward the bathroom.
The worried look on her face doesn’t sit well with me. I stand up from the table, and Rhett stops me. “Where are you going?”
“To get another beer.”
He gives me a knowing look. “You don�
��t have to get up for that.”
“I know I don’t.”
“You’re going to check on Claire.” It isn’t a question because Rhett knows me all too well.
“You got a problem with that?”
He cocks a brow. “If I say yes?”
I turn away, giving him my back, and when I get a few feet from the table I hear him say, “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
18
Trevor
Fucking Rhett.
If I didn’t know he was madly in love with Monroe, I’d think he has a thing for Claire. I know he’s just looking out for her, but I’m his brother. What does he think I’m going to do? Hurt her? I saved her life, for God’s sake.
I stride across the floor, shouldering my way through the crowd at the bar and shrugging off a few grabby hands along the way. There’s a small line of women outside of the bathroom, and lucky for me, Shayla is at the front.
Her eyes shine with delight when I walk up. “How many women are in there?” I ask.
“Two, they went in together.” She glances over my shoulder at the line behind her and whispers, “Come in with me, and I’ll give you a sample of what you’re missing out on tonight.”
There’s a reason the men around the firehouse call her Shameless Shayla. She’ll do whatever, whenever, wherever, and she doesn’t care who’s watching or listening.
Just then the door opens, and two women who aren’t Claire stumble out. “Hold that thought.” I push the door open and walk into the ladies’ restroom.
“Claire?” There are two stalls. Both appear to be empty, but I push the doors open for good measure and then slip back out.
Where did she go?
I scan the hallway, the bodies along the bar, all of the tables, and the pool room, and when I come up empty, I decide to check Coop’s office—although I highly doubt she’s there. When I don’t find her there either, I walk back to my table.
“She’s not in the bathroom,” I say, looming over Mo.
Her eyes widen. “You went into the women’s bathroom looking for Claire?”
Crazy, Hot Love Page 10