by Chelle Bliss
I cleared my throat. I had already made myself look like one when I walked away from Georgia. “I think I already fucked up.” I winced and glanced over my shoulder at her.
She sat in the same spot, sipping her drink and watching us. I waved, giving her a smile, and, much to my surprise, she reciprocated.
“Nah,” Suzy whispered and shook her head. “Go already.”
“Fine,” I muttered before I walked back toward the table. My eyes were glued to her. She looked like a vision, but a fucking young one. She’d be a perfect pinup model, and she came straight out of my wet dreams. “Sorry about that.” I took my seat, fidgeting with my shirt and averting my eyes.
She set her glass on the table and clasped her hands in her lap. “Everything okay?”
I nodded and dragged my eyes to her. “I just needed to tell Sunshine something.”
“Are you worried about my age?” she asked point-blank, and her gaze flickered toward me.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “A little. I’m not really in the frame of mind for a relationship here, Georgia. My head’s all fucked up.”
She grabbed my hand, taking it away from my face, and placed it in her lap. “I’m not looking to get married.”
“You’d be shit out of luck, babe.”
She patted my hand before leaning back in her chair. “Suzy thought we could become friends.”
“That I can do,” I said and rubbed my free hand against my jeans.
“How old are you, Gramps?” She covered her mouth with the palm of her hand, hiding her grin.
“You’re a smartass.”
She nodded and laughed. “I am. So fess up. Are you forty?”
My mouth fell open and my eyes widened. Forty? Fuck me, I wasn’t even close. “No! Jesus, do I look that fuckin’ old?”
She nudged my knee with hers. “No. How old are you, really?”
“I’m thirty-one.” I closed my eyes, waiting for her to stalk off from my geezer ass.
“Well, you’re not my daddy’s age, so we’re golden.”
I slumped in my chair, thankful I wasn’t the same age as her father. That would be weird and fucked up. “Unbelievable.”
“Have you been a PI for a long time, or did you do something else before?” She tilted her head and studied me.
I grabbed my beer to have something to hold, because I felt off my game. I felt fidgety and a little unsure of the entire situation. “I haven’t been a PI for long. I used to be in the service. I served ten years.”
“What branch?”
“Navy,” I replied, using the opportunity to take a sip of my lukewarm beer and quell the dryness that had settled in my mouth.
“My dad was in the Marines.”
It just kept getting better and better. He’d hate me because I was a Navy man, plus, with my affiliation with the Neon Cowboy crew, I wouldn’t be an ideal match for his baby daughter.
“That’s nice,” I replied, trying to find a smile.
“Were you an officer?”
I lifted my chin, the familiar pride I’d always felt when I said the words settling inside me. “I was a SEAL.”
She gasped, leaning forward. “Wow. I wouldn’t have guessed it. You don’t look like what I picture as a SEAL.”
“’Cause I’m not built like The Rock?” I cocked an eyebrow and flexed my arms, showing her my muscles.
“You’re built, but yeah, just not as big as I thought.”
“I’ve been out for a couple years. I’ve slimmed down a bit. But Georgia—” I flexed my arms again “I can assure you, I’m all muscle.”
She giggled, throwing her head back.
City whistled. “It’s time to sing ‘Happy Birthday’!” He motioned toward the dessert table.
“We better go,” Georgia said, setting her glass on the table and standing. “Can you walk with all those muscles? I wouldn’t want you to tip over.”
“I can do a whole lot more than walk with all this awesomeness.”
She blushed. “You’re an interesting man.”
“More like a handful.” I smirked, waggling my eyebrows like an idiot as I stood.
“Well, I…” she stammered.
“Yeah,” I replied, knowing I threw her off. “Let’s get some cake.” I placed my hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the dessert table.
“Sure.” She looked up at me through her thick black eyelashes. “Cake.”
When we approached the table, her friends called her over and she excused herself. I couldn’t help but catch stolen glances as the crowd sang to Gigi. Georgia smiled as she listened to her friend whisper in her ear.
“You’re fucked.” Bear nudged me in the ribs and looked toward Georgia.
“I am not.” But I fucking was.
“So fucked,” he whispered.
We clapped as little Gigi blew out her candles. She’d grown so quickly, and I thought of her as a niece instead of as just my friend’s kid. She was a doll and meant the world to me.
“Gonna hook up with her?” Bear asked.
Georgia turned her back and I instantly missed her smile. “Nah, man. She’s just a kid.”
“Can’t handle her,” he teased, slapping me on the back.
“If she weren’t Sunshine’s friend, I wouldn’t have a problem getting a piece of ass and walking away, but I just can’t do it.”
“You’re losing your touch, dude.”
“Maybe so, or maybe I’m getting a conscience.”
“Fuck that. Who needs it?”
I motioned toward the bar with my head. “Want another?”
“Only if you do a shot with me.”
“I don’t think it’s that kind of party.”
“Kids,” he muttered and rolled his eyes.
“Frisco.” Thomas walked up to us but didn’t look me in the eye.
“Hey, T. What’s up?”
He peered around, looking uneasy. “I need you to meet Mrs. Green at the office.”
“Now?” I scratched my neck and searched for Georgia.
“Yes. She called in a panic. I’d go, but she’s your client and this is my niece’s party.”
I sighed. “It’s fine. I’ll go, man. No problem. I was getting ready to head out anyway. Tell Sunshine I’m sorry I had to leave.”
“I will. I’m sorry to do this to you on a weekend.”
“Work always comes first. I’ll take care of it,” I said as I rubbed the back of my neck. “Catch ya later, Bear.”
“Maybe I’ll go find Georgia.” Bear smirked and started searching the crowd.
“If you think you got a shot, knock yourself out.” I didn’t mean a word of it, but I wasn’t about to admit that she’d captured my attention and had me intrigued.
He rubbed his chin as his eyes stopped on her. “Dumbass, I’ll tell her you got called away on business.”
I wanted to poke him in the eyes to keep him from virtually fucking her in his mind.
This wasn’t good.
I needed to step away.
Staying at the party would only lead me back to Georgia. Being called in to work was probably for the better. She was too young for me. I was too broken for her, and in the end, it would be a complete clusterfuck.
“Don’t forget to tell Sunshine,” I called over my shoulder as I walked toward the front yard. Thomas gave me a thumbs-up and nodded.
Just as I was about to round the corner and disappear from view, I saw Georgia waving at me and the smile fell from her face.
I wanted to run to her and tell her she’d be better off, but instead I tucked my hands in my pockets and left without so much as a goodbye.
Chapter 4
Someone’s Getting It
“Labor Day has always confused me,” Tank said as he sat down with a beer in hand and relaxed.
“Me too. What the hell is it for?” Bear scratched his beard and stared across the room.
“It’s to celebrate workers,” I told them, shaking my head at thei
r lack of knowledge. “Something you two know very little about.”
“Oh, fuck off, dude. Just because you have Google doesn’t make your ass smart.” Bear leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.
Tank rubbed his hands together. “Speaking of work. How was it this week? Anything juicy?”
“Boring-ass week. A cheating husband and a couple meetings.”
“Oh, but that could be good. Was he fuckin’ his secretary?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ve told you before. I can’t talk about my work.”
“Who the fuck am I going to tell?” he asked, placing his hand against his chest.
“Don’t care, and still isn’t fuckin’ happening.” I sipped my beer as my phone beeped.
City: Save us an extra seat. We’re on our way.
I set my beer down, wiping my lips with the back of my hand.
Me: Will do.
“Grab an extra chair. City’s on the way.”
Bear reached back and dragged a chair across the floor. “Who’s he bringing?”
“Probably one of his brothers.”
“I’m hoping to see that hot piece of ass from the party,” he said after he tucked the chair underneath the table.
Fuck.
I closed my eyes and my heart started to beat uncontrollably.
Georgia.
I hadn’t even thought about that. I couldn’t see her. I was an asshole for leaving without saying goodbye.
“Fuck. I gotta go.” I started to stand before Bear grabbed my hand.
He held me in place. “You’re not going anywhere, pussy.”
“What piece of ass?” Tank asked, looking between us.
“Georgia.” My head began to spin from even saying her name. “Sunshine tried to fix me up with her. If they’re bringing her, I can’t see her.”
“Sit your ass down,” Tank ordered, pointing toward the chair. “I never thought you’d be afraid of a piece of tail.”
I gritted my teeth and glowered. “I’m not. I just don’t want to get involved with her.”
“You’re acting like a pussy. Sit your ass down. He’s probably bringing Mikey with him.”
I pulled my hand out from under Bear’s and rubbed my shoulder. “Maybe he is.”
“Nah, he’s bringing the girl. You gotta see her, Tank. She’s a fine little thing with perky tits and that trampy look we love. She’s off-the-charts fuckable.”
I leaned forward into his space, baring my teeth. “Don’t you talk about her that way. If you even look at her funny, I’ll knock your teeth out.”
He moved closer and stared me straight in the eyes. “Someone’s panties are in a wad. What’s wrong, Frisco, you in love?”
I slammed my fist down on the table, my eyes boring into him. “I know you’re a pig. She’s a good girl and doesn’t deserve your bullshit.”
“I was going to give her my dick, not bullshit.” He laughed.
Before I could stop myself, my fist flew forward and connected with his jaw. “Jackass!” I yelled, and his head recoiled.
He rubbed his jaw, trying to shake it off. “What the fuck, man?”
I pointed at him, narrowing my eyes. “I warned ya. Georgia is off-limits.”
“He’s in love.” Tank slapped the table and whooped. “Mr. Lover Boy is back.”
My knuckles ached from Bear’s bony jaw, and I shook my fist. “I’m not. She’s too damn young for me, and I don’t want a relationship.”
“Ah, you sound like City. Especially with the threats about a woman you claim to not even like,” Bear muttered and held his jaw.
I sat, glancing between the two smiling dumbasses. Fuck. Were they right? Was I fuckin’ doomed and didn’t even know?
“Hey, guys.” Sunshine’s sweet voice came from behind me. I cringed, closing my eyes, afraid to turn around. I swallowed hard, gave myself a pep talk, and glanced at Bear.
“See,” Bear whispered to Tank.
Tank’s eyes were bulging out of his head, and I knew then that it was her standing behind me. “Yeah. Take a seat, ladies,” he said, motioning toward the chairs.
“Fuck,” I mumbled.
The empty chair next to me moved, but I didn’t look, staring straight ahead. Bear looked so ecstatic I thought he may start clapping.
Please let it be City. Please let it be City.
“Hey, Frisco,” Georgia said as she scooted forward, giving me an amazing view of her tits in the V-neck dress she wore.
“Hey, Georgia, right?” I asked, because I was a complete asshole and wanted to play it cool.
Her lip curled. “Yeah, from the party.”
“Right.” I nodded. “I remember.”
“Dick,” she whispered under her breath and looked away.
“I’ll grab us a round.” City rested his hand on Suzy’s shoulder, standing behind her.
I shot out of my seat. “I’ll come with you.”
City walked off and I followed close on his heels. When he reached the bar, he leaned forward, waiting for me. “What the fuck is your problem?”
I hung my head and my stomach rolled. “I don’t know, City. Something about that girl gets to me. I can’t believe Sunshine wants us to hook up.”
“Two beers, two shots of tequila, and a Sunny drink,” City told the bartender. Sunshine was the only girl in the bar who ordered those shitty drinks with the umbrellas. They knew exactly what she wanted when we called it a Sunshine drink.
“Coming right up,” the bartender said as he wandered away.
“Stop acting like an idiot.” He turned toward me, looking over at the table. “She likes you.”
I smiled, pretending to misunderstand. “Sunshine?”
“You’re pushing it, fucker.” He cracked his knuckles. “Georgia.”
“Oh, fuck. This can’t be happening. I can’t fuck her, City.” I clenched my jaw and fisted my hands at my side. Everything inside me was coiled tight.
“You need to get a damn grip, Frisco. What’s your problem?”
“It’s just the shit with Jeanine. I’m not ready for anything more than a casual fuck. If that’s what she wants, then I’m her man. Anything more, and I’m out.”
“You tell her that. Stop being an asshole and man up,” he told me as he grabbed a few of the drinks. “Get the shots.”
I picked the rest up, following behind him and heading straight toward disaster…I mean, Georgia.
I set them down in front of City before taking my seat. Glancing at Georgia, I turned my beer in my palm.
“A toast.” Sunshine held her umbrella drink in the air.
“What are we celebrating, Sunshine?” Tank asked as he lifted his beer to join hers.
“To friends and love,” she said, giving me a mischievous smile.
My jaw ticked uncontrollably and my palms began to sweat. “To friendship,” I repeated, lifting my drink.
“And love.” City clinked his drink to mine.
I glared at him, gnashing my teeth together. They were fucking setting me up. City would do anything Sunshine asked him to. In all the years I’d known him, I thought he had a pair of balls bigger than anyone I knew, but not when it came to her.
“Hear, hear.” Georgia tapped her glass to mine.
I peered out of the corner of my eye, not trusting myself enough to look at her. I brought my drink to my lips, swallowing hard and long. I tried to calm myself the fuck down. I just needed to be honest. I wasn’t looking for a girlfriend. I wanted nothing from her other than what she had between her legs.
She wiped her mouth, put the lime between her teeth, and swallowed. When she placed the lime on the table, I was still staring at her mouth. “I needed that,” Georgia said before she grabbed her beer and chugged it. When she set it down, she turned toward me. “Can we talk in private?”
“Someone’s getting it,” Bear said from across the table.
I scowled at him. The fucker was pushing the envelope and wouldn’t let his foot off my throat. I swallowed down my
pride and turned my attention back to her, softening my face. “Sure.”
“At the bar,” she demanded. She stood and walked away, leaving me behind.
I slid my beer against the table. “Fuck.”
“Go get ’er, tiger,” Sunshine said, playing with the straw on her tongue.
I pointed at her. “This is all your fault.” But I didn’t know if I was angry or happy. Maybe a little of each.
“If you don’t go, man, I will,” Bear offered and started to stand.
I leaned across the table, moving closer to him. “Sit the fuck down before I put your ass back in that chair for you.”
“He’s in love,” Bear said to Sunshine with the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face.
Her eyes moved from me to Georgia. “I hope so.”
“Fuck me,” I mumbled before I stomped away from the table. As I approached Georgia, my breathing quickened and my pulse followed, small beads of sweat forming near my hairline.
She leaned back against the bar with her tits jutting out and her arms crossed underneath. “What’s your problem with me? Did I do something to you, Frisco?”
Caught off guard by her question, my body jerked backward. “N-no,” I stuttered.
She tapped her foot. “You ditched me, marched off when you heard my age, and tonight, you seem less than happy that I’m here. What the fuck gives?”
I cleared my throat, trying to find my voice and a reasonable explanation. “I don’t have anything against you.” I was in so much trouble.
“Let’s cut the shit, Frisco. I’m a big girl. What’s the problem? Would you rather I leave?” Her body oozed attitude.
I cringed. I never wanted to hurt anyone, but I knew that I had hurt her feelings. “No. Don’t go. I’m sorry. It’s just that Sunshine…” My chest tightened. “She’s trying to fix us up.”
Georgia filled her cheeks with air before slowly exhaling. “Is that so bad?” She narrowed her eyes. “If I’m not your type, it’s cool. But otherwise, what’s the issue? I thought we had a nice time up until you left the party. I’m a big girl. Just be honest with me. I’m not into playing games.”
I wanted to play games. Naked games that ended with us against a wall, tangled together like we’d played the sexiest game of Twister.