Sweet Affection (Truth Book 3)

by Henderson, Grace

  “No girlfriend with you. You look alone to me.” She edges up to me and nudges me with her hip. “Buy a girl a drink?”

  Is she going to get the wrong impression if I buy her a drink? Probably. But this is supposed to be me not caring. And I was going to get another drink anyway.

  “Murphy, another round of shots for everyone!” I slide my glass over to him and he picks it up and points his finger at me in warning.

  “I’m cutting you off soon, J.”

  “Yeah well, until then, can you just get us some drinks like a good little bartender? Thanks, I appreciate it.”

  He raises an eyebrow, but pours the drinks anyway.

  “To not giving a shit!” I hold up the glass and clink it against hers, then tip it right back. I slam the glass back on the bar and wince at the taste. I need to change drinks. Girly shots are not having the right effect.

  “Hendrick’s.” I cut in to the guys talking and nod to Ryan. He looks at me with his head tilted, like he’s really appraising me. I don’t want him to cut me off, so I blink my eyes to try and stop them blurring. I stand straighter. I can feel my body swaying, so I don’t think I’m doing a very good job of looking sober. He sighs and throws the towel over his shoulder, shaking his head.

  “You won’t find any answers in the bottom of a glass.”

  Look at him getting all profound. I don’t want to piss him off though, ‘cause he really will cut me off. He’s getting my drink anyway. I see him glance at Laurel. He’s loyal to her, I get that. He was friends with her before me. Sometimes I think he just tolerates me because of Laurel. But whatever. I don’t care, do I?

  I decide to take this one slow so I take a sip and hunch against the bar again. I can’t turn around because I know they’re still across the room talking. I can see her blue dress out the corner of my eye.

  Why do I feel betrayed? She’s not really doing anything wrong, but she should be standing by my side not his. I’m supposed to be the one she’s going to marry. But she doesn’t know that because I haven’t asked her. I hear her giggle and I clench my fingers round the glass tighter.

  “Wanna dance?”

  Shit, Shannon’s still here? I thought she left.

  “No, thanks. I’m good.”

  Just me and a drink. That’s all I need tonight.

  “Go on. It’ll make you feel better.” I tip the gin right back and my eyes water. I push my hands away from the edge of the bar and my head’s spinning so much I could easily fall flat on my face. Shannon’s right in front of me, swaying her hips to the music. She’s dancing on her own. Her hands come up to my chest and she turns, pushing her backside against my crotch. She shouldn’t be doing this, but my head’s so fuzzy I don’t know what to do to fix it. All I can think about is the ache that’s shooting across my forehead and the disgusting taste in my mouth that feels like it might make me hurl any second.

  Her body pushes back against me and I stumble slightly, hands grabbing hold of the nearest thing which I think is her arms, or her hips. Hell, I have no clue.

  I shake my head to try and clear it, then I feel the cold liquid splash at my arm and soak the side of my t-shirt.

  It’s raining.

  How is it raining inside?

  “Get your slutty little hands off him.” My girl’s in front of us now, glaring at Shannon like she could get into a serious catfight. Shannon’s hair is dripping wet, and she’s looking down at her top with her mouth wide open in shock.

  “Babe,” I pull Laurel to me and brush her hair away from her neck, “We need to go, it’s raining.” I think the words all came out as one long slur so I try really hard to pronounce the next ones.

  “You’re so sexy when you’re angry.” I smile. It might have come across as a leer. But I can leer, she’s my girlfriend.

  She pushes away from me then turns to Shannon and jabs her finger nearly poking her in the chest. “You, stay away from him. He doesn’t want you. How many times do you have to get rejected before you realise that?”

  Shannon laughs tauntingly and looks up at me with the ‘I want you’ eyes. “That didn’t look like I just got rejected. His hands were on me. You saw it.” Her hand goes back to her hip as she turns her attention back to Laurel.

  I frown, wanting to tell them she got that wrong. I don’t want Shannon. Not even a little bit. I open my mouth to try and get the words out then shut it abruptly when my brain won’t let me speak. I think I look like a fish.

  “Just stay away from him.” Laurel bites out and Shannon narrows her eyes and storms off to the toilets. Probably to dry herself from the rain. She got drenched.

  “I can’t even look at you.” Me? Why not? What did I do? I should be pissed at her. She’s been with him the whole night.

  I open my mouth again to tell her as much but shut it just as quickly. I need my bed. I sway and feel the sick rising in my stomach but I cover my mouth with my hands and it stops. She nods her head at Blake and then turns on her heel. Back to Tyler. Wait, what?

  “Come on buddy. Let’s get you back home.” Blake drops an arm over my shoulder and guides me outside. The cold air hits me and I stumble through the open door of the taxi. It’s spinning, why is the taxi spinning? I lower my head back against the seat and my eyes fall shut immediately.

  Chapter Twelve

  Laurel

  “I swear she just wants to make my life a fucking misery!” I growl out in anger and frustration. The girls have disappeared to the bathroom. And Tyler’s just looking at me like he doesn’t know what to do with me.

  I don’t know what to do with myself.

  Actually, I do know.

  I want to punch her.

  Several times.

  Right in the face.

  I sigh, and perch myself back on the edge of the chair next to Tyler.

  At least James is safely away from her now.

  “You know he didn’t actually do anything, right? I saw her shake her ass up to him and start throwing herself at him. And she wasn’t very subtle about it.”

  I know it was mostly her. He’s too pissed to know his own name, and he thought it was raining in here, for Christ’s sake. What’s with Tyler anyway? He’s defending James now?

  “What do you care?” I say the words then regret how bitchy they sounded. He’s just let his guard down enough to make sure I’m okay and I just throw it back in his face.

  His eyes flash with some kind of acceptance. As though he knew he shouldn’t have even said anything to me and he just proved himself right. And that hurts. I’m an idiot.

  “Don’t mistake me telling you what I saw, for me caring. ‘Cause I couldn’t give a fuck sweetheart.”

  He slams his whiskey glass on the table and stalks off to the bathrooms before you can say ‘Laurel’s a stupid crazy bitch.’ I pick up my bag and move over to a stool at the bar, looking to Lucy the bartender for a refill. As soon as she comes back with my wine I take a sip and try and work out how I’m going to apologise to Tyler. It needs to be something good, that’s for damn sure.

  “Hi.”

  I startle in my seat at the sound of the voice right next to my ear. There’s a man leant against the bar with his elbow, watching me with an arrogant, cocky grin on his face. Much like the one James has but this one does little to get my blood pumping at all. It just makes me want to roll my eyes. So I do. He’s wearing suit trousers and a fitted shirt with a blingy gold watch hanging on his wrist, looking like one of those asshole who wants to flash his cash. He’s still staring at me, so I offer him a small smile and slight nod of the head, and turn my body so I’m facing forward again. I pick up my glass and take another sip, hoping he gets the hint.

  Where the heck is Tyler?

  “What’s a beautiful woman doing all alone in a dive like this?”

  Well, considering this is one of my favourite bars, a good friend runs it and I do not fall for being picked up like this, he’s doing a hell of a job at getting me on side. I’m about to tell him he’s got t
he wrong girl, but Tyler beats me to it.

  “She’s not alone.” He keeps his distance from me but straightens his shoulders and widens his stance in full attack mode. He’s huge when he’s not slouching.

  “She’s got no-one sitting with her.” He shrugs and turns his attention back to me with the sly grin I want to slap off his face.

  “I said, she’s not alone. You need to leave.” Tyler’s cold voice is calm. And that’s what makes it so chilling. I turn and see his face. Everything is blank and completely unreadable apart from the eyes. They give away all the emotions he’s feeling. I always thought Tyler would have a temper, but this ice I see is something else.

  The guy next to me chuckles as he looks Tyler up and down, taking in every inch of his boots, faded tight black jeans, and white t-shirt with sleeves that curl round his muscles mid-bicep. Why is this guy not running as far away as possible? Tyler makes him look like such a weed in comparison.

  “We’re just going to have a little fun. You can have her after. Can’t say she’s going to want you after we spend a little time together though. It’s obvious she’s not your type. Maybe you should try the other end of town. There’s a trailer park there too.”

  Instead of sitting there gaping as I hear his words, my mind knows I need to stand up for Tyler and myself. My hand comes flying out to attack his cheek, and I’m too pissed to even register the stinging pain in my palm.

  “Bitch.” He spits out and grabs hold of my upper arm tightly. I barely even have time to feel it before Tyler has him sprawled across the bar, writhing under the heavy hands choking round his neck. I’m too shocked to care that he’s struggling to breathe.

  “You don’t ever touch a lady unless she asks you to, asshole.” His words fall out around harsh pants as I see his grip tighten.

  “She was asking for it. Look at that ass in that dress.” He chokes on a groan as Tyler shoves him even harder onto the wooden bar top. He loosens his fingers, then pulls the guy up so he’s standing, swaying from side to side. The guy lunges, but Tyler moves out the way and when I see him drag his fist back, I wince, knowing that when it connects with the guy’s jaw there’s going to be one hell of a loud crack. I wasn’t expecting the amount of blood that pours down onto his white shirt though. Tyler’s fist pulls back again and he plants another beating to his face, then one in the stomach. The guy doubles over and rushes low at Tyler’s waist. It’s not enough to knock him over, but he steps back then throws the guy off him. I glance across the bar and a small crowd has formed round us. Tyler’s not letting up, he throws punch after punch, but it’s when he finally gets him on the ground that I kick into action.

  “Stop, please. He’s down now.” I grab hold of Tyler’s t-shirt to stop him from throwing another punch when I see two guys from security making their way through the bodies.

  He looks back at me, then down to my hand on his shoulder, and his eyes soften slightly. With a nod he lets go of the asshole who slumps back to the floor and groans again; one arm wrapped round his stomach and the other on the side of his jaw. Security pull Tyler’s arms behind his back and drag him towards the door. I grab my clutch and follow, knowing that the police will have been called. Hopefully I can just explain everything to Jason and he’ll let Tyler go with just a warning.

  It takes another half an hour for me to convince Jason that he was defending my honour, and the other guy started it by grabbing hold of me. Before he lets him go, he pulls him to one side out of my earshot. They duck their heads together and Tyler stiffens and nods, while Jason pats his shoulder once and waves at me as he gets in his car.

  “What was that about?” Curiosity really has got the better of me. Tyler shrugs his shoulder and shakes his head as he flags down a taxi. “Nothing.”

  “It wasn’t nothing. What did he say?”

  “Just leave it. Doesn’t matter.” He gets in the taxi and completely shuts down from me. He leans his elbow on the edge of the window and looks out so I’m just left with the hum of the engine and my own thoughts.

  He defended me tonight. Even after I was bitchy to him he came to my rescue. Tyler’s such an enigma to me. He’s angry and moody, yet sweet and kind. Moral but yet not at the same time. He seems lonely. He needs someone. Someone to see past the tattoos, the motorcycle, the attitude, and the walls he built up around himself. Maybe I could be that someone.

  We walk inside the house in silence. He shucks off his leather jacket and throws it on the bottom of the bannister. He pushes past me but before he can reach the bottom stair, I take his wrist and pull hard enough that he turns around. His eyes glance down to my hand, then he looks in my eyes. Those eyes that have been as cool and hard as ice I see thawing with every interaction.

  Maybe it won’t take as long as I thought.

  “James and I are in it for the long haul, Tyler. Your parents are getting married. One way or another we’re going to be a part of each other’s lives. I want a brother, and I feel like this is the perfect opportunity for us both to get what we want.”

  “And what do I want?” His eyes still stare into mine, challenging me to come up with a load of shit that he can just laugh off. I won’t give him the satisfaction, that’s exactly what he wants.

  “I don’t think you even know. But whatever it is, I think you’ll find it here, if you just give us a chance. We’re good people. James is like you actually, he protects the people that matter to him. Apart from when he’s acting like a complete drunken ass, obviously.” I smile and loosen my grip on Tyler’s wrist, giving him the opportunity to walk away if he wants to, but he makes no attempt at moving.

  “Jason asked me if I regretted my decision in punching the guy to within an inch of his life.” He says softly. That sounds like him. He’d want to know that Tyler was truly repentant if he was going to just let him go. But I can’t imagine Tyler saying yes and having to act contrite.

  “And what did you say?”

  Tyler shifts awkwardly between his feet. It’s cute when he gets all self-conscious talking about things he’s not used to. Like feelings.

  “No. Told him I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” He states resolutely.

  I can feel Tyler’s body stiffening and he’s getting ready to feign nonchalance, putting that mask firmly on his face again, so I take the heat off him.

  “I’m surprised Jason actually let you get away with saying that. Thought he might want a grovelling apology.”

  He shrugs a shoulder and smirks, “He actually thanked me. That is not how my run-ins with the police usually go. It’s usually cuffs first, pretend to listen to my side later.”

  “Yeah Jason’s a good guy.”

  “Still think he’s trying to get in your pants though.”

  I roll my eyes and start to walk up the stairs. Now we’ve been getting somewhere I don’t want this night to turn sour with a loose comment so it’s best to end the conversation here.

  “Good night, Tyler.” I say with mock exasperation.

  There’s a pause and I begin to think he didn’t hear me. Just as I’m about to turn round he speaks.

  “Night, abuela.”

  I almost pause on the stairs at the sound of the genuine affection in his voice. It takes me by complete surprise and I send out an unspoken little squeal of thanks to whoever’s out there listening. We’re getting there, so now it’s just James to worry about.

  I wake up and roll over on my side, not surprised that the other side of the bed is empty. He’s probably spent most of the night next to the toilet. Last night I climbed into bed and went straight to sleep. He was spread out on his stomach, completely naked. A frustrated laugh chokes out at the thought of Blake helping to undress him. I haven’t seen him like that before. Shannon turns the laugh into a growl. Stupid bitch. She clearly has no self-respect to keep going back to him after he rejects her. And don’t even get me started on James. What a jackass.

  I yawn and make my way downstairs, listening out for signs of life in the house as I go. There’
s only silence but as I round the corner I see they’re both in the kitchen. James is on a stool slumped over the island with his eyes closed and Tyler’s the other end of the room, sitting at the table with his phone out, furiously typing away.

  James jumps out his seat with an embarrassed frown.

  “Can we talk?” He says into my ear softly, obviously not wanting to go for a grovelling apology in front of Tyler. I’ll talk, but when I’m ready. He’s been so immature, and I’m still mad that he allowed Shannon to get that close, drunk or not.

  I nod. “I need coffee first.”

  “There’s some in the pot. I can’t function without it either.” Tyler admits with his eyes still trained on the message he’s typing out.

  I laugh and take out a mug to fill it up then turn with my back against the cupboards and sip it slowly, feeling it wake up every muscle in my body. James watches me with an unreadable expression. I imagine he’s trying to work through his feelings about Tyler, but also wondering exactly how mad I am at him for last night.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Like shit, but at least I’m not going to be sick anymore.” He starts to cough, then rubs his hand over his stomach.

  He hunches over the island again, and his hand covers his mouth as he heaves. He jumps off the stool and runs upstairs. The door to our room slams shut so he’ll get to the toilet in time. Serves him right. A devious smile forms on my mouth, I shouldn’t be pleased but I kinda am.

  “That was mean. Revelling in his pain.” Tyler chuckles and I shrug my shoulders, taking a sip of my coffee.

  “Yep. But he brought it on himself.”

  Tyler watches me for a second, before crossing his arms over his chest.

  “What’s with that girl last night anyway? She an ex?”

  “Yeah. And a pain in my ass. She needs another man to focus all her attention on instead of mine. I could introduce you to her?” I say playfully and laugh my head off at the horrified expression on his face.