Page 26 of When I Fall In Love

“What can I get you Logan boys?” Sasha asks as she wipes the counter with a clean dishcloth.

I could do with downing a bottle of Jack right now but I glance at Ethan as he settles on the barstool next to me. He has a stern pull to his mouth as his gaze eats up the petite brunette who went to school with him and Liam.

“Sash,” Ethan says. “It’s good to see you. Didn’t know you tended the bar here now.”

“Yep. Money. Sharky’s is one of the few places in town that does well year-round.” Sasha drops her gaze and tugs her sleeves down but not before the yellow bruises on both her wrists don’t go unnoticed. I mean, how could you not notice them?

Ethan’s hands ball into fists, about as tight as the rest of him. My brother is on edge every time he’s on furlough and that isn’t a good thing. It takes him about two weeks to drag his head into the moment when he’s home, and usually by that time he needs to go back to wherever he’s deployed.

“Just some drafts, Sasha, but make it four since Raiden and Derek will be here soon.” I need hanging out with my brothers as much as a bucket of runny cow shit right now, but honestly. Lasagna? It’s been two hours since Beth strolled into the barn and basically fled, Brenda hot on her heels, after I gave her a mouthful. My ears still ring with Bill’s snarky attaboy as the last visual of Beth, tossing her hair over her shoulders, walked out of the milking parlor. I groan. “And can you organize us some wings and ribs to start off with? Enough for four, thanks.”

“Sure thing, Hunter.” Sasha shoots me a quizzical look but walks away to the wall-mounted device to put in our order.

“Who’s she dating now?” Ethan sits stoically next to me, like a missile of muscle ready to terminate the guy who gave Sasha those bruises.

With the rest of the noise in the bar picking up, Sasha’s now out of earshot. “I don’t know. Clearly he’s a dick.” I get up and nod towards Sasha that we’ll be grabbing a table. Best I get Ethan away from his obsession before he loses his shit in Sharky’s. Won’t be the first time, but I have enough on my plate and don’t need to clean up after anybody tonight. Lasagna? Come on!

We scoot into a booth, my jeans sticking along the vinyl covering. “What do you want to do for your birthday?” I ask as we wait for our beers and brothers to arrive. I need something to distract me.

“Meh. Liam isn’t here so something low-key.”

“Twenty-five is a quarter of a century. We need to throw you something.”

“This last-minute? I’m not in the mood.”

Ethan isn’t in the mood for anything. Except for a fight, maybe.

“We can have a family get-together at my place.” I need the distraction too, especially since the neighboring cottage is now occupied by her.

“Draft beers times four. Peanuts.” Sasha offloads her tray and places side plates and napkins on the table, followed by the usual condiments. “Your starters will be here soon.”

She’s about to walk away when Ethan’s fingers circle around her wrist to hold her back. “Sash—”

“Ethan. Let go.” She speaks so softly, her lips hardly move.

Ethan’s thumb runs up and down her bruised skin with such tenderness, it’s incongruous with his tense body and the scowl on his face. “Who’s hurting you, baby?”

Ah fuck, Ethan. You’re fishing so that you can go fuck him up, aren’t you? I drop my gaze, unwilling to witness the desire in that gentle grip, the way Sasha wants to melt at the endearment but schools her face.

“Nobody, it was my fault.” She swallows hard then pulls away. “I’ve got to work.”

Ethan lets go, picks up his beer and downs a long, deep gulp. As he bangs the beer glass back on the table, he wipes at his mouth. “Her fault? My fucking ass.”

“Cool down,” I warn him. “Sasha’s none of your business.”

“God, she should be my business,” Ethan groans. “I fucked that up so badly, didn’t I?”

Me and you both, little brother, I want to say, but Raiden and Derek are walking into Sharky’s and it’s way too early and we’re way too sober for this conversation to happen. “Get a grip, the others are here.”

It’s the first time Raiden and Derek see Ethan since his arrival this morning, so rowdy greetings, bear hugs and several slaps on the back follow. Then we’re ensconced in our booth, chugging our beers. For a long moment, it’s quiet. Each of us are in our own thoughts and I don’t like any of mine.

“What’s happening with the Collingwood Farm sale?” Raiden asks. “Any news?”

“Nope.” And this afternoon just made matters worse.

“Is she here yet?”

Several beats of silence drum over our table.

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