Page 48 of Villainous Summer

I sucked in a breath, tensing my fist in case he tried to place a hand on her.

She obviously wanted to handle the man herself. From that first day with her, Summer made it apparent she was a force. It was better to let her say her piece than have her turn it on me.

The guy slammed his empty pint glass on the bar top.

The bartender finally intervened, signaling a bigger guy at the door. “Okay, buddy, pack it up.” He handed the man his card and receipt. “We’ve had three complaints already. We’ve talked about this.”

The drunk man grabbed the receipt, glowering at everyone. “I’m going to the casino. At least they know how to treat a guest.”

The bar was unusually quiet until the door swung shut with a vibrating clang. Whispers and comments about drunk assholes buzzed around.

Summer rolled her eyes at the door. “Well, can’t say I’m surprised, but at least he’s out of here.”

I saddled up to her and placed a hand on her elbow. “Surprised about what?”

“That it took a man telling him to leave for him to listen. Did you hear the bartender? Three other women complained. I’m glad I spoke up.”

“That was a ballsy move. Could have been dangerous.”

She shook her head. “Well, someone had to. I could tell Savvy was uncomfortable.”

“He could have hurt you.”

She scoffed. “I’d like to see him try.” She left me to join Savvy, who was pulling on her coat.

I couldn’t hear what was said, but Savvy gave Summer a hug before they pulled out their phones and exchanged information.

Eldon grabbed Savvy’s purse off the table and motioned to the door.

The bartender placed another beer and something red in a pint glass down before me. I took our drinks, and we sat at the four-top.

The music was getting louder, and the late crowd was trickling in, replacing the happy-hour crew with the night drinkers.

“You and Savvy got along,” I commented, jutting my chin at my coworker, who was laughing at something Eldon had said.

They walked out, his cheeks pink with the attention.

Good. Maybe he would get the courage to ask Savvy out.

Summer beamed. “I like her. She’s smart and funny.”

“And she likes you.”

Summer faced me, her gaze narrowing. “Why wouldn’t she?”

“Because I was getting the vibes that she was into me, and that’s when I invited . . .”

Summer assessed me with a tilted head, a smirk playing on her lips. “Please, go on. Tell me how a woman should be devastated by missing out on you.”

“Okay, fine. Point taken.”

This woman was a total ego killer.

“I’m sure she thinks you’re hot.” She swallowed her cider, looking at me over the rim of her glass.

“You think I’m hot?” I teased. “You want this body so much you can’t handle it.”

“You have no idea what I could handle, Hot Rod.”

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