Page 43 of Changing Tides

Our happy host, whose name I find out is Bobby, comes back with our drinks and in no time, I feel relaxed. Stephanie and Kristen seem kind enough and no one has asked me anything super personal, since we moved past the divorce thing. We take our shot…and then another, and I am feeling proud of myself for taking an Uber here. All feels right until I look up and see a group of guys headed our way. Two with wedding rings and two without. Trailing at the back of the pack is none other than…Liam. And he’s as surprised to see me as I am to see him.

24

LIAM

Ispot her from across the bar where I am playing pool with the guys. What I don’t expect to see is her walking in with Melanie. I was kicking myself after I recommended Local to her because I knew Melanie went there. My fear was that Melanie would be nasty to her, not befriend her. Melanie is going to ruin this for me, if she hasn’t already. It’s eating at me, and I’m distracted.

“What’s with you, man?” Danny nudges me as we finish the pool game with a loss to Jack and Miles. “You’re out of it.”

I drain my coke, but don’t meet his eyes. I can’t take my eyes off Sophie. I made the right decision to stay sober tonight because I feel a protective urge to get her away from Melanie immediately. “I’m cool. I’m cool. Let’s get another drink.”

“Hey, is that Sophie over there with the girls?” Miles drops his cue in Jack’s hand and makes his way to the corner of the bar, not bothering to wait for a response. My “wingman” has my blood boiling.

“With Melanie?” Jack raises his eyebrows. “That looks like trouble.”

We all follow Miles over to the corner of the bar. Sophie is already looking relaxed, and she is smiling while talking to the ladies, but when she sees Miles her face really lights up. He puts his arm around her, and she gazes up at him.

“Is this the beautiful girl I danced with last Saturday night?” Miles’ boisterous voice echoes through our corner of the bar. Sophie laughs and eyes me cautiously as I approach.

“I hope you’re ready for some more dances,” Miles adds.

Sophie doesn’t respond to Miles directly, but she picks up her drink and drains it in one sip, watching me the entire time.

I am working hard to control the expression on my face to not give away my change in mood. I lean down over Melanie and whisper in her ear. “What are you doing?” I make sure my tone reflects my suspicion about her motives.

She looks back at me, teasing eyes glowing in the bar light. “Whatever do you mean?” She laughs and waves the bartender over. He comes quickly. “Bobby, can we please get eight shots of tequila?”

“Seven,” I correct. “I’m not drinking.” Melanie and Sophie simultaneously whirl around and look at me when they hear me say that.

“Seven shots of tequila, coming right up.” Bobby jets to the other side of the bar.

I take a breath and turn around to face the wall. Running my fingers through my stubble, I’m trying to get a hold of myself—but I am seething. Melanie knew exactly what she was doing, bringing Sophie here and introducing her to our group of friends. She’s making it so if I ever wanted anything romantic with Sophie, it would be impossible to achieve because of their friendship. I hear Sophie laughing at Miles’ stupid jokes behind me. He grabs my shoulder.

“Yo man, since you aren’t taking a shot, take a picture of us,” Miles thrusts his phone in my palm.

It takes everything in me not to growl at him. They all clink their glasses together and I snap the photo. Everyone puts their shot glasses on the bar, just as the band starts playing “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers.

“Let’s go dance!” Kristen shouts and all the girls get up and beeline toward the stage. I’m trying to tell myself to relax and have a good time, but Miles’ obvious interest in Sophie is making it nearly impossible. I need to get her alone before he does. I have never wanted a drink so bad. I wave Bobby down and ask him for water instead. He’s quick about it, and I down it before heading up to the front of the stage to join my friends. I stay far away from Melanie and stand right next to Miles who is dancing behind Sophie. I’ve known Miles my entire life but for the first time in thirty years, I want to punch him in the face.

“Miles, I thought I was your wingman.” I elbow him just as he puts his hand on Sophie’s waist.

“Youare, my dude,” Miles laughs. “I gotta take a leak.” He walks away and I take this as an opportunity to stand in his place.

I step behind Sophie, leaning down to whisper in her ear. I can’t ignore the blush creeping up her neck or her obvious physical reaction. “Stay away from Miles, Sophie. He’s no good for you,” I murmur, my breath lingering on her neck a moment too long.

Sophie remains perfectly still but cups her hand over her mouth and says, “Why? Are you jealous, Liam?” The way she says my name is riddled with tension.

I feel my desire grow against her backside, and I am certain she can feel it too. I’m standing too close to her, and it’s doing things to me that both scare and thrill me. I can’t hold back. “Maybe,” I whisper in her ear. It’s this remark that has her turning and meeting my gaze. Her cheeks are flushed. Either she is turned on too, or she’s mad. I can’t tell which.

“I need a drink,” she says and pushes away from me. I don’t follow her. I am trying not to draw attention to the fact that I am raging with jealousy and want. If Sophie hooks up with Miles, I will lose my mind. I know there is something between us, and if she hooks up with him, we’ll never get to figure it out.

I give it a few minutes before I walk over to her. She’s still alone at the bar waiting for Bobby to bring her drink. I flag him down and then go stand next to her.

“Here you go, pretty lady.” He smiles, placing another margarita in front of her. “Liam?”

“Just water. Thanks, man,” I say. I lean next to her waiting for her to speak.

When Bobby walks away, she turns to me and says, “What the hellwasthat?”Ok, she’s definitely mad.

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