Page 13 of Red's Revenge

“Damn, Sugar, that sounds like a great way to end the night. Let me just say goodbye,” she points behind me to where the woman who will no longer invade my dreams stands, watching us with a blush on her face.

I’m not sure if I caused it, but at least her eyes looked embarrassed by her actions.

Good.

She whispers something to Gretchen, and she stiffens. They both glance my way and then my date runs out of the restaurant, leaving me staring after her. What the hell just happened? I stomp over to the city bitch and grab her wrist to stop her from trying to escape.

“What did you say to her?” She turns sparkling eyes full of mischief, and I’m mesmerized by the swirls of browns and yellows in the amber orbs.

“Oh, just gave her a friendly word of advice from one woman to another.” She leans in to whisper in my ear the same way I did to her last night.

“Seems I may or may not have overheard you mention a bug problem as you walked out of the bathroom.” I push her away.

“YOU TOLD HER I HAD CRABS?” The sound of silverware dropping echoes in the now very quiet restaurant.

All eyes are on us.

“And you just confirmed it to the entire town. I really hope Serenity’s residents aren’t the gossiping type.” She spins away and leaves me, staring at the spot she just vacated.

“Fucking shit.” I storm outside, but all I see are her taillights as she leaves the parking lot.

My phone rings in my pocket, and I groan when I see Ma’s name on my screen.

“Red?” She says my name like a question, and I pinch the bridge of my nose, wondering how on Earth it only took her three minutes to hear about the scene I just caused.

“It ain’t true, Mama, I swear.” What am I, a toddler?

I’m a grown thirty-three-year-old man who should not have to justify being a clean, responsible adult.

“The reverend’s wife seems to think otherwise. This is going to make Sundays really awkward.” Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

“What am I supposed to do? Get tested and post it on the city bulletin board?” I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth.

“Or stop sticking your dick in every woman that walks by you. That might actually allow you to find one worthy of marrying. I raised you better than this, Fredrick Allen.” Well, shit.

“Yes, Ma’am.” She hangs up on me, and I hang my head.

“So, no crabs?” I turn to see my baby brother Easton leaning on the restaurant, smoking a cigarette behind me.

“Fuck, how’d you find out?” He lifts his phone to show me the family text thread.

“Bobbielyn asked Eliza when she heard it from Gretchen. I read it while I was on my way to pick up dinner. Who the hell did you piss off now?” I look up at the sky and let out a long, deep breath.

Yet again, I have no name for her beautiful face, and I doubt my libido will allow me to sleep tonight, wondering what it is.

“I wish I knew.” His chuckle makes me look back at him.

“You’re smitten,” he slaps my shoulder and walks into the restaurant.

Is that what this feeling is?

I’m still standing in the same spot, evaluating what he said when he returns with two bags full of food. He raises an eyebrow at me with concern, but I wave him off.

I want to have this existential crisis alone.

Chapter Six

CAMILA

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