Page 47 of The Lilac River

Gunner gave me a long, assessing look. "You sure you’re over her?"

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. Because she sank the eight ball just then, and her laugh, the one that used to unravel me like thread, filled the bar.

And I knew.

I wasn’t over a damn thing.

I needed air. I needed to leave. Most of all, I needed to stop wanting the one woman who was no longer mine.

Chapter 19

Caught in the Middle – A1

Lily

As I waited for Cassidy to grab her purse, the press of bodies inside Downtown made it hard to move. I stepped back, bumping into someone.

"Hey, watch it," a familiar voice said, and when I turned, Forester Bridge was standing there, grinning at me like we were old friends.

"Sorry," I said, sharp and curt, already stepping aside. I didn’t need this tonight. I didn’t needhim.

But Forester moved with me, crowding too close, his breath heavy with beer. "Well would you look at who it is. You look good, Lily. Real good. How you doing?"

“Good thanks, Forester. How about you?” I looked over his shoulder to see Cassidy was chatting to someone and Forester’s equally asshole-ish brother, Maddox was staring at her lasciviously.

“Great. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink and we can catch up.” His eyes roamed over my body, stopping at my lips for a beat before moving down to my boobs.

It appeared he was just as much a douche as he’d been in high school.

“We’re done for the night. Thanks anyway.”

“Ah, come on Lil, don’t be boring. You and your friend come have a drink with me and Maddox.” He placed a hand on the wall, right next to my head, caging me in and when he leaned in all I could smell was sour whisky. “I always did have a thing for you, but seeing as the star man got there first.” He shrugged and glanced over to the table where Nash and his brother sat. “Sure, would piss him off wouldn’t it if we hooked up tonight.”

“I don’t think so and in any case,” I pushed against his chest, “we won’t be hooking up. Good to see you and everything Forester, but like I said I’m done for the night.”

As I moved away he grabbed my wrist, pulling me back. “Don’t be so boring. Live a little. You know you want to.” His eyes were back staring at my boobs. “I think you’ve always wanted to.”

I opened my mouth, ready to shut him down with words which probably weren’t very nice, when an arm went around my waist. Firm and unyielding, it pulled me back against a solid chest. I was about to protest when I recognized the heat, the firmness and the cologne.

Nash.

His voice was low and dangerous, vibrating against my spine. "Walk away, Forester."

Forester huffed a laugh. "Just talking, man. Chill."

"You don’t talk to her," Nash said, voice flat and lethal. "Not now. Not ever. You certainly don’t look at her like thateveragain."

The room around us faded. All I could feel was the heavy weight of Nash at my back, the protective cage of his body, the way he made me feel... like I was his to defend.

And for a second, just one, I almost let myself lean into it.

But then the anger flared, hot and immediate as I remembered his words in the back hallway. The things he’s accused me of. I didn’t need saving. Not from Forester. Not from anyone. Certainly not byhim.

Forester threw up his hands and stumbled back into the crowd. Nash didn’t say anything. He didn’t even look at me.

His hand fell away from waist like I’d burned him.

And that was it. No apology. No explanation. Just Nash, furious and silent, acting like he still had a right to step into my life whenever he pleased.

---