Page 17 of Where We Bloom

“You’re as bossy as your brother.”

Skyla just smiles. “I know.”

The girls leave, and it’s already time to close the store for the day. By the time I get home, I have just over an hour to get ready and meet my friends downtown.

Maybe this won’t be so bad. It’ll be good to see them, have a couple of drinks, and then come home and read for the rest of the night. I can be social.

I can be fun.

And it might take my mind off a certain sexy Irishman.

“Seriously, you aresmokin’ hot,” Alex says as we clink our glasses together. “That dress should come with a warning label that says,I will blow your fucking mind.”

I giggle and look down at the red slip dress. It’s gathered just below my boobs and flows down in a way that hides my tummy and ends just above my knees. It’s held up with spaghetti straps, and it’s the first time I’ve daredto wear it. But it’s perfect for summer, and with my hair up in a twist, it makes me feel sexy.

“So many heads turned when we walked in here,” Skyla agrees as she reaches for some nachos. “You’re getting laid tonight, friend.”

A laugh bubbles through me, and I shake my head. “No. I’m not. But thank you all for the huge boost to my ego. You’re the best friends ever.”

“Of course, we are, but every word is absolutely true,” Dani replies smugly. Our table is full of the appetizer menu, we all have our margaritas, and I have to admit, this really is exactly what I needed. A chance to talk and laugh and hang out with my girls.

“Why is that guy over there chewing on a match?” Alex wants to know. “He’s got it clenched in his teeth like you would a toothpick. What the hell? Does he think it’s cool? Is he prepared in case he has to quickly light something on fire?”

“Stop staring at him.” I smack her arm. “He’ll think you’re interested in him.”

“I want to ask him what his thought process is here because seriously, what the hell?”

“Maybe he’s a pyro.” I shrug.

“Don’t say that,” Dani replies, shaking her head, and I immediately feel bad. Dani’s husband, Bridger, the fire chief and my big brother, had to deal with an arsonist last year, and it was horrible.

“Sorry. Too soon.” I shake my head. “What are you guys reading right now?”

“I’m in my mafia romance era,” Alex says with a sly smile. “I’m consuming all things Neva Altaj.”

“Oh, I’ve heard good things. I need to get more of her stuff in the store.” I nod and turn to Dani. “How about you?”

We spend the next half hour discussing books, and there’s a lull in the music coming from the jukebox, so I stand.

“I’m going to stretch my legs and put some music on,” I inform my friends, who all nod.

“Play some Sidney Sterling,” Dani calls out, and I nod.

The Wolf Den is always busy, especially on a Saturday night, and we’re in the heart of tourist season. Usually, a live band would be playing, but for some reason, there isn’t tonight. That’s okay. The jukebox is just as good in a pinch.

I skirt around a group of guys playing pool and grin when one of them catcalls me. I know, it’s not terribly feminist of me, but it boosts my ego a bit more, and I send them a little wave as I approach the jukebox and plug some cash in.

Once I’ve chosen five songs, I start back to the table, but suddenly, a body stands in front of me.

“Well, hello, gorgeous.”

I’m in heels, which puts me at eye level with this guy. He’s a little drunk, and his eyes are on my tits.

“Excuse me.”

“I’m talking to you.” He reaches out to put his hand on my hip, but I move away, evading him.

“Don’t fucking touch me.”

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