Page 59 of Can't Get Over You
“The boss of booty calls?” Finlay added, though really, her heart ached for her friend’s grief. “I’m sorry, honey.”
“Yeah, well. Let’s just say lesson learned. I’m not ready to date, and the only thing that matters is my baby. The worst thing I can do is crash out over some guy. I’m going to focus on what matters—growing my business and being a good mom. That’s more than enough.”
“It’s absolutely enough,” Ava said.
“Ugh, look at me,” Eloise said. “I’m supposed to be the designated driver, and I’m drunk.”
“Don’t you worry about it. We’ve got this.” Finlay knew Wild Billy’s had a Safe Ride Home program. She’d ask the server about it when they got the next round.
Turned out, she didn’t need to do that because, minutes later, Wyatt and Boone strode over, parting the crowd like movie stars with their intensely masculine swagger. There was something so deliciously naughty about these men. Sure, they were gorgeous and fit, but it was their don’t-give-a-damn attitude that captured everyone’s attention.
They were so self-contained, like they didn’t need anybody but each other, and people couldn’t help wanting to break into the inner circle. Of course, few ever made it, but what a validation it was to be included if you were deemed cool enough.
“Looks like you ladies need rides home.” Boone flashed his signature smile to Eloise that let her know all the dirty ways he’d used women.
It had the intended effect because she gave him a disgusted look. He was, after all, the reason her husband had become a hotshot.
“Oh no, I’m fine. I can call a cab.” The moment Ava stood, she swayed, grabbing for the table.
Wyatt got a grip on her arm and pulled her chair out farther. “I got you.” Before he led her off, he said, “Stay put. Someone’s coming for you two.”
“That’s okay,” Willa said. “We’re right across the street.”
Jude appeared, his tall form looming over the table. “I’ve got them.”
Her sharp intake of breath at the sight of him sounded like an explosion in her ears. She was certain the entire bar heard her reaction to this hot, sexy man. “No need.” Finlay’s tone came out a little haughtier than intended. “We’re staying at the inn.”
“Good,” he said. “Then it’ll be quick, and I can get back to work.”
“We can walk ourselves across the town square.”Oof. Do you have to sound like a prim schoolmarm?
“It’s ski season,” he said. “The town’s full of assholes looking for trouble. I’m walking with you.”
They heard a shriek and turned to see Eloise flying into the air and flopping over Boone’s shoulder. As he carried her off, she said, “I hate you.”
“Yeah, keep it that way.” Without a glance back, the youngest McKenna hauled their friend out of the bar.
She gazed up at Jude.What was that about?
Instead of answering, he had a grip on both their arms. That turned out to be a good idea, since she found it harder to walk in a straight line than she’d expected. In fact, her brain was floatingin a sea of alcohol. “How much did I drink?” she asked, mostly to herself.
“You had three cocktails,” Jude said.
How did he know that? “Yeah, but they’re mostly fruit.”
“And coconut rum.”
He didn’t know about the wine coolers. “I like rum.” She tried to make an “mmm” sound—like something was tasty. Instead, it came out sounding suggestive. As if she’d said,“I like it doggy style.”
“You just like the fruit juice.”
“I do.” She grinned, mostly happy that he couldn’t hear her thoughts about him taking her from behind as he led her across the crowded bar.
Jude pushed the door open, and they stepped outside.
Ice-cold air stung her cheeks and made her eyes water, and she moved behind Jude’s big, solid body. She pressed her face to his back and couldn’t resist squeezing his biceps. “You’re such a manly man.”
Thankfully, he ignored her, stepping off the curb and heading across the street. Instead of going through the park, he guided them on the sidewalk that framed it.
