Page 15 of Wicked Flirt
Hailey turned to Mad. “Will you please watch Rose? I’m heading to Josh’s place. I’ll be back shortly.”
Mad’s brown eyes were wide as she took Rose. “You’re actually going to his place?”
Hailey nodded, her expression grim.
“One minute,” Josh said. He hustled back to the kitchen and returned with a guy, who took his place behind the bar. Then Josh walked over to stand by Hailey’s side, offering his arm in a gentlemanly gesture that she ignored. Rose began her warning growl and Mad quickly backed away to quiet Rose down.
Hailey looked up at Josh. “I will now restore your rep for my part of the truce.”
“No—” Josh started.
Hailey then announced in a voice that could be heard for miles, or at least to all of the local women who’d shown up for ladies’ night. “Attention, everyone! I’m going to Josh’s den of sin. He’s completely cured of any and all problems, and I can’t wait.” Her tone and expression were closer to a woman going to her execution than about to go to a gorgeous man’s place. Hailey lifted her chin, the picture of bravery in the face of her impending doom. “We’ve declared a truce and are now on good friendly terms.”
The bar fell silent, everyone staring at them curiously.
Josh gave her a wry look. “You done?”
Hailey nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I think that worked.”
Josh shook his head. “It’s not a den of sin and I’m not the devil. I live in a humble one-bedroom apartment.”
Hailey smiled a little, her first real smile of the night. Lexi exchanged a relieved look with her friends. “I always pictured you in a brothel.”
Josh laughed. “I always pictured you in a mansion.” He offered his hand. “Friends?”
Everyone held their breath.
Hailey slowly extended her hand and shook his hand in one firm up-and-down motion before quickly dropping it.
Josh inclined his head toward the door. “It’s a short drive. Come on.”
They all turned to watch them go. Josh walked ahead to hold open the door. Hailey walked with her head held high, looking very much like the beauty queen she used to be.
As soon as the door shut behind them, Lexi spoke into the silence. “Holy shit!”
“Pigs must be flying in hell today!” Mad crowed, which made everyone laugh.
Everyone started speculating on how long this truce between Hailey and Josh would last. Of course everyone hoped for the best, but their history was pretty rocky. They really did push each other’s buttons.
A half hour later, the door opened and they all turned to find Josh walking in alone.
“Where’s Hailey?” Lexi asked.
“She walked home,” Josh said, slinking behind the bar.
Lexi immediately texted Hailey to find out that she was indeed home.Are you okay?
The group text went mad with a flurry of texts asking what happened.
Hailey replied simply,I’m home and I’m fine. Goodnight.
Mad marched up to the bar and got in Josh’s face. “Nice going! She’s so upset she forgot her dog!”
“I tried—”
“Try harder!” Mad barked. Rose barked too.
Josh shoved a hand in his hair and stalked to the other side of the bar.
