Page 107 of Huckleberry Hill
“Go,” I urged.
“I’m not going to ditch you.”
“The whole point of going out with you was to get you some action. You can’t get action if you stay by my side all night. We drove separately for a reason. You’re a free agent.”
“You’re a good friend.” He finished off his drink and set the empty pint down. “You sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay.” He grinned. “Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need luck. But maybe put a little more swagger into your walk. Girls like swagger.”
“You should teach a class. Okay, here I go.” He saluted me and then headed in the direction of the blonde.
I watched him approach her, smiling when she nodded and stood up from the booth where she sat with a group of friends and went to the pool table with him.
Wade had called in the morning, asking if I wanted to venture out for a little jaunt in the next town over from Huckleberry Hill. I’d agreed. Mostly to get my mind off Declan and the fact that we hadn’t spoken since the previous night when I walked out of his cabin.
I hadn’t been able to turn my brain off—especially after the late-night conversation I’d had with my friends and sister. When Salem had asked me if I was falling for Declan, I’d hung up and turned my phone off.
Mature? No.
Self-protective? Yes.
I was staring into my pint of cider when Wade came back to the bar, the blonde a few steps behind him.
“Hey,” he said. “I’m buying a round. You want another drink?”
I shook my head. “I’m good.”
Wade reached back and grabbed the blonde’s hand and pulled her up. “This is Chelsea. Chelsea, this is my friend from high school, Hadley.”
“Nice to meet you,” Chelsea said with a genuine smile. “Do you want to play pool with us?”
“Oh, that’s okay,” I said, returning her smile. “You guys have fun. I’m probably going to leave after this drink.”
“Stay,” he said, though his tone lacked any force behind it.
I held in a smile. “We’ll see.”
Wade turned his attention to the bartender and Chelsea blocked the view of the doorway. I dug into the pocket of my hoodie and extracted my cell. No missed calls or texts.
Sighing, I shoved my phone back into my pocket and slouched down. I wanted to make sure Wade and Chelsea were Velcroed before I left, but I was ready to get into a pair of sweats, chow down on chocolate, and watch a movie.
“If you change your mind, come find us,” Wade said, handing a glass to Chelsea.
The door to the bar opened, momentarily pulling my attention. My eyes widened when I recognized the broad shoulders in a flannel shirt and leather motorcycle jacket.
“Hadley?” Wade asked.
My mouth dropped open in surprise as Declan swaggered toward the bar and came to stand between me and Chelsea.
“What are you doing here?” I demanded.
Declan didn’t reply. He placed his arm across my shoulder and pulled me to him before looking at Wade and then Chelsea.
“Hey, Declan,” Wade greeted, a knowing smile blooming across his lips. “This is Chelsea.”
