Ask Me Why(20)

“Are you yanking my chain?”

“I wouldn’t bullshit about that.”

“All right, thanks. I appreciate it, man.”

I pull my eyes away, scanning a row of framed black and white candid images hanging along the brick wall. I study the face of one woman, captured in laughter, and she morphs into Braelyn. What the fuck? I groan and scrub over my eyes.

Jordan leans closer. “What’s your issue, Stone?”

“Oh, nothing. Just dealing with a few brutal cases.”

“The best cure is getting balls deep in a woman. Heaven in heels over there isn’t getting your cock hard, but there’s plenty of other options. Need me to be your wingman?”

Not this again. “Stellar advice coming from the guy who doesn’t follow suit. I’ll pass.”

Jordan leans an elbow on the bar. “No need to slay the messenger. What’s wrong with sweeping a woman away to Paris and confessing my devotion?”

I make a gagging sound. “Everything is wrong with that statement. Way too complicated and messy. You sound like a bad hallmark movie.”

“I’m more of a hopeful romantic.”

“You’re a fucking sap,” I mutter.

“Don’t get your pubes in a twist. One of us has to keep the faith alive.”

“Guess that’s the difference between working with business mergers compared to failed marriages.”

He sits up straight. “You chose that path.”

“With zero regrets.”

“I know Veronica destroyed your—”

“Don’t start on her again. She’s ancient history. The only good she gave was Ollie, and that witch couldn’t care less. She never even held him. What kind of person doesn’t want to cradle their baby?” The beer is loosening my tongue, but this man already knows all the hell Ollie’s mother put me through. Shit, he was there for most of it. He probably sees straight into my black soul.

“Yeah, that sucks hairy nutsacks. But if she had any interest, you’d be tied to her forever. That would’ve been a fucking disaster.” A tremor passes through him. “Thank the Lord for small miracles.”

“I’d consider that more of a jackpot. And I get the prize all to myself.”

Jordan rings an imaginary bell. “Winner, winner.”

I shift my weight. “Let’s be real, I was screwed up before Veronica twisted the knife.”

“She was a final blow.” He whistles, and mimics a bomb detonating and exploding.

I nod at his gesture. “Exactly.”

“But you can get back up. Fight for love, man.”

My scoff is a hollow echo. “I’m not drinking wine, Jordy. Cheese isn’t necessary.”

“You’re too cynical.”

“And you’re a sucker.”

He doesn’t deny it. “We’ll see who ends up on top.”

“I’ll leave marriage and happily ever after to you.”

Jordan smirks. “You’re so kind. But for real, you’re suddenly not interested in getting your dick wet. Should I be concerned?”

“Nah, I’m taking a little hiatus. I’ll be back in fine form once Don finally makes a decision.”

He jabs my arm. “You’ve got this in the bag. Half the firm will walk out if he chooses anyone else. That’d be a stupid move. Doesn’t matter how intimidated he is.”

“You’re my biggest cheerleader.”

“I prefer coach, thanks. And since you brought him up, how’s the pops doing?”

I scratch at the stubble on my jaw. “Retired. Playing golf on the daily. Has three girlfriends. Living the dream.”

“Sounds rough. He’s my hero.”

“Yeah, I’m glad he’s soaking in the luxury. That man deserves a medal for dealing with my mom all those years. Fucking unbelievable we all survived.” My stomach quakes, but I bury that shit. Like always. “I’m going to take Ollie down to visit. Bet my dad will love it.”

He bobs his head, watching me for a moment. “How’s the new kid-sitter?”

My neck almost cracks from the abrupt change in subject. Not that I’m surprised. I made the mistake of mentioning Braelyn after a board meeting last week. Knowing Jordan, he’ll never let this go. I cross my arms and stare him down. “Real funny, asshole.”

“Touchy, touchy. Did she deny your advances?”

I grind my molars. “As if I gave her the option. I wouldn’t touch her wearing a HazMat suit.”

“Oh, shit. She’s really getting to you.”

I automatically tense, my armor clicking into place. “Of course she is. Ollie talks about her incessantly. It’s been two weeks since I’ve had the displeasure of seeing Braelyn, but he still frequents her store at every opportunity. Mary gives in, of course, and obliges him. She feels it’s harmless.”

Jordan lifts his brow. “And what do you think?”

“My opinion is the exact opposite. That woman is trouble.”

“That’s what you say about every chick.”

“She’s worse. I try not to think about how much she bothers me. My skin fucking burns whenever she’s around.”

“Are you sure that’s not the clap?”