Ask Me Why(90)
“Don’t start, Trey. You know I’m right.”
“I’m not saying shit. Just thinking I might use those instead.”
“You’re impossible.”
“That’s the point.”
“What-ev-er,” Addison singsongs while glancing around. “Where’s Jack?”
“Still at the shop.”
“Burning the midnight oil?”
“In more ways than one. Had a rough day.”
She tilts her head and gives me a once-over. “You too?”
“Don’t I always?”
“Meh, I suppose. You’re always a grump so it’s tough to tell the difference.”
“And here I thought we were exchanging pleasantries.”
“You and pleasant will never go together.” Addison hitches a thumb over her shoulder. “Running off that lovely lady is a prime example.”
I grunt and shake my head. “She deserved it for being so desperate.”
She snorts and elbows me. “Why are you such a dick? All that handsome is going to such shameful waste. You need to find someone to treat right.”
Peering at Addison, all toned limbs and tan skin, I consider a quick fuck after all. I grip the cool bottle, picturing her soft flesh giving in to me.
“Why haven’t we ever—”
“No way. I know that look,” she says. “I see you give women those bedroom eyes every Friday night only to watch them turn cold the following morning. I haven’t fallen for them yet and I don’t plan to start.”
Just like that, our breezy banter slams to a halt. Tension strains my shoulders after being cut off. Again. What is it with chicks bulldozing me tonight?
Having Addison call me out does nothing to help my mood, but it’s no surprise she sees straight through me. Although I’ve known her since kindergarten, it still pisses me off. Moments like this make living in a small-town suffocating. There’s nothing and no one new around here. I know useless shit about everyone from Garden Grove, whether I want to or not.
I roll my neck and restore my typical look of indifference. “I never get any complaints. Your loss, Addy.”
Addison shakes her head. “So fucking cocky. I ain’t giving you any ass, but how ‘bout another?” She asks and gestures to my beer.
I grumble, “That’d be great,” without looking back at her.
Addison just stands there so I give in and glance over. Her arms are crossed as she raises a slim brow my way, seemingly waiting for…
“Please,” I grit. The irritation from earlier whooshes in my ears and I’m ready to get gone.
Right after this drink.
She snickers and says, “That’s better. We’ll make a gentleman of you soon.”
“Don’t hold your breath, ma’am.”
Addison gasps and flames rise in her hazel eyes.
Before she digs into me, I add, “Chill out. I’m just fucking with you. But seriously, get back to work. I’m thirsty.”
“You really are an asshole,” she says while patting my cheek with more force than necessary. I’m sure she’d love to slap the shit out of me but won’t risk getting in trouble for it. She shakes her head and turns away, strutting off to serve other waiting customers.
My eyes lock on her swaying hips, losing myself in the rhythm of her movement for a moment. No harm in looking, right?
Sweet-smelling perfume wafts in as the abandoned stool next to me shifts slightly.
“Is this seat taken?”
The notes are soft but rise above the booming noise in the space. The feminine lilt of her voice snakes around before I feel a twisting in my gut. I quickly shove that fluffy shit away. My jaw ticks while I ignore her heavenly scent closing in around me.
“Don’t even bother,” I growl loud enough for her to hear.
“Excuse me?”
Disbelief colors her voice and I can’t help swiveling toward her.
Holy shit.
Bottomless blue eyes greet me, sparkling with fierce emotion. The glittering sapphires are hypnotizing, the type of pull any man would fall victim to.
Except me.