Camden's Redemption (Gloves Off #4)(22)

“Long time no talk,” I answered.

“Sorry, B. Been a little busy out here in California. How’ve you been?”

“I can’t complain. Life’s been a lot simpler since I decided to take some time off.”

“I hear ya. Are you playing pool with the guys tonight?”

“Nope. My ass is going to stay home and watch a movie. I’m pretty sure Cam will be at the bar tonight and I don’t want to have to deal with that.”

“You know he talks about you . . . a lot. He’s never been like this over anyone. Apparently, he’s thwarted every attempt your brother’s tried to get him to f*ck someone else.”

Anger boiled in my veins. “What?” I snarled. How could Jason do that? He knew I had feelings for Camden.

“Yep, he turned them all down. Jameson has never done that.” He sighed. “Do you want to know the reason why I wanted you on the case?”

“Because you trained me and I’m the best at spotting danger. I’m like Buffy when she gets those cramps when the vamps are near.” In my head, I could envision him shaking his head.

“Whatever you say, B. But no, that’s not the reason. You and Jameson have a lot in common.”

“I don’t need a new friend. And I definitely don’t need you playing matchmaker.”

“Let’s get something straight, I don’t play matchmaker. I’m trying to help you both.”

Sitting down on my couch, I turned off the TV and sighed. “I don’t want to get hurt again. And you and I both know Camden is known for hurting people. I mean, I know that he’s trying to change, I don’t want to get attached and then not be enough. I wasn’t enough for Blake.”

“Fuck Blake. He’s lucky I haven’t kicked him off the team. Just do me a favor and go to the bar tonight. I got your brother involved with something and I want you to be there. Apparently, Camden’s been pretty antsy without being in the ring.”

Eyes wide, I held the phone closer. “What did you do?”

He laughed. “Go and find out.”

After we hung up the phone, I sat on the couch and stared at the TV. I wanted to go, but yet I didn’t. Getting up from the couch, I groaned and stalked off toward my room. I am so going to regret this.





Now that I wasn’t living just two blocks from the bar, I had to drive. That didn’t really bother me considering I had to play pool sober in order to kick everyone’s asses. I had tried to do it drunk one time and lost two hundred dollars. That was a mistake I vowed never to make again. I told myself I wasn’t going to get dressed up for the evening, but who was I kidding. I flat ironed my hair and put on a flowing green top with a pair of shorts and sandals.

It was a little after seven when I walked into the bar. I thought everyone would be in there drinking and having a good time, but I didn’t see anyone. Even Peter wasn’t behind the bar. One of the girls who worked for him was; her name was Crystal and she had short brown hair and blue eyes. The guys loved her. She had a glowing smile on her face when I approached.

“It’s about time you got here. Everyone’s waiting on you.”

“Are they downstairs? Usually they have a few drinks first,” I mentioned.

“Oh, they’re having drinks,” she laughed. “Peter’s down there bartending for them. I think Gabe’s chomping at the bit for a game. He’s been practicing while you were gone.”

“Has he gotten any better?” I asked.

She snorted. “Hardly. Maybe if he’d stop drinking and try to play he’d do okay. Those guys just don’t learn.”

“Tell me about it. I work with them. Has my brother arrived yet?”

Her smile brightened. “Oh yeah, and he has a friend with him too. He has a body to die for. I’d give anything to have that for a night.”

A pang of jealousy knotted in my stomach. I liked Crystal, but she wasn’t going to get anywhere near Camden. “I’ll have to check him out,” I said. Not wasting any more time, I started toward the back hall leading to the basement door.

“Oh, and Brooke,” she called.

I glanced back over my shoulder. “Yeah?”

“Blake’s down there and I heard him talking to Erickson. He’s going to challenge you to a pool match. I’m sure you can guess what his terms are going to be.”

“Well, I guess I’m going to have to beat him then.”

“Good luck.”

I was going to need it. Blake and I were the best pool players out of everyone in our department. I lost to him once and spent the whole night at his mercy. At the time, I’d enjoyed it, but now if he even attempted to bargain something like that, I would kick his ass.

“Thanks for the heads up.” Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and started down the stairs. The music was so loud, you couldn’t even hear the commotion coming from down there. It got louder the farther down I went. Shouts erupted and there were sounds of flesh hitting flesh. Was someone fighting?

Taking the steps two at a time, I rushed down and almost tripped on the last one. When I caught myself, I couldn’t believe my eyes. No one was at the pool tables. They were all surrounding something at the far end of the room. A flash of blond hair and tattoos caught my attention so I rushed up to the crowd and pushed my way through.