Camden's Redemption (Gloves Off #4)(6)
“Let’s hope so,” I said. “Because if not, nothing’s going to stop me from kicking his ass.”
Jason grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator and held it up. “Well, here’s to hoping he doesn’t so I can watch you murder him. Maybe you should try to make him jealous tonight. Erickson’s keeping watch over Camden so you’re free to do whatever the hell you want. What ya say?”
I poured me some more wine and we toasted. “I say that’s a good idea. It’s been too long since I’ve had any fun.”
“B, YOU ABOUT ready? The guys are already at the bar waiting on us,” Jason shouted from the living room.
Taking a deep breath, I let it out and twirled in front of the mirror. The guys were going to get an eyeful tonight. The red dress I wore hugged all my curves and flared out at the hip. It was short and showed off my legs. It dipped pretty low too, but I had my hair loose in golden waves down my back. Hopefully, Blake would see what he missed. I wasn’t the same ol’ boring Brooke anymore. I could be carefree and spontaneous.
My red heels clanked across the hardwood floors as I sauntered down the hall. When I got into view, Jason’s eyes went wide. “Holy shit,” he exclaimed. “I had no idea you could pull something like that off. You don’t even look like yourself.”
Smiling, I glanced down at my dress. “Yeah, well, that’s what spending months at the beach will do. Let’s go get into some trouble.”
After he finished his beer, I followed him out and locked the door behind us. He started down the hall, but I stood there, staring at Camden’s door. It was my first night not keeping watch over him. I’d done it for so long, it felt strange not being around him.
“He’s still in there,” Jason whispered. “Now come on. You’re off tonight, remember?” He pressed the button for the elevator and when we got on, the door to Camden’s condo opened.
My heart stopped the moment he stepped out into the hall. His blue eyes focused on mine and I froze. It was the first time I’d really looked at him head on and I couldn’t turn away, at least not until the elevator doors closed. I wonder where he’s going.
“He’s never seen you before has he?” Jason asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t think so. I did pretty good staying hidden. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know. I guess it was the way he looked at you.”
“Trust me,” I replied, “that boy looks at everything with a vagina.”
Once off the elevator, I linked my arm with his as we exited the building and started down the road toward the bar. “So tell me what’s been going on while I’ve been away. You dating anybody?” I asked him.
A small smirk splayed across his lips. “Not exactly. I’m enjoying being non-exclusive at the moment.”
“Ah, so you’re pulling a Blake, is that it?”
“Fuck no. I’m not like that cocksucker. These girls know up front I don’t want anything serious. One day I’ll settle down, but I’m not ready for that.”
I was starting to wonder if any man was ready to settle down. They all wanted their cake and to eat it too, including the ice cream. It was seven o’clock and the bar was already packed. Jason knew the owner so we were always allowed to walk inside and make ourselves comfortable. It was after hours when the fun really began. Not only were there pool tables in the main building, but there were more in the basement, along with a couple of card tables. I was known to dominate those tables.
Jason opened the door and as soon as I walked inside, whistles erupted from the bar. It just so happened it was some of the guys from the department. “Hot damn, B,” Gabe shouted. “You look sexy as hell tonight.”
Smiling from ear to ear, Gabe Mitchell—one of my closest friends on the force—slid off his bar stool and approached with open arms. Everyone was there, including Blake who stared at me like a wolf hunting its prey. There was no way in hell I was going to fall for his tricks again. Gabe had on his usual attire: jeans, cowboy boots and a plaid button down shirt. He was in his early thirties with ash brown hair, chocolate colored eyes and a short trimmed beard.
Scooping me in his arms, he held me tight. “We’ve missed you, B. How ya been?”
He squeezed me so hard I could barely catch my breath. “Oh, I can’t complain, other than not being able to breathe.” When he set me down, I sucked in a gulp of air. “It’s good to be back though.” It was a lie, but I had to put on a good face.
“We’ve all missed you, that’s for sure.”
Taking my hand, he led me to the bar and before Blake could take the seat beside me, Jason beat him to it with a smug smile on his face. The owner, Peter Simkus, winked at me and set out three shot glasses. He was my brother’s best friend and my sister’s crush for years. He was a good looking man with shaggy auburn hair and a bright smile. I always thought him and my sister would hit it off. He was devastated when she died.
“What’ll it be, sweetheart? It’s on the house.”
“You’re not trying to get me drunk so these guys can beat me in pool, are you?”
He beckoned me closer with his finger, keeping his gaze on something over my shoulder. “Actually,” he whispered, “I’ve been told to up my charm tonight. It appears we need to make a certain someone jealous. And judging by the way he’s glaring at me, I’d say it’s working.”