Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1)(51)

My God, this f*cking girl is too f*cking beautiful for her own good. The way the light bounces off her blonde hair gives her a glow as she stands in the bright morning sun.

Fucking breathtaking.

Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I kiss her temple before quickly leading her across the street. Holding the door open the moment we reach the front entrance, I usher her inside.

I hear Gavin’s voice boom through the small space within seconds of the door latching closed behind us, pulling my attention to the only occupied table in the far corner of the room.

“He’s alive.” He laughs, grabbing the attention of Kimber as well.

It takes me a moment to realize he’s not alone and even longer to recognize the guy sitting across from him.

“Paxton?” I don’t try to hide the surprise in my voice. “What the hell, dude, I didn’t know you were in town,” I say, making my way towards their table, dragging Kimber along with me.

“It’s good to see you, Deck.” He stands, giving me a one-armed hug. “I actually got in yesterday. You didn’t answer your phone so I had to stay with this asshat.” He laughs, gesturing behind him to Gavin.

“Fuck you, dude,” Gavin jokingly objects.

“And who is this beautiful creature,” he asks, turning his attention to Kimber.

“That’s the girl I was telling you about,” Gavin interjects before I can answer, smiling widely at Kimber who sinks slightly beneath the gaze of all three of us.

“When Gavin told me a woman had finally reeled this one in, I didn’t believe it,” he says, smacking my shoulder. “I gotta say I see why now.” He gives her a warm smile and extends his hand to her. “Paxton Stewart.”

“Kimber James,” she responds, reaching out to shake his hand.

“Well, it is very nice to meet you, Kimber James.” He flicks his gaze towards me for a split second before focusing back on Kimber.

“You, too.” She smiles, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Paxton is one of our friends from high school. He moved to California a couple of years ago,” I explain to Kimber before turning back to Paxton. “How long are in town for?”

“Indefinitely.” He smiles, running a hand through his dark hair.

Out of all of us, Paxton has always been the diva of the group, always making sure his facial hair is well trimmed, his hair perfectly styled, and he never fails to sport the latest ‘in’ look. It’s good to see that some things never change.

“You’re coming back?” I ask surprised, considering he hasn’t mentioned anything about moving back over the last few times I’ve spoken to him.

“Yeah, it’s time,” he confirms.

Not wanting to push the issue at the current moment, I give him an understanding nod and leave it at that. Paxton has had a rough couple of years and if anyone understands that it’s me.

“Gavin said you guys could give me a couple time slots at the bar until I can nail down something more permanent,” he adds on.

“Of course,” I agree. “Paxton plays one hell of an acoustic set,” I explain to Kimber.

“Why don’t you two join us?” Paxton interrupts, gesturing to the table where Gavin is still sitting.

“Let me grab us something to eat first.” I snag Kimber’s hand, giving it a firm squeeze.

“Of course, I can imagine you’ve worked up quite an appetite.” Gavin laughs, raising his eyebrows suggestively at us.

“You’re a dick.” I shake my head, spinning around and walking towards the front counter with Kimber fast on my heels.

****

“So Paxton used to live here, why’d he leave?” Kimber asks, sliding her arm through mine as we finally exit the coffee shop an hour and a half later.

“His mom got sick,” I explain.

“Is she better now, is that why he’s back?”

“She actually died five months ago.”

“That’s awful.” Kimber tightens her grip on my arm.

“It’s good that he’s back, though. This is home to him.”

“So then he was friends with you and Gavin growing up?” she asks.

“More like family really. The three of us have been through a lot together.”

“Can I ask you a question?” She peers up at me just as we stop at the front entrance of the bar. “Did you know Gavin slept with Harlee?” Her question catches me off guard.

“He did?” I question, finding it odd that he wouldn’t tell me something like that if it actually happened.

“A couple of nights after the Halloween party,” she confirms.

“I had no idea,” I answer honestly.

“She really likes him. Apparently the feelings aren’t reciprocated. He’s blown her off ever since.”

“I don’t involve myself in that aspect of his life, Kimber,” I say, knowing that she’s likely looking for an explanation.

“No, I know.” She shakes her head. “I just wasn’t sure if you knew about it.”

“I didn’t.” I wrap my arms around her and pull her into my chest, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. “Do you really have to go home today?” I speak into her hair.

“I have to work this afternoon.” She sighs.