When You're Mine (MINE #3)(25)
We were curled up on the sofa, working on our second glass of wine and laughing our asses off. “I was so humiliated, I locked myself in the bathroom for hours. Now every time we’re alone and I bend over to pick something up from the floor, he makes these disgusting noises.”
My belly was hurting and my face ached from laughing so hard. “Oh my God, that’s the funniest shit I’ve ever heard. What made you think you could be married to the man and never fart in front of him? I can’t believe it took this long to happen.”
“If he hadn’t been tickling me, it would’ve never happened.” Maddie looked absolutely horrified.
I laughed harder, wiping tears from the corners of my eyes.
“What’s so funny?” Holden asked as he walked through the front door.
“Girl talk,” Maddie answered quickly, warning me with those big blue eyes to keep my mouth shut as Holden toed off his muddy boots. He made his way over, leaning down gripping the side of Maddie’s neck before kissing her lips. “How was your day, babe?” he asked, gazing into her eyes.
“Good. Yours?”
Grazing his knuckles across her cheek, he smiled. “Better now.”
“Awe, you two are going to make me vomit. Save it for the bedroom.”
Kissing her forehead, he tossed me a wink. “I’m gonna shower.” Holden informed us as he sauntered down the hall, reaching between his shoulder blades to pull his sweaty t-shirt from his back.
“Ugh…I can never stay mad at him.” Maddie sighed, her eyes following him down the hall.
“I can see why.”
“You know, I never thought I would fall for someone like him.” She swung her eyes back to mine. “I always saw myself with someone more… I don’t know… more polished. Refined. Successful. Like Barrett,” A shot of pain ripped through my chest. “But I knew the second I laid eyes on Holden, I would never care if he was any of those things, as long as he was mine.”
Barrett’s blue eyes flashed in my mind and the pain I harbored in my chest worsened. I quickly grabbed the bottle of wine, filling my glass up to the rim. Maybe I could just drink him away.
Yeah, right.
Maddie tilted her head, studying me. “You ok?”
“Fine.”
She leaned in closer, placing a hand on my knee. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m a woman too and I know what fine means.”
“What?”
“Anything but.”
Shit, I should’ve just stayed home tonight.
“Seriously, I’m good.” I lied, desperate to change the subject.
Thankfully, Maddie eased back. She’d known me long enough. She always knew when, and how far to push. One of the many reasons why I loved her so much. I just wish I had the guts to tell her what was really killing me inside.
Archer’s was unlike any bar I’d ever been to. To say it was unique, especially for this area, was an understatement. The dance floor was huge and played everything from Justin Moore to Justin Timberlake. The sleek and modern décor, mixed with a flair of southern style, made it appealing to anyone who walked through the door. Bikers, Suits, Sluts, Blue Collar guys, or Housewives… everyone was welcome here. Tonight, we were in the VIP section above the bar, where we could still hear the band playing, but far enough away we could enjoy each other’s company. Archer had arranged for us to have our own bartender as well as an array of every appetizer on the menu. He’d been very accommodating.
The drinks were going down like water and for the first time in weeks, my thoughts were somewhere other than Barrett. We’d grown quite comfy gathered around this low glass table. Maddie sat cross-legged next to me on the while I had my feet tucked beneath my ass. Katy’s bare feet were propped up on the edge of the table.
“I’m so damn full.” Katy said, rubbing her belly. “I need a nap.”
“What are you naming him?” I asked, taking a sip of my wine.
She looked down at her roaming hands and smiled. “I have no idea. Archer’s middle name is Thatcher and I would love to call him that, but I kinda like the idea of him having something of his own.” She shrugged. “We’ll see.”
Cora plopped down on the sofa next to Katy. “Why are men such dicks?” Cora had been in the far corner on the phone for the last twenty minutes. Now she was on the verge of tears. She was quiet most of the time, but funny as hell when she piped up. I think Maddie told me she was 23, but I swear the girl did not look a day over 17. She was short, maybe 5’4, with the face of an angel and golden blonde hair to match.
Maddie leaned forward, placing her bottle of Bud Light on the coaster in front of her. “Please tell me you ended it with that douche once and for all.” Cora nodded, but Maddie didn’t look convinced. “He doesn’t deserve you. Asshole never did.” Katy brought a hand to Cora’s back and began to rub. Cora sucked down a shaky breath, tears threatening to ruin her perfect makeup. “Fuck him.” she spat before picking up her Jack and coke, downing the entire glass.
Maddie snatched her beer back from the table, raising it high. “Atta girl.”
At that, we all raised our glasses in unison.
“Now, what I wanna know is when you’re gonna mount that mountain, Cannon?”
Cora blushed about ten shades of red before she finally spoke again. “I told you before. We’re just friends.”