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Mollie rolled her eyes before they landed back on Lucas. He was good-looking. Tall with blond hair. As far as I knew, he was a decent guy. He was someone I could see her with.
Lucas and I had never had an issue, but I’d never hated him more than when the thought of him and Mollie crossed my mind.
And with the way she stared, it might not have been all in my head.
“Let’s go talk to Mark,” I said, and grabbed her arm to get her to the bar. People turned as we walked, and I stared only at my destination, refusing to face the shock that had to be on their faces.
We made it to the bar, where the owner, Mark, was passing out drinks—mostly beers—to the people waiting. When he turned to us, he did a double take.
“What can I—holyshit.Cain?”
“Yep,” I said.
“And ...” His eyes slid next to me. “Wait, you’re Mollie.”
“Hi,” she said brightly. “Nice to meet you.”
“I’ve seen people talking about you in the Facebook group,”he said, shaking her hand. “I’m Mark. The owner of this fine place. First drink’s on the house.”
“Oh, um, what do you recommend?”
“Hm, for a gal like you? Maybe a cosmo?”
“Can I get it without alcohol please?” she asked.
“Sure,” he replied. “Cain, what about you?”
“Water,” I said, and I caught another stray elbow from Mollie. Her pointed look was clear. “Please.”
Mark turned and got our glasses.
“Do you always physically attack the man you’re dragging to bars?” I asked as I rubbed my ribs.
“Only the ones who have no manners.”
“I opened your car door.”
“Next time, do it with a smile.”
“So,” Mark said as he put our drinks down. “Mollie, how are you liking it so far?”
“It’s great here! Other than one individual”—she pointed at me— “everyone’s been nice.”
Mark laughed. “Yeah, he’s like that.”
I tensed. He was really going to say it right in front of me? Mollie caught it.
“Luckily he’s notallbad,” she added.
“Sure.” Mark shrugged. “Already got her coming to your defense, huh?”
“Someone has to,” she said, giving me an out. I was grateful for it.
But I wondered if she already regretted bringing me here.
Mark watched us with a smile. I knew that look. He was already planning a Facebook post about this.
And I could see it now. Everyone would say she’s too good for me, that I had stolen her somehow from the hordes of other available men in town who could do better.