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Bishop threw his hand out to shake. “Hey, man. Ella said you were a friend of hers.”
“I am.” His tone of voice could’ve frozen the Kalahari Desert.
“The name’s Bishop.” His hand remained out.
“Jay,” Ella hissed.
Jay darted his eyes to her then met Bishop’s grip and didn’t say a word. Only then did she realize that in all the time she had dated Jay, they’d never talked about meaningful life outside of work, never talked about growing up, about old flames or whatnot, because the name Bishop would’ve stuck out to Jay, and she would’ve remembered tellinganyoneabout what had happened. But no. If she had realized that before now, it would have been a clue that they were nowhere near as serious as the amount of time they’d spent together would indicate.
“Nice to meet you,” Bishop continued. “Do you want to join us?”
“No.”
“All right, then. You were staring like you wanted an invite.” Now it was Bishop’s turn to change his tone of voice. Though it wasn’t cold, it was a warning. “If you change your mind, walk over and pull up a stool. I’d love to get to know you.”
Jay dropped to his chair as his good-bye. “I’ll see you later, Ella.”
Jeez, Jay.“See you at work.”
Bishop turned them toward the bar, placed his hand on her back, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jay throw cash on the table and leave. “What’s his problem?”
Bishop’s jaw flexed. “That dude is a problem.”
“He’s not used to seeing me around other guys—not that… obviously you’re another guy. I mean—”
“I’m aware how we looked to him.”
“Right.” Bishop gave a hand as she lifted herself onto her barstool, annoyed that Jay had worked his way into her time with Bishop—nothertime with Bishop. What was she thinking? This was not a get-to-know-him-again date. This was food before errands with her brother-like protector. Alpha extraordinaire, who happened to be hot… and nice… and many of the things she remembered from before.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Sure.” She brushed off his question. Bishop hadn’t changed like she had. He’d always been caring; that quality defined him. It might not have been apparent, but she’d had behind-the-stage access. He’d always been the first one to stand up and say something. Judging by his introduction to Jay tonight, that hadn’t changed.
And she vividly remembered Bishop’s lips. Not that his lips had anything to do with who he was or what he had to say. But they were powerful in many,manyways.
His words and kisses had held meaning. They both had the ability to drive her wild. Now his lips were just as full, as pink, and as delicious as she had ever seen. With years of growing up on their side, they were likely more talented than she knew.
A flush ran to her core.
Back on his stool, Bishop was closer than before, and she chose to power down her water rather than concentrate on what it would feel like to kiss him. She pushed her vodka soda glass farther back.
She motioned to the water. “I think I need to order another one of these babies.”
Bishop’s doubtful once-over didn’t earn her a quick drink order. “Or we could wrap up and go deliver your plants.”
“Herbs.”
Bishop’s brows bit together as his stare focused over her shoulder. His hand went possessively to her thigh, and before she could read his face, a harsh hand landed on her shoulder.
“Ella,” Jay snapped.
She twisted to see Jay’s tight face. “What?”
His fingers flexed into her bare skin. “I was checking if you need anything before I leave.”
Ella pulled out of his grip. “No.”
“No,” Jay repeated. He glared at Bishop. “Is this a date?”