Page 42 of Denim & Diamonds

“Well, I hate being out of control. It’s why I don’t drink much very often. But last night, as I explained, I had my reasons.”

“Your reason, as you admitted, is that you were jealous.” I winked.

“Can you blame me?” He exhaled. “But I shouldn’t have handled myself that way.”

“Well, I’m happy you heeded my advice about kissing me when you were sober.”

“How could Inottake advantage of that?” His expression darkened. “I hope I’m the only man who’s gotten to do that in the past twenty-four hours.”

My smile faded. “Nothing happened with Tobias, Brock. I told you, we hate each other.”

“So what did he want? You didn’t elaborate last night.”

“He wanted what you can probably imagine he wanted.”

“Actually, hetoldme what he wanted when he stopped by my bar. Idiot couldn’t even try to play it off like he had a more legitimate reason to come to see you.”

“He didn’t get very far. I met him down in the lobby and basically sent him on his merry way. I didn’t invite him, and he shouldn’t have come here.”

Brock gritted his teeth. “What made him think that was a good idea whenhewas essentially the reason you ended up here? That’s inconsiderate.”

“He’s indirectly the reason I’m here, I suppose, yeah. But I have to take accountability.” I sighed. “But Tobias is egotistical and thinks the world revolves around him.”

He drew in his brows. “Why did you even like a guy like that?”

“I never liked him as a person. It was just… Well, you know what it was about. It was more of a rebellion than anything else.”

“Yeah, but that gets old, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, but the beauty of messing around with someone like Tobias is that you don’t have to worry about getting your heart broken.”

Brock nodded. “Okay, I guess I can understand that.”

“I’m not interested in him, Brock. I’m not interested in anyone but you at the moment, and that really sucks for me.”

“You’ve gone from the Plaid Suit to Plaid Shirt? Is that what you’re saying?”

I giggled. “Plaid Shirt is most definitely my thing, yes.”

He flashed the most gorgeous smile as he pulled on my shirt. “Look, I know you’re not gonna be in Meadowbrook much longer, but I would like to spend the rest of your spare time here getting to know you better. At the same time, I don’t want to hinder your recovery or distract you from the reason you came to town in the first place. So I need you to direct me as to what you’re up for.”

“Well, most of my treatment is during the day. As you know, my obligations end when the sun goes down. Seeing as though there’s nothing I love more than sneaking out to see you, there’s no reason we can’t continue that.”

“All right. Got it. No more daytime kidnapping.” He grinned. “But how about dinner at my place tonight?”

“You’re actually inviting me to yourapartment? This is huge,” I teased.

“Is that good with you?”

“Absolutely. I’ve missed it since my accidental sleepover.”

“Text me when you’re able to get away so I can come get you. No more walking on the road at night. Those days are over. You hear me?”

“Yes, Grumpy.”

He groaned and pulled me to him, enveloping my lips with his and kissing me passionately. Then, without another word, Brock reluctantly pulled away and left.

The one benefit to Tobias’s visit was that it had lit a fire under Brock, and I was totally down for that.