Page 59 of The Renter

45

Inavigate through the crowd in Kent’s home on the hunt for a glass of champagne while Adam catches up with some guy.

I have a boyfriend.It’s fucking crazy that I’ve never had arealboyfriend. Sorin was a lot of things, but a real boyfriend, nope. He was danger and hot sex. He was immaturity fueled by drugs and alcohol.

In high school and college, I mostly stayed away from boys. I was so focused on getting out of Wisconsin and making something of myself. For the last three years, I’ve been all consumed by Shirts. That was my sole focus.Is it sad that I’m twenty-five and this is my first real boyfriend?

I feel a buzz from the drinks and check out everyone in their costumes.I belong in this place this time around.Overall, this is the best evening of my life.

“We should stop meeting like this.” Declan smirks as he walks up to me.

“For a sober guy, you sure spend a lot of time around bars,” I shoot back, noticing his white dress shirt is from Shirts. That catches me off guard. I would have remembered seeing his name on an order, but I never did. He has the sleeves rolled up, exposing his forearm tattoos. With a navy vest over the shirt anda pocket watch chain as an accessory, he looks the fucking part, down to the way his blond hair is styled. I hate how hot and tall and brooding he is.

My memory flashes to the first time I saw him before I knew who he was. I can’t believe I called dibs on him when he walked into the bar that night. Shaking my head, I think about how fast I dismissed the bartender’s warning that he was trouble and how, before we exchanged any words, I was very interested in him. I recall his voice from that night. “What would happen if I kissed you right now?” I was so frustrated with Sorin and was completely ready to fuck him. But it was all a game. Declan knew exactly who I was and what I meant to Sorin. That’s why he went to the bar that evening. To mess with me and to mess with Sorin.

Emotions flood to the surface as I feel the phantom slap on my cheek when Sorin picked me up from the bar. The chaos that I was involved in. The pawn I played between the brothers. Summer 2017 was such a cluster fuck. This summer, it’s literally the polar opposite.

“Sorin knows he’s a dead man if he sees you again,” Declan whispers so only I can hear. The protective edge in his tone nearly sends me into a tailspin. All of this was too familiar.

“So, nothing’s changed with you.” I scoff. Yet, I’m unable to deny how relieving that is to hear. What’s not relieving though, is my attraction to him. His appearance, the fitted white shirt hugging his muscular frame, the tailoring of his pants. It all brings back a flood of memories from the last time I was here, at this party.

“I could say the same thing about you.”

Raising my champagne glass, I offer a mock toast, taking a sip as his eyes remain fixed on mine.

“Call me when you’ve grown out of this,” he growls, and I hear the longing in his voice.

“Like I still have your number.” However, I’ve never been able to delete it.

“What I said before still stands.” His words paralyze me. “I only fuck sober”replays in my mind. He said it at this party five years ago.

“I have a boyfriend,” I declare, a defensive edge to my voice, while I stuff down the memory of him trailing his hand up my leg in a room not far from here.

“You have a distraction.” His gaze lingers on me with a challenging intensity.

“Fuck you, Declan!” My words pierce through the music, drawing the attention of nearby partygoers. I don’t care who hears. I need to assert myself. “Why do you think you get a say in my life?” I challenge, the volume of my voice increasing by the second.

He steps toward me, his proximity making my breath catch. “Fuck me for always wanting the best for you,” he growls. The frustration in his eyes is so apparent.

We stand there, locked in a moment of heated confrontation, the air thick with emotions.

“I’m anxiously awaiting the day you grow out of this.” His voice cuts through me, leaving a stinging mark. I chug my champagne, my actions screaming defiance.

Shoulder-checking him, I make my way toward the bathroom, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

“Dani, I care about you.” His voice follows me. “I’ve always cared about you.”

“Breaking a guy’s legs and giving me a shit ton of hush money is a real romantic story,” I snap. “I’m with Adam now anyways.”

Declan shakes his head, clenching his jaw.

“He knows about the Bitcoin you gave me and what Sorin did to me. We don’t have secrets.”

Declan continues to look at me like I’m some simpleton before saying, “Now that your brain is fully formed. I’m letting you know I’m an option.”

“Says the guy that never texted me back,” I snap. He closes his eyes, shaking his head in frustration. “I’m off the market and very happy.”

“If you’re so happy, why have you finished off a bottle of champagne tonight?” His accusation hangs in the air.