Page 81 of The Rowdy Ones

“Want something to drink?” I ask, dipping my head close to Destiny’s ear so she can hear over all the people talking.

“Whatever you have.”

“Can I leave you here? Will you be safe?”

She grins at me, and fuck, it lights up my soul. “Yes. I’ll be safe.”

I itch to pull her to me and plant a kiss on her lips, but I refrain from doing that. We can kiss all we want later when we’re alone.

After I give her a playful pat on the head, I slip through the crowd and head for the kitchen where the alcohol is located. A man is making a drink, his back to me. I stand beside him and wait my turn. When he glances my way, we both tense.

“Rowdy?”

“Alex.” Dread pools in my stomach, and I automatically cut my eyes around, looking for Evan.

“He didn’t come,” Alex says coolly. “Sorry to disappoint.”

Is he for real right now?

“Not disappointed,” I mutter. “But why didn’t he come with you?”

Alex drains his drink and steps out of my way. “He said he was going to meet up with an old friend. To be honest, I thought he was lying and really wanted to hook up with you. I guess he was telling the truth.”

“Not me. You know we ended badly, right? Years and years ago. We haven’t spoken until recently. I’m not over here pining for him.”

His eyes narrow as he studies me, searching for lies. “Well, I see the way he looks at you, even if you’re not reciprocatingyet. It’s only a matter of time. Evan is smooth.”

“If you don’t trust him, why stay with him?”

He flashes me a crooked grin as he leans close to me. “Because he fucks so good. I’m sure you remember.” His hand clutches my shoulder tight. “It’s in your best interest to forget that, though, because he’s mine.”

“You can have him. I don’t fucking want him, Alex.”

“Then stop texting with him,” he spits out. “I know you two exchanged numbers and I saw him texting with you. If you don’t want to fuck him, then stop communicating with him. You’re not friends. You can’t be friends with an ex. Sorry to break it to you.”

He storms off before I can argue that we are definitely not friends either.

Will I ever crawl out from under Evan’s dark shadow that has stained my life?

There are too many people, too many sounds, too many smells. Rowdy wanted to bring Scout, but Wild didn’t think that was a cool thing to do, so I assured my brother I didn’t need him.

I miss my dog.

He may not be formally trained like Gwen thinks he needs to be, but he’s most definitely my support animal. I think he’s Rowdy’s support animal too since Spirit isn’t around. We both love Scout. Luckily, the twins love him like we do and will keep him entertained while we’re gone.

It’s taking Rowdy a long time to get our drinks and I shift uncomfortably on my feet as I wait for him to return. I’m not sure I’ve ever been anywhere with so many people in the same room at once. It’s overwhelming.

“What are the chances two blind girls show up to the same party? There’s a joke in there somewhere.”

I whip my head toward the sound of the voice and grin. “Claudia? What are you doing here?”

“Hanging with my sister. She pointed out a ‘blonde with a cane,’ so I had her take me to you so I could investigate. Imagine my surprise when I found it was you. What about you? Who are you here with?”

“My brother and our friend Wild.”

“The possessive brother?” She cackles with laughter. “I can’t wait to formally meet him.”

I blush furiously and am thankful she can’t see. The smell of pine and smoke swirls around me, signaling the arrival of said brother. He holds a drink to me, tapping my chin with it. I reach up to take it from him, fingers brushing over his, and shiver at his touch. His body crowds mine from behind and his hand grips my hip.Possessively.I grin into my drink as I sip it.