Page 52 of When We Touch

His eyes widen briefly, and that leering smile returns. “I’d be happy to. I’ll be right back.”

He’s on his feet, his eyes dipping to my breasts once more. He’s gone, searching for our waitress before I have the chance to offer to pay for my half. I truly have no interest in Bucky whatsoever. It only seems fair.

Taking my clutch off the table, I start slowly for the door when a small ruckus bursts out onto the patio. Tabby is in the lead, and she has Donna White and André’s wife Thelma with her. When she sees me she makes a beeline to where I stand.

“Ember! We got here as fast as we could.” She looks around, and when Thelma goes to her husband at the bar, she spins around fast, clutching my arm.

“Ouch!” I cry.

“Did you see Jackson at the bar?” Tabby’s so close her lips graze my ear.

“Yes. He broke in when I was dancing with Bucky.”

“Ew!” Tabby jerks back. “You danced with Bucky? How could you stand it?”

“We just sort of… held hands and swayed side to side.”

She snorts. “I’m sure that was something to see.”

“It kept the odor contained.”

She starts to laugh more as Donna joins us. “Ember! I’ve been wanting to talk to you about… the thing.” Her eyes go round.

I do a half-frown, thinking about her cake. “Any better?”

“Yes!” Her voice is breathy, and her eyes take on a glow. “Liam was so happy when I told him how I felt. We’ve been experimenting. I have so many questions for you.”

Just then my date returns. “Hello, Tabitha. Hello Donna.” He says the words in a melodic tone, like he’s a radio announcer, and all three of us grimace in unison. “Emberly, if you’re ready.”

“Wait!” Tabby grabs my arm again. “You’re not leaving?”

“Tabs, I have to.” My traitorous eyes flicker to the bar again, and my insides flash. He’s still watching. “I can’t stay here with him looking at me like that.”

A smile curls her lips, but I start shaking my head the moment I see it. “No.”

“No?” Her eyebrows arch, and she tilts her head to the side making puppy dog eyes.

Exasperation fills my lungs, and I blow it out on a loud sigh. “Goodnight.”

Bucky smiles and tries to wrap his arm around me, but I sidestep him, picking up the pace and trotting into the restaurant. I don’t stop until I’m out the door and at his truck.

Thirteen

; Jack

Watching Ember walk out the door with Bucky Pepper makes my blood hot. She says what she does is none of my business. She says to let her go.

Not happening.

Holding her in my arms, dancing just now, the world was right. She tasted like cheap beer, but she smelled like my girl, lavender and citrus, fresh and earthy.

“You okay?” André asks, breaking my glowering into my beer.

“Yeah, sorry.” I give him an unconvincing smile.

He only frowns back. “I wouldn’t be okay if I saw my woman leaving with another guy. Especially someone like that.”