by Lori Foster
Her face went hot. No way would she tell him how the L word had taken out her knees, or how the brief touch of his hot tongue had started a slow burn inappropriate to the situation.
A wicked gleam entered his eyes. “I’ve heard it all before, you know. Done it, too. You won’t shock me.”
Mute, she shook her head.
“That good, huh? Damn, girl, you know how to pique the interest. And I’m betting whatever I imagine is going to be more explicit than the truth.”
When Denver laughed, they both turned to see Cherry now sitting in his lap. That didn’t, however, keep her from enjoying some playful, suggestive banter with all the guys.
Cherry really was a world-class flirt, Yvette thought. Maybe she should take lessons. That way, instead of freezing up when Cannon teased her, she could tease right back.
Another hour passed without Cannon making it back to them. Between serving drinks, he signed autographs and posed with fans. One guy didn’t like how his date ogled Cannon. Already drunk and obviously stupid, he tried to challenge him, but Cannon laughed it off, ducking out of reach of a wild haymaker thrown at his face.
Rowdy escorted out both the man and his protesting lady friend.
Not being much of a drinker, Yvette was only on her third—was it her third? anyway, another—glass of wine when she noticed Armie looking beyond her, his interest blatant. Expecting to see Merissa, she followed his gaze and spotted Mindi.
Instead of her business suits, the lawyer’s assistant had changed into a sleeveless, body-hugging dress and strappy sandals. Her blond hair hung loose in soft curls. Their gazes met. Yvette wanted to look away, but for some reason couldn’t.
After smiling and nodding, Mindi zeroed in on Cannon. Her eyes narrowed with sensual intent, a satisfied smile lifting just the corners of her shiny lips.
Every guy at her table noticed Mindi, so Yvette could only assume that Cannon found her attractive, as well. And why not? Regardless of Mindi’s uncharitable personality, Yvette had to admit that Mindi looked amazing.
She now regretted wearing her SBC T-shirt with Cannon on the front over skinny cropped jeans and flat sandals. She’d been thinking only of supporting him, having fun and being comfortable.
She should have worn her own sexy dress, damn it. But…that just wasn’t her. And why should she try that hard anyway? She didn’t want or need to compete with Mindi. Hadn’t she made a promise to herself to be independent and courageous? That included standing up for herself.
She drained the glass, put it on the table and rose from her seat. “I’m going to squeeze up front a little.”
One arm around Cherry, Denver toasted her with his beer. “Go get ’em, Yvette.”
She glared at Armie. “Why is he drinking if you and Cannon aren’t?” Stack had tossed back a couple of longnecks, too, as had most of the men there.
He came to his feet with her. “Cannon rarely does, but he definitely wouldn’t while working, right? And since I have a fight in three weeks, I’m the driver stuck with getting the other lushes home safe.”
Way to drop a bombshell! She leaned against the table. “You’re fighting? Since when?”
He looked self-conscious. “Since…I don’t know. A couple of months ago?”
She pushed his shoulder. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I just did.”
“Armie doesn’t like any fanfare,” Denver offered helpfully.
“Keeps it to himself,” Stack added, then made a “shh” sound with his finger to his mouth. “Don’t tell. Wouldn’t want anyone to notice, you know.”
Yvette wondered if that had anything to do with his past. “Where?”
“Where what?”
She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “Where are you fighting?”
“Just a local venue. No big deal.”
Of course it was, more so now that she knew he kept secrets. “I want to watch.”
He rolled one shoulder as if it didn’t matter, but then rubbed his neck uncomfortably. “Fine. Whatever. Cannon will be there. Grab a ride with him if you want.”
“I wasn’t asking permission.” She softened, patted his chest, then remembered that Mindi was closing in on Cannon. “Later.”
He snagged the back of her shirt, bringing her back around.
She was a little more wobbly than she should have been and bounced into him.
He steadied her, then frowned. “Why the rush?”
Smacking his hands away, she glared at him.
Armie just quirked a brow in that “what?” way of his.
So why not tell him? Maybe it was the wine making her feel more open, but she liked Armie, felt comfortable with him as a friend. And he could give great insight on Cannon.
“That blonde you were eyeballing?”
“The chesty one struttin’ her stuff?”
She did strut, damn her. “Were you eyeballing any others?”
“Pretty much all of them, hon.”
That threw her, but only for a second. “She works for the lawyer who handled my grandfather’s estate, and she’s made it clear she’s after Cannon.”
With an exaggerated eye roll, Armie took her arm and started with her toward the bar. “Are you drunk?”
“A teeny-tiny bit tipsy.” She leaned in to confide, “I never drink.”
“No? Seriously?”
Was he being facetious? “Vanity says I can’t hold my liquor. She’s my friend.”
He laughed. “Okay.”
“But the wine has nothing to do with it.”
“Yeah, it does, because you should know you don’t have to worry about—”
She dug in, stalling their progress. “But Mary is here tonight, too!”
“Who?”
“Keep up, will you? She’s the woman Cannon was going to sleep with, except I showed up and accidentally derailed his plans.” Which she was now glad about. “I’m sure she’s hoping to…reconnect.”
Armie blew out a breath, and smiled. “Hate to break it to you, honey, but Mary and Mindi will have to wait in line.”
They stopped at the front of the crowd, and Yvette found Cannon with a gaggle of ladies hugged up to him for a picture.
More ladies waited, as Armie had said, in a freaking disorganized line.
So many women.
She deflated.
“He doesn’t cheat,” Armie said into her ear so only she would hear.
She knew that, but she didn’t want him to be tempted either, to maybe regret his decision to move in with her.
Watching the indulgent, comfortable way Cannon interacted with the women put her stomach in knots. These ladies were straightforward, without complications; they wanted him, and he could have them. Any one of them would wallow in his attention and in the pleasure they received.
When someone crowded close to her other side, she paid little attention. The place was so jammed that personal space was in short supply.
Then the expensive perfume hit her and she wanted to groan. She swiveled her head around and met Mindi’s patronizing smile.
“Hello, Yvette.”
Armie glanced at her, too, then away. Maybe, Yvette thought, they could shun her and she’d just go away.
That plan got foiled when Merissa waved to them from across the room. Yvette waved back, but Armie, after a muffled groan, deliberately stepped to her side and boldly ran his gaze over Mindi from the top of her head to her toes and back again to her cleavage. “Mindi, right?” he asked her boobs.
Smile slow and full of pleasure, Mindi nodded. “That’s right.” And to Yvette, she said, “You’ve moved on, I see.”
Not understanding, Yvette lifted her brows.
“I’m surprised,” she murmured, giving Armie a reciprocal study, “since they’re so different.”
“Oh.” She actually believed Yvette would leave Cannon for Armie? Absurd. “No, I’m not… That is…”
“I’m a mutual friend,” Armie drawled. “No more.”
&n
bsp; Hearing that smooth, seductive tone, Yvette slowly pivoted around to look at Armie. Right before her eyes he transformed into a man on the make.
Fascinated, Yvette stood there, her eyes wide. Was this because Mindi turned him on, or because Merissa was watching? She glanced to the side, caught the hurt on Merissa’s face.
“I totally get what you’re putting out there,” Armie murmured, “and I approve.”
His seductive words recaptured Yvette’s attention.
Mindi preened.
“Tell me you came here alone.”
Yvette wanted to gag. Actually, she might have, given how Armie smiled at her and rubbed her shoulder.
Interest quickened Mindi’s breath. “I’m alone, yes.”
He somehow got between Yvette and Mindi without his movements being noticeable. “You won’t leave alone.”
“I won’t?”
Firm, confident, he stated, “You’ll be coming home with me.”
“Oh.” Hand to her chest, Mindi leaned toward him, then caught herself. “But I came to see Cannon.”
“Look at him all you want, honey, I don’t mind. But that’s as far as it’ll go.” He touched her collarbone, and both Mindi and Yvette held their breath. But he just drifted his fingers over her shoulder—in a pretense of moving her hair back.
Good Lord. This was worse than watching a porno, because it was up close and personal. Yvette needed to get away from them before she saw more than she wanted to.
“What do you say?” Armie asked her.
Mindi’s gaze went from Armie to Yvette and back again. “You’ve convinced me.”
“Was there any doubt?”
So cocky. Yvette shook her head. It was going to take a very strong woman to get Armie in line. And thinking that… She searched for Merissa and finally located her at the table in back with the other fighters. She faced away from Armie.
“There’s such a crush up front,” Mindi purred. “Would you mind getting me a glass of wine? Then we can get better acquainted.”
“Let’s seal the deal first.” Armie dipped in and took her mouth—not touching her anywhere else—and Mindi sank like a stone. She leaned into him, clutched at his shoulders, went on tiptoe—
Armie eased her away with a smile. “Don’t go anywhere, now.” As he started off toward the bar, Yvette tried to high-five him.
He laughed, squeezed her hand instead and strode away.
Well, whether he celebrated with her or not, she appreciated how he’d given Mindi a new focus.
A focus that wasn’t Cannon.
Mindi seemed to be trying to regroup, which Yvette took as a good time to escape.
Until Mindi stalled her by saying, “I wanted to talk to you about Cannon.” Nudging Yvette toward a quieter corner, she added, “More specifically, you and Cannon.”
“I can’t imagine why.” They had to step around Cannon’s line. He was now serving drinks to ladies who waved their money in the air.
His gaze touched on her and he frowned.
Summoning up her brightest smile, Yvette wiggled her fingers in a wave and did her best to let him know everything was fine. The last thing she wanted to do was put a cloud on his fun.
“So you’re still with him?”
She pulled away from Mindi and leaned back on the wall. Not that she needed the support, but she definitely felt the buzz. “How is that any of your business?”
Mindi put on her pitying face. “Oh, honey, how long do you think it can possibly last?”
“I repeat, it’s not your concern, Ms. Jarrett.”
“It’s just that I’d hate to see you hurt again.” She smoothed Yvette’s arm, sort of petting her with compassion.
Yvette’s skin crawled.
“You poor thing, you’ve already been through so, so much.”
The ice going down Yvette’s spine did a lot to clear her head. “Everyone eventually loses a family member.”
“Yes, but that’s not what I’m talking about.” Finally withdrawing, Mindi folded her hands together in front of her. She continued with the mask of pity, as if she cared only about protecting Yvette. “Cannon told me everything.”
Like a giant fist clenching her heart, pain expanded in Yvette’s diaphragm. Pride helped her to keep her tone cool. “Everything?”
Mindi nodded, looked around and pushed closer. “He’s a great guy, everyone knows that. But—” she bit her lip with uncharacteristic hesitation “—he’s still a guy.”
The idea that Cannon might have confided in this woman devastated her—not that she’d ever show it, definitely not to Mindi. Neck stiff, throat tight and eyes burning, she asked, “Your point?”
“I understand you were sweethearts before you moved away?”
Hardly. Cannon had dodged her at every turn. That was, until she’d almost been killed.
“He saved you, I know.” Mindi’s words were soft and gentle. “He said that because you were so young, you adored him for it.”
Each word cut deeper. She’d been infatuated with him long before that. But yes, having him come to her rescue had meant he’d forever stolen her heart.
“Men love being macho,” Mindi told her. “A man like Cannon more than most. Now that you’re back, he’s drawn by all that sweet hero worship.”
Yvette wanted to throw up.
Or at least get out of the crowded bar so she could sort through her heartache alone.
With no encouragement from her, Mindi continued, “You have to be realistic, honey. You know he has a life to get back to. A big and very demanding career.”
True.
“He lives in Harmony, Kentucky, now.”
“I know that.” Just as she knew eventually he’d have to return there.
“If you know it, then why are you creating a life here—a life I know you want with Cannon? That’s just setting yourself up for heartache.”
Unable to help herself, she sought him with her gaze. Cannon sat on a bar stool, laughing with two men, surrounded by more fans, all of them admiring him.
If he knew Mindi was repeating everything to her, he’d come to her rescue. Again.
As Mindi had just explained, he still saw her as that immature, needy girl incapable of caring for herself.
“I know we got off on the wrong foot,” Mindi continued. “Mostly because we both want him. The difference is that I’m realistic.” She touched Yvette’s arm. “And you’re not.”
She needed to go. She had to go. Right now.
She’d ridden there with Cannon, but she wouldn’t disturb him. Not for this.
Maybe because she watched him, he looked up and their gazes clashed. Though he smiled at the man talking to him, she still felt his scrutiny. Her stiff lips formed a smile and she managed a nod.
Unfortunately, that only sharpened his attention. He stepped away from the crowd, and Mary blocked him.
It was far too much. Anxiety burned her eyes, left her pulse tripping. “I’m touched by your concern, Mindi, truly I am. But I can take care of myself.”
“That’s not what Cannon told me.”
She sucked in a breath, leveled by that betrayal.
“He’s convinced that you need him. Why do you think he moved in with you?”
“My life is my own. Do me a favor and butt out.” Blind with hurt, she looked around, considering her options.
Mary held Cannon’s attention.
And now Armie was bearing down on them.
“Goodbye, Mindi.”
“You’re leaving?” Mindi asked with barely veiled triumph.
Yvette didn’t answer.
“You go on, honey.” Mindi readjusted the V of her dress over her cleavage. “I’ll let Cannon know.”
There was nothing Yvette could add to that, so she turned and began pushing her way through the crowd. She heard Denver call out to her. Saw Stack watching her.
They were all worried for her and, damn it, she did not want that.
She stepped outside, dragged in a calming
breath of evening air and pulled herself together.
She wouldn’t leave. If she did, she’d only ruin Cannon’s fun. She’d be fleeing, when she’d promised herself she’d never do that again.
Others milled about outside, some drinking, most talking, a few smoking. Traffic went by, headlights bouncing off the surrounding buildings. Across the street, a group of youths laughed too loudly.
Overhead, a million stars and a crescent moon rested against the inky blanket of the night sky.
Yvette looked away from two men who eyed her. Going to the wall nearest the door, she rested back, her palms flat against the rough brick. Five minutes, that was all she needed. Five minutes to clear her head and regain her poise.
Then she’d go back in and show everyone…what? That she wasn’t hurt, wasn’t affected by Cannon’s betrayal?
Yes. She’d be cool and polite and, damn it, she’d laugh and have fun. Or at least pretend to.
Deciding that already made her feel better. She could deal with this, and she would.
Armie shoved the door open, searching.
Yvette said from behind him, “Looking for someone?”
He jerked around, scoured his gaze over her and quickly concealed his anger. “Hi, Yvette.”
Smiling, a sincere smile, she said, “Hi, Armie.”
“So.” He again checked the area. “What are we doing?”
“I was taking a breather away from your date. You were charging out to save me from myself.”
“Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck, a telltale sign of his discomfort. “Figured you were running off.”
“Nope.” No more running for her. “Just taking a quick break.”
“Mindi that tedious?”
“You have no idea.”
“Yeah, well. Wasn’t planning to talk much with her anyway.”
She shook her head at him. “I promise I’ll be back in very soon.”
With grave suspicion, he asked, “How soon is very soon?”
Her smile widened, morphed into a small laugh. Armie was so funny.
And Cannon… He was the love of her life.
She wouldn’t run. Not from him.
Not ever again.
If they had problems to overcome, well, then, she’d been working on problems most of her life. At the very least, they would be friends. But hopefully lovers, too.
“I told myself five minutes. So maybe two or three more?” He opened his mouth and she said, “Alone. Please.”
