Page 25 of The Only Heart that Matters
I thank Laurie, taking the beers she slides in my direction and hand one to Cal as we both push off the bar and head toward our big brother and the bride. They’ve known each other for years since she was his entertainment lawyer before she gave it all up to move to our sleepy little town. Now, she’s gone into business with my sister flipping houses and building furniture.
“He says he’s on his farewell tour. Do you think he’ll come back when it’s all over?” I ask Cal before we reach them.
“I don’t think we’ll ever get that lucky. I’m not sure what it is about this place that sends him running, but whatever it is, seems like he can’t get far enough away.”
“I’m not sure if it’s something he's running from or something he's trying to run to,” I say. “He’s more of a free spirit than the rest of us. At least, that’s what I tell myself. Feels better than wondering if he doesn’t want to be around us.”
“Well, he’s here now and, for the most part, he shows up for all the big stuff. We’ll have to take what we can get.”
Callen sneaks up behind the love of his life, wraps his free arm around her waist, and kisses her on the cheek. “Are you two still talking business?”
I don’t hear the rest of their conversation because, on instinct, without realizing it, I’m storming across the room. Because the douche canoe from L.A. is touching Mia.
Touching her like he has the right to.
What a delusional fucking prick.
He’s holding her upturned hand while his fingers trace over the tattoo on her wrist.
The closer I get to them, the hotter my blood boils. All I can think about is punching the smug look off his pretty boy face.
I mean, what the actual fuck? Doesn’t he know she’s a mom and not some random wedding hook-up?
Granted, Miaissingle and maybe sheislooking for a no-strings-attached roll in the hay. Hell, she fucking deserves one, but not with this guy.
Not on my watch.
When she glances over his shoulder and sees me approaching, the sparkle in her eyes brightens, nearly blinding me.
Now,thatfeels fucking fantastic.
“Hey, Goof. I brought you a fresh beer,” I say, handing her my barely touched beer. Anything to occupy at least one of her hands.
Luckily, she pulls her hand from his and the fuckwad gets to keep his face intact.
“Thanks. You didn’t need to do that.”
“Well, got to keep you hydrated.”
Smooth, McKinnon. Real smooth.
“Oookay, I appreciate it.”
She sounds as confused as I am pissed.
Setting my feet firmly at her side, I plant my flag and have no intention of leaving.
Mia takes a drink and licks a drop of foam from her lips. God damn her and her sexy mouth.
“This is a great place you’ve got here,” Mark says.
“Thanks.”
“It is great, isn’t it?” Mia beams. “You should have seen it before. It was just an old, rundown firehouse that had been sitting for years. Angus worked his magic and transformed it into the local hot spot.”
Her gaze drifts back to me and I’ll be damned if she doesn’t look at me like I’m worthy of her praise. I’m not, but she doesn’t know that. Thank Christ she doesn’t, because the way she’s smiling at me warms up the coldest corners of my frost covered heart.
“Impressive,” fuckwad replies and I lose the warmth of her eyes and her smile when she turns back to him.
