After I was dressed, I sent Spencer a message.
Rook:
When you're done I'll be at Cass's.
It took Spencer a few minutes to respond to my message about our favorite bar. We didn't go there often, but some days, it was the only logical place to be.
Spencer:
I'll be there.
I got to the bar well before Spencer, and I found a seat by the window with my back to the wall. Cass's had been styled more like a modern bistro than a typical bar, and hanging from the center of the ceiling was an enormous, triangular glass shelf that had been filled with empty bottles of every shape and color. I preferred being able to sit away from the other patrons while I nursed a whiskey sour, so I asked for a quiet space along the far wall.
I watched the bar fill steadily with patrons, my mind fogging slowly and body unwinding with the same steady flow as bathwater down a drain. As I leaned back in my seat, sipping on my second drink, Spencer came through the double doors and found me with a ragged look in his eyes. He was wearing a black turtleneck and a brown tweed coat that made him look like a total douche. I spared him that insult and kicked out the chair for him instead. "Got you a negroni."
Spencer nodded, sitting heavily in the chair and reaching for the amber drink. "Thanks."
I watched him for a few moments, swirling my drink and then taking another sip. He looked around the room, and as he putthe glass to his lips, he suddenly downed the drink in three gulps. I gave him a slow blink. "I'm not carrying you home."
"Rideshares," he choked, smacking his lips and grimacing. "Appreciate your support, though."
Shrugging, I swallowed another mouthful of my own burning, bitter drink. "Anytime."
Spencer flagged down the waiter, and as he did, a petite woman in a pressed, black skirt suit took a seat at the table next to us. I glanced at her, and Spencer followed my eyes. She was beautiful, with long, thick, black hair and full eyelashes that swept across her light umber skin. I flicked a look toward Spencer, and he gave me a mischievous half-smile. "How's your roomie?"
I rolled my eyes and finished my drink. "Why?"
"No reason. You haven't said anything for a while. Are you still stuck in your definitely illegal leases? Is she still refusing to marry you?"
The woman to my right gave us a fast glance, like she'd heard us, but then she returned her attention to her phone while she waited for her drink. I set my glass on the table with a firmclick. "Yes, we're stuck in the apartment together for now. At least until I can find a lawyer who is bold enough to stand up to my parents. And Gemma seems to think marrying me would ruin her reputation at her job."
Spencer bobbed his head back and forth like he was considering the logic of that statement. "That kind of makes sense."
"No, it doesn't. Not when she's sleeping inmybed."And getting trussed up in my closet. And driving me mad with lust every day.
Spencer sighed, leaning back in his chair and staring out the windows where the outdoor patio had been outfitted with wrought iron tables and lit braziers to warm the chilly autumnair. "I mean, have you tried actually getting to know her?" He gave me a hesitant glance. "She's cute. And nice."
A mist of dark red washed over my vision momentarily. "I'm not sure what you mean by that. We're just trying to untangle our lives."
"That's what I'm saying," Spencer went on more confidently, leaning his elbows on the table. "Why are you trying to untangle from her? Get tangled. She's fucking hot, and you just said she's in your bed. What's the deal with you?"
"You're not seriously suggesting I get romantically involved with Gemma," I said with a scowl. "Spence, be real."
"I am real," he insisted, his brows puckering. I knew a cranky Spencer when I saw one. Another drink, combined with the devastating events of the day, and he would be insufferable. "Or, if you're not going to, then let me. I get the bro code or whatever, but if you're not interested in her—"
"I'm not," I dismissed immediately.A lie. You're a liar, Knox.
"Then let me take her on a date, at least." Spencer put his hands palm up on the table. "Or is there something I'm missing?"
"Why are you even bringing this up right now?" I frowned.
"Because you're cockblocking me, and I want to know why," he shot back. A few people turned to look at us, including the beautiful, dark-haired woman to our right. She gave us an inscrutable look, and then she returned her gaze to her phone. She looked familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on why.
Tearing my attention away from the stranger, I sighed and leveled a glare Spencer's way. "You've had a long day."
"Yes, and a date with a really cute blond would be a welcome distraction," he said with a tilt of his head and wide eyes for emphasis.
I scrubbed a hand down my face. "Can we not? Gemma is off-limits. End of story."
