Page 146 of Unhinged

“I was.” And stupid.

“That creature better not show his face here again. I hear Greg is pretty good with a bat. There’s one back here behind the bar, and he wouldn’t be afraid to use it on a skull.”

I make a dubious face. “That’s dramatic.”

“That’s the truth.”

“It doesn’t even sound like something Greg would do. He’s a lover, not a fighter.”

“Until you threaten his lover. Then he’ll fight for your life and for the sake of his heart. ‘Til death do you part, right? Trust me. You ain’t seen nothin’ from our Greg yet.”

My eyes pop open as Clive nods along with Milt’s claim. I say, “No. He still wouldn’t do that. We’re only friends, really.”

Clive says, “Then, maybe you don’t know your husband.”

“Oh, my God, Simone!” From behind me, frantic arms go around my shoulders and throat. “I can’t believe you’re here tonight!”

I grasp Candi’s arm. “I’m fine. Just bruised.”

“What did Greg do?” I unwind Candi’s arms from me and laugh.

“Nothing. What would he have done?”

“Killed him, of course.”

“That’s crazy.” I smile at more regulars who ask how I’m doing. Jesus. News travels fast.

“You live with Amos. Have you seen Greg yet?”

I nod as I clean up an empty table. “He stayed with me last night.”

“Say what?”

I shrug but hate I opened that up for discussion. “We’ve spent a couple of nights together.”

“I knew it.”

“What?”

“Y’all are doing it.”

I laugh. “Um, okay.”

“I didn’t know you even kissed him.”

“Sure.” Shrugging again, I suddenly want to keep him to myself.

“What’s he like in the sack?”

“Candi…” I don’t want to kiss and tell, but Greg should be proud. Most guys I’ve been with need at least two college courses in sex. Greg is a damn natural and could teach them. I smile. “Don’t say anything. Promise?” She nods, and my grin is unescapable. “He’s the best I’ve ever had. No comparison.” With Greg, it’s so much more than sex, and I haven’t had that before, either. It’s the closeness and how he looks at me like I’m the only one for him. But that’s a useless fantasy.

“Jesus, Simone. Am I right? Is he packing?” She wiggles her eyebrows, and that’s where I draw the line.

“I can’t say.” But my stupid grin is a traitor.

Candi giggles. “Shut up! When was the first time? Before y’all got married?”

I shake my head. “Our wedding night.”

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