Page 20 of Waiting to Love You

“Fuck you,” he growls as the bartender stops at our table.

“Beckett, this is Seth. He’s the newest addition to our crew.” Vance gives me a hard slap on the back.

Beckett holds out his hand, and I give him a firm handshake.

“What can I get for you two?” he asks as he eyes Brady. “Eyes over here, asshole.”

“Get us whatever dark beer you have on draft, and another round for my friends.” I look over and notice Brady scowling at Beckett.

“Coming right up,” Beckett responds, and the others send up a cheer at the free drinks coming shortly.

“What was that all about?” I ask Brady. Before he can answer, someone comes to a stop in front of us, grabbing his attention.

“Hey, Brady.” The girl who’s had his attention since we walked into the bar comes gliding to a halt in front of our table while the rest of her group continues to their table closer to the bar. Her eyes scan the table, and she gives us all a small smile. “Gentlemen.”

“And what are you doing here, little lady?” Drew says as the other two men whistle softly below their breath.

“Just came to say hello to a friend,” she turns her attention back toward Brady.

She’s the same height as Audrey, but her attitude commands attention as every man at our table focuses on her. Her flawless, golden-brown skin twinkles as the lights hit the slight sheen of sweat covering it, while her honey-brown eyes focus directly on him as if there’s no one else in the room.

“Emersyn,” Brady replies tersely, not bothering to spare her another glance.

Emersyn doesn’t bat an eyelash at his response but turns her attention to me instead.

“Who’s your friend?” She flashes me a bright smile and leans down slightly, putting her body directly between us.

“Seth,” I reply as Beckett places a beer in front of me. I don’t break eye contact as I lift my beer and take a healthy swallow. “Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” she purrs as her eyes shift to Brady before she stands back to her full height. “Can we get another round, big brother?”

“Sure thing, Em.” He turns and heads back toward the bar.

Emersyn and Brady continue to stare at one another for a few moments. Neither one of them says a word, but you can see the silent conversation going on between them.

“Pull up a chair and have a seat. I’m sure any of us would be better company than that asshole.” Tony smirks in her direction as he pulls out the chair between himself and Ren.

Brady’s eyes narrow slightly, and annoyance at Tony’s interference is written all over his face. “Run along, Emersyn. We have better things to do than play babysitter.”

“Why are you such an asshole?” Her voice catches slightly as she places both hands on her hips.

“It comes naturally,” he bites out, taking a sip of his beer and cocking his head toward her table. “Your friends are waiting.”

Emersyn turns, finally noticing her friends waving to get her attention.

“See you around, Brady,” she murmurs before turning around and sauntering back toward her friends.

Once Emersyn is out of sight, the table erupts into laughter, and the conversations between everyone flow once again.

“Is there a particular reason you were such an asshole to her? Beckett damn near bit your head off for just speaking to her.” I growl as I chuff my best friend on the back of the head.

Brady can be broody sometimes, but he has never been an outright asshole to anyone before, especially not to a lady.

“If your mama knew how you acted with that girl, she would tan your hide.”

“Good thing she’ll never know,” he grumbles.

There is something more going on between Brady, Beckett, and Emersyn than I know, but one thing is for sure: My friend has a secret of his own.

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