Page 72 of Gabriel & Skye

“He was being a creep,” Skye says, looking a little shaken.

“He’s drunk, not that that’s any excuse.” I scowl, wondering if I should go chase him down. Damn asshole.

Callan appears, giving us a wave as he heads toward where Georgia and Celeste are dancing.

“I’m gonna go show Blue belle my boot scootin’ skills,” Hudson chuckles. “See how long it takes before I get a punch in the face.”

Everyone laughs. At least that lightens the mood somewhat. Gray excuses himself to the bathroom.

I feel Skye’s eyes on me as she takes a sip of her wine.

“Can I get you a refill?” I ask her, bending toward her ear so she can hear me over the music.

“Thank you, that would be lovely.”

I nod, waving a hand to get the bartender’s attention. “Trudes?” I look at her, empty-handed. The poor girl didn’t even get a chance to order a drink before those two perverts accosted them.

“A shandy please.” She turns and starts talking to another girl who’s sitting on the other side of her that she knows.

“Coming up.” I fish my wallet out of my back pocket and order the girls drinks. I wore black pants tonight, and a button-down long sleeve charcoal shirt. It’s as casual as I can go, especially with no tie.

“That was very gallant of you,” Skye says while she waits for her drink. “A little shocking, maybe. I guess I’m just not used to all this ‘southern hospitality’.”

“I just didn’t like the guy bothering you.” I don’t care how that might sound. “He needs to learn to keep his hands to himself.”

“That’s kinda sweet,” she says, pressing her lips together. “Country guys are very… different.”

My heart thuds a little at hearing those words, even though I don’t know what she means about country guys. Don’t all guys stick up for a woman in distress?

She thinks it’s sweet, at least that’s something.

I get a waft of her sweet perfume, soft like peonies through a Tennessee summer, and it goes straight to my dick. Great. Here we go again.

“So, how did the last few days go? Sorry, I wasn’t there yesterday; I had to get to work early.” I had to avoid you all day because I had an erotic dream about you on top of me screaming my name.

“No problem. I know duty calls. And it was great. I’m loving it and spending time with Trinity. She’s gorgeous, a real sweetheart, and bright too.” My heart warms at her words.

I texted her after she’d gone home to check all was well with her day, even though Geraldine already told me it went perfectly.

“She’ll keep you on your toes.” I smirk.

“Oh yes, I can see she has that cheeky personality. They’re so adorable at that age.”

“It’s nice to see you out and about.” Why do I say that? I’ve had half a beer and I’m already talking smack.

“Well, what choice did I have? They have karaoke and a moose you can ride for free.”

I chuckle. “We have to keep ourselves amused somehow in a small place.”

Our eyes meet and I’m pretty fucking sure I see something in her eyes other than amusement.

Is it possible she’s feeling the same way as me?

She clears her throat. “I can imagine. But I just wanted to say that I think you’ve done a great job with your daughter. You’re very dedicated and she’s a happy little girl.”

Her words hit me in the chest with far more meaning than she even realizes. “Thank you. I appreciate that. She’s with her grandparents tonight; her and Bunnykins are having a sleepover.”

She smiles. “That’s so cute.”

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