Page 24 of In Spades

Three girls scampered over and filled the remaining barstools beside Chase and me. Erica, as Chase introduced her, said her goodbyes before heading out.

Kristin mentioned stepping outside to make a call. Spotting an opportunity to talk with her, I got up to walk out behind her. A hand closed around my arm and tugged me back.

What the hell?

“Not so fast, lover boy,” a familiar voice said. It was the same friend I’d eavesdropped on—err, overheard—at the hotel earlier. She wore her brown hair short, and her eyes danced with delight. “Don’t spook her.”

I put on a smile and offered my hand. “Will.”

She smiled and shook mine. “Hannah Jane Hayes.”

“Oooh! Fresh meat! Luca will love this!” The blonde tossed back her mermaid hair, revealing a tank top that read, Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy. “I’m Maddie DeRossi.”

I started to introduce myself again, but she beat me to it.

“And you’re Will, the mysterious guest at the inn.” She turned to Hannah Jane. “Totally bangable. He’s got that panty-dropping Clark Kent thing going on. I approve.”

Hannah Jane rolled her eyes. “I don’t think Kris is looking for your approval, Mad.”

“Well, she should!” Maddie exclaimed at a pitch slightly less than sober. “I’m kind of awesome at this.” She used the moment to show off the rock on her finger. Then, turning back to Hannah, she said, “You, Isaac, Steve, and Erica all owe me big time.”

I was surrounded by a terrifying amount of unfamiliar estrogen. I scanned the room for Chase. He was basically a stranger, but I’d use all the reinforcements I could find.

The front door screamed as it opened, and I jerked around, expecting to see Kristin walking back inside.

Nope. A man with a blond comb-over and a teal polo shirt strutted in. His khakis and smarmy grin screamed used car salesman.

“Holy shit,” Hannah Jane whispered, eyes wide.

The man strolled over to the corner where Chase and Bridget were hunched over the bar, talking. Maddie cupped her hands over her mouth.

Bridget jerked up, her back ramrod straight. “Kyle.” She didn’t sound happy to see him. She sounded surprised.

Chase’s head spun to get a look at the newcomer.

The door opened again, but no one moved a muscle at the racket. Kristin froze in the doorway, assessing the scene. Our eyes met, and she scurried over.

Even with the blaring jukebox and ambient noise of pool balls and beer bottles, you could hear a pin drop.

“What’s going on?” Kristin whispered as she sided up with me. Her arm brushed against mine, and I debated making a move. She spotted the man—Kyle—moving toward Bridget and Chase. “Holy mother fucking shit,” she whispered.

“Kyle,” Bridget swallowed thickly. “What are you doing here?”

Melissa, the shortest of the bunch, looked like she was about to pounce. Pure, unfettered hatred blazed in her eyes. Her fist was half-cocked at her hip. With those muscles, she could’ve done some damage.

“What am I doing here?” Kyle said, forcing a laugh. He rounded the bar, put his hands on her hips, and kissed her. Bridget stiffened at his touch. “I can’t come visit my fiancé at work?”

Kristin’s jaw dropped.

Chase paled.

Maddie and Hannah Jane stared at each other, horrified.

Rage radiated from Melissa.

“Oh my God,” Kristin whispered.

I leaned down to her ear. “I feel like I’m missing something.”

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