Page 26 of Pulled Away

Instead of sipping, I down my drink, blinking while I wait for the burn to subside. The bartender’s eyes are already on me, and I nod for a refill.

“I’m Derick, by the way.”

“Aspen.”

“That’s an unusual name. Is there a meaning behind it?”

“I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me that,” I muse, turning to face him. “My mom was heavy into Celtic mythology. In their mythology, Aspens were called a shield tree, and their wood was used to create shields both against psychic and physical harm. She used to say I was her biggest treasure and my name would help protect me from harm.”

“And has it?”

“Has it what?”

I jerk at the sudden presence against my back and scoot slightly forward so I can turn to look at Ryan. He’s not talking to me, though. He’s aimed his question at Derick, who he’s staring at with an unreadable expression on his face.

“Just asked if Aspen’s name has lived up to its meaning,” Derick replies, unfazed, his eyes moving from Ryan to me.

“Not always,” I mutter, watching Ryan’s eyes narrow and flinching as he puts his hand on my shoulder.

“Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Aspen, but I should get back to my table,” Derick says with a wink, and I give him a weak smile. I watch him walk away, anger bubbling in my stomach.

“What was that about?” Ryan says, a tick in his jaw as he takes Derick’s seat.

I grab my drink and down it. And this time it’s smooth as silk as it slides down my throat.

“Nothing.”

“It didn’t look like nothing.”

I don’t bother answering, instead taking out some cash, putting it on the bar, and then grabbing my phone.

“Did you exchange numbers?” he snaps, watching me tapping on my phone.

I blink at him, my fingers stilling, disbelief slithering like a snake in my chest. “Are you serious right now?”

“Well, what am I supposed to think? I find you at the bar chatting away with some stranger, then you ignore me for your phone.”

“Ignoring you…oh the irony,” I muse with a wry smile.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Tell me, how long did it take you to notice that I wasn’t at the table?” I wait a beat for him to answer and when he doesn’t, I carry on. “Did you even notice when I left?”

“So you go to the bar and start talking to some random just to get some attention?”

I blink at him in shock. Who is this man sitting next to me?

“I’m not doing this with you right now,” I mutter, standing up and grabbing my bag.

“Where are you going?”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but my attention-seeking cheating ass was busy ordering a ride home. Alone. I’ll happily share my location with you if you don’t believe me.” I’m seething with anger, making no effort to conceal the dripping sarcasm in my words.

Remorse flares in his eyes as he realizes what he’s accused me of. He reaches out to me, but I pull back, not able to stomach his touch. The remorse turns to hurt, but I’m too angry to care.

“I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean that.”

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I lower my voice. “It doesn’t matter.” It does, it really does, but I don’t want to talk about it here. “Look. You’re obviously enjoying yourself and I’m not, so I’m calling it a night. Don’t let me spoil your evening. Go back and join your friends and I’ll see you later.”

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