Page 50 of One of Six

"Damn it, Jailbait," Ridge growls and jumps overboard.

Violet's eyes light up. "My work here is done." She giggles. "How long are we staying?" She picks up her underwear and lays them out to dry.

"We're going to Daisy's Diner, if that's okay with you both. They have a great lunch menu," Essex says.

"That's fine." I turn to Violet. "Please stop teasing Ridge while we eat."

She winks. "I'll behave."

22

BEATRICE

The heavinessof earlier is gone as I sit next to Essex at a table on the wide porch of Daisy's. The building is pale blue with white trim. Daisies and other colorful flowers line the railing, adding a cheerful touch to the peaceful atmosphere. The sound of birds chirping in the distance completes the idyllic scene, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch. Daisy herself is in her forties with blonde hair in a high ponytail.

From what I can tell, the six Redd brothers are regulars, but they don't usually have female company here. It doesn't surprise me that they do elsewhere, because I've already figured out that they like the women. Violet knows that about Ridge, so I'm not sure why she's been teasing him for half the day.

Violet is currently sitting across from me, with Ridge on one side and Galen on the other. I admit I'm a little preoccupied with Ridge. The man is obviously frustrated, and it has everything to do with my friend. I can't help but wonder what exactly is going on between them. As I watch their interactions, it becomes clear that there is more going on than meets the eye. Perhaps Violet's teasing is a way to mask her true feelings for Ridge, and he seems equally conflicted about his feelings for her.

Essex slides a hand up my thigh very slowly; it's only when it reaches under my skirt that I catch it. Laughing, I move in and plant a kiss on his waiting mouth. "Don't get dirty at the table," I whisper.

"I want to get dirty with you." His lips brush my earlobe and my body tingles.

He pulls away laughing, his eyes full of excitement.

Food arrives, silencing the conversation. "This looks good." I pick up my grilled chicken and bacon sandwich and take a big bite.

Essex rolls his eyes and begins to eat his own lunch. I glance at Violet, who is quiet for once. Nico catches my eye as he makes a hissing sound and curses under his breath.

I frown at the man next to me. "You'll see," he says under his breath.

"Ridge!" a woman shouts in a high-pitched voice.

I glance to the side and see the two girls I saw with Ridge yesterday. I wince. I'm not sure this is going to go over well with Violet.

I shoot my eyes at Ridge, who looks more resigned than anything else. I kick him under the table. When he catches my eye, I glance at Violet, who has a frown between her brows.

Ridge curses, but he doesn't have a chance to get to his feet before both women converge on him. The woman with the big breasts has no qualms about shoving herself between Ridge and Violet. Her assets are shoved in Ridge's face while her ass sends Violet's lunch to the floor. Violet looks horrified and her lip quivers.

"I've got to do something," I say to Essex, who has the other woman's purse slamming into his arm.

Angrily, I grab the strap of the purse and pull hard. The woman jerks around. Her eyes widen in shock as she sees the anger on my face. "Touch my boyfriend again and I'll rip every single hair extension out of your ugly head!"

"Way to go!" Nico laughs.

I look at Violet and she's sitting on Galen's lap. His arms are wrapped tightly around her waist, and she looks comfortable, if upset. Galen hands Violet to Boone, then stands and glares at his twin. "What the hell, Ridge!" he bellows.

To be fair, Ridge is trying to get free of the grabbing hands of these women. His brothers don't seem inclined to help. I guess he got himself into this.

Nico hisses. "Get rid of them. I can't eat with that noise or that sight. Turns my fucking stomach."

Galen turns and pulls Violet to him, whispering in her ear. Whatever he says, Violet nods. This interaction does not go unnoticed by Ridge. The man's face is red, but it's more anger than embarrassment.

I glance over at Violet and see that she's hurt. "Violet, what happened to your arm?"

Well, that snaps Ridge out of his harem haze. "You're hurt? Let me see?" He tries to push the woman away; meanwhile, Galen comes between Ridge and Violet. "I'll take Violet somewhere else to eat since her food is on the floor. Thanks to you!“ Galen tightens his lips. “We're out of here." He puts a protective arm around Violet and leads her out of Daisy's.

I throw down my napkin. "I'm done too." I stand and stomp off, Essex following me.

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