Page 20 of And Then Came You

“You were fabulous. What an incredible talent,” Caroline interjects, sending me a pointed glare.

I get it. I sound like a total dick, and Lexi deserves some serious accolades. “You were amazing. I could listen to you sing all night, but that’s not what I meant. I was talking about that guy.”

“What guy?”

I hate when women play dumb. I only pray Lexi isn’t employing that tactic. “The guy who pulled you aside. The one who hasn’t stopped staring at you. That guy.”

Lexi glances over her shoulder, shrugging when her gaze lands on the man in question. “He complimented my singing. That’s all.”

“No, that’s not all. He wanted much more than to compliment your vocal skills. Not that you aren’t incredibly talented. You blew me away.”

“Who cares if he did? It’s not like I’m going to do anything with him.”

“Good, because he looks like a total douchebag.”

Her eyes narrow as she shakes her head at me. “You got all that from a ten-second conversation?”

“I read people. Trust me, you can do better.”

“Carl was the last guy I dated, remember? I apparently don’t have a terribly high standard, so I think that guy is a step in the right direction.”

I crack my knuckles, aggravated that she won’t just agree to keep her distance from the little shit. “Do me a favor and stay away from him.”

“Wow.” Sucking down her drink, Lexi releases a mirthless chuckle. “Look at that. I need a refill. Anyone else need a drink?” Without awaiting a reply, she’s on her feet and halfway across the bar.

“What the hell was that about?” Caroline demands, her eyes boring holes into me.

“I’m protecting her. The man looks like a total player.”

“Sam, you were being a cock block. I thought you two were just friends.”

“We are.”

“No, you’re definitely not.”

I pivot to face my friend, the muscle in my jaw jumping. “So, because I show concern for Lexi, who I already had to save from an abusive situation, I’m into her? You couldn’t be more wrong.”

Caroline leans back in her seat, a smirk on her face. Damn this woman.

“You got something else to say?”

“I’m going to the bathroom. Try to behave until I get back.”

Drumming the table, I glare at the douchebag du jour, hovering near Lexi like a shark, awaiting the perfect moment to strike.

How do I know he’s an asshole? A player? Someone I want to stay very far away from Lexi?

I just do, and that logic is going to have to stand on its own. I’m not jealous of her receiving attention. Hell, it’s good for the ego. I should know, I get scads of it wherever I go. Even now, I spy the raven-haired beauty eyeing me from across the bar. One chin lift in her direction, and I’ll be balls deep in twenty minutes.

Likely less than that.

But this situation is different. Lexi is different. She seems to have radar for morons, and I’m acting as her buffer, whether or not she likes the idea.

“I got you a drink.”

Glancing up, I smile at Lexi, while still shooting daggers in the guy’s direction. “Appreciate it. He’s persistent.”

“Aren’t most men?”

---