Page 19 of Wyatt

“Changed my mind. It’s definitely not okay.” I give her hand a tug, encouraging her to spin already. “God forbid my brothers overhear you calling me that.”

Sally turns, a big old smile on her face as she mouths the words to a Post Malone country song. She glances around the bar as she moves, her gaze catching on something—someone—before returning to my face.

“He’s watching,” she says, definitely breathless this time. “Beck.”

My gut clenches. Instinctively, I pull her close and wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her flush against me. “Good.”

“Your girlfriends are watching too. I hope I’m not stepping on any toes?”

I look at our feet. “Not yet.”

“Aren’t you clever?” she deadpans.

I look back up to see her grinning at me. “Sure am.”

“Cocky.”

“It’s working, isn’t it?”

She lifts a shoulder. “It is actually.” Her eyes go wide. “Oh. Oh, Wy, wait. I think it’s working too well. He’s coming over.”

My head snaps around so fast that my neck cracks. Sure enough, Beck is heading our way, his eyes narrowed playfully as they devour my best friend from head to toe.

“Do you not want him to come over?” I bite out.

“No, I do. I definitely do. I’m just—now I’m nervous.”

Hemakeshernervous? Man doesn’t deserve to lick her boots.

I don’t realize I’m squeezing Sally’s hand until she lets out a little yelp.

“Sorry, Sal, I?—”

“You’re lookin’ good out here, Sally.” Beck glances at me. “Mind if I cut in?”

I do fucking mind.

I mind so much that I gotta resist the very strong urge to punch the guy in the mouth.

But that would upset Sally. It would also give me away. And, yeah, I was young when my dad died, but I’ll never forget him telling me over and over again that Rivers never start fights.

We do, however, always finish them.

So I drop Sally’s hand, and I step away. “Y’all have at it.”

She’s looking at me, a deep groove between her eyebrows. “You all right, Wy?”

“I’m great. Why wouldn’t I be?” I clap my hands. Jesus, now I’m the one who’s stiff and awkward, and just—I gotta get outta here. “You good, Sunshine?”

She nods, the movement a little too quick.

I meet her eyes.Don’t be nervous. You got this.

Her lips curl into a smile. “All good.”

Beck takes her hand. Sally turns that smile on him. A piercing ache slices through my center.

I can’t watch. So I turn and stalk off the dance floor. From the corner of my eye, I catch Brianna waving at me. I don’t wanna be rude, but I can’t stay here.

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