Page 122 of Mr. Broody

I walk over to the bar, and she’s already pouring me a whiskey. I don’t really want one, but I fear if I ask her for a seltzer or a girly drink, she might kick me out.

“Come with me,” she says, holding my whiskey and walking away from the bar.

Great, maybe I should’ve had Henry text her.

She leads me to the back room, which is vacant. She shuts the door after me, and I’m not gonna lie, a sliver of fear trickles down my spine.

“So, you back for good or what?” she asks, still holding my whiskey.

My forehead wrinkles. “I’m sorry?”

“What’d you have wax in your ears or something? Are you back for good?”

“Yeah.” I blink at her aggressive tone right out of the gate, though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

“You break their hearts, and I have friends you don’t wanna get to know.”

Holy shit, is she threatening me?

“I’m not going to break anyone’s heart.”

The door opens, and Kyleigh steps in and shakes her head. “I told you, Jade’s good people, Ruby.” She shuts the door behind her.

“I have to see her eyes when she tells me.” She inches her face forward as if my eyes are a crystal ball. “Do you love the Hensley boys?”

“Ruby,” Kyleigh sighs.

I widen my eyes and inch forward. “Yes.”

She narrows her gaze. “It’s not just him, it’s the little boy too.”

“I know.”

“He’s had a hard road and doesn’t need some woman not knowing what she wants out of life to break his heart.”

“Okay, Ruby, let it go.” Kyleigh shakes her head.

I’ve tried to hold back, but my irritation simmers over. “Listen, Ruby, I know we don’t know each other, and I’m sorry I haven’t been down here more, but I do love Henry, and I do love Bodhi. Now, you’re not privy to our journey as to how we got where we are now, but I’m here to stay. And if I leave, I’m not doing it without them. So, please. Back. The. Fuck. Off.”

“Whoa,” Kyleigh says, looking at Ruby with wide eyes.

Maybe I took it too far, but I feel as though Ruby will respect it. At least, I hope so.

Ruby fights a smile but loses the battle for just one second. “Fine. Here you go.” She puts my whiskey on the table. “Kyleigh, if you want a drink, bring your ass to the bar.”

She walks out of the room as Kyleigh laughs. “Man, I see why Henry loves you. A little bit of sweet and sassy all rolled into one. I’ll be right back.”

I sit down, my heart racing because I didn’t know if that was going to work, but I can’t do anything but prove to Ruby over time that I’m fully in this. A piece of me actually likes that Henry and Bodhi have someone like Ruby looking out for them.

Kyleigh joins me little bit later. “She likes you.” She sits down with a bottle of white wine and two empty glasses. “Are you a whiskey drinker or…” She holds up the bottle. “I keep this hidden behind the bar.”

I push away my whiskey. “I usually only drink whiskey when I need a little more courage. But I’d much prefer the white wine.”

“Great.” She pours us each a glass and sits back in her chair. “So, rumor is you guys are pretty darn happy these days.”

I’d like to say I’ve spent time with the guys and Kyleigh, but there haven’t been that many opportunities lately. When we do find a moment to be together alone, Henry and I usually use it for other activities. “We are.”

“Henry deserves it. I’m so happy for him. Now it’s just the other two we need to worry about.” She rolls her eyes. “Be prepared because we’re the only girls in this friendship circle.” She raises her glass, and we clink them together.

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