Page 66 of Recon Rendezvous

“Hey,” I say, bending to whisper in London’s ear. “I'm going to run to the restroom to sadly wash the scent of you from my hands. Do you need anything from the bar?”

Smiling up at me, she shakes her head. “No, we have a waitress who should be back in a sec.”

“No, I can grab you something. I don't want you to have to wait.”

“Oh, no worries. We already ordered a couple bottles,” Mia chimes in, pointing to the sidebar.

London’s favorite white wine sits uncorked on a round tray. Grabbing a glass and filling it to the brim I sit it on the table beside her seat.

“For my baby,” I say, brushing a kiss to the top of her head.

Heading back out into the main room of the bar, I navigate through the crowd to the restroom to do my business and wash my hands. Staring at my face in the mirror I wonder again if I’ve done the right thing, even trying to convey how I'm feeling. I'm still working on putting my thoughts into words, but I couldn't let the moment slip by without letting her know that she's been on my mind.

Stepping out into the dim hallway, I almost run into a guy outside the door.

“Oh shit, dude, sorry.” What's up with me, random guys and restrooms?

Moving to the left to step around him, he does the same and we do the same bit to the right, and we’re doing a dance when I finally realize he's not stepping out of my way, but he's stepping into it.

“Let me guess. A beautiful woman sent you in here to fuck with me.”

He frowns. “Did I just see you walking here with London Cameron?”

I chuckle. “Why? Are you a fan?”

He snorts. “I'm definitely not a fan. But I am concerned.”

The derision in his tone has tension creeping into my shoulders and I’m immediately on guard. “Why don't you tell me why you're concerned and then maybe I'll answer your fucking question.”

“I know London very well. Probably better than anyone, definitely better than you.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

XANDER

Istare at his outstretched hand. Who the fuck is this guy?Wait, oh shit.

“I'm Travis. Travis McClain. London and I were...” He puffs out his chest as if I give a fuck.

“Oh shit, you’rethatguy.” I almost laugh, looking him up and down. He's a few inches shorter than me and... good enough looking with his mousy brown hair and salt and pepper beard. But he’s not someone I can even imagine being worthy enough to pick up her dry cleaning.

“Yeah, yeah, nice to meet you, or whatever. I went back and forth about this. I wasn’t sure how I would react if we met.” Grasping his hand, I pump it enthusiastically. “Thanks for the introduction. You paying your respects? This is fucking gold.” I slap him on the back with a nod.

I add before he responds, “Because I'm happy to meet the guy who completely blew up his fucking life and let that beautiful woman walk into mine. Thank you, I appreciate your idiocy and incompetence. You’re a fucking twat,” I say with a broad smile.

His face is tomato red as he splutters, yanking his hand away. “Man, fuck you. You can have her. I'm just curious aboutwho you are. I haven't seen you around here before and I know everyone in Seattle.”

My hands go into my pockets before I do something I won’t regret, as I look this guy over. “Oh, am I supposed to be impressed by that?You know everyone in Seattle.” I mock, my eyes wide.

“I wish I had a fuck to give. But since I don’t, here’s a tip instead. You’re no one to her, less than shit to me, and you damn sure don't need to be curious about what's mine. Just know you had your chance, and you fucking squandered it. But you don't have to worry, she's in bigger and better hands now.” His eyes widen and I can’t hold in my chuckle. “We done with this dick measuring contest yet? I think I’m going to call it before you embarrass yourself further. Now, why don't you run along and enjoy your night, Trav.”

My obvious condescension must finally penetrate his thick skull because he steps forward, and we’re toe to toe. Mimicking his demeanor, I scrunch up my face and puff out my chest. Holy fuck, what did London ever see in this guy? We’re going to have a long talk after this.

“I repeat, fuck you.Youfucking run along and be sure to take her with you. Yeah, I remember this stage. She’s a pretty face, don’t get me wrong. But just you wait, you'll see the cracks soon. She’s fucking frigid.”

“Ohhhhh,” I purr. “It just sounds like you didn't know how to make her melt.” Leaning in, I hold his gaze, so he understands the words that are coming out of my mouth. “And watch your fucking mouth. I'll say this again, one more time nice and slow. Have a good night.” I pause. “Unless we have a problem. Do we have a problem, T-Rav? Please tell me we do.” I smile, big and wide and I suddenly feel more shark than man.

Sensing blood in the water and the true predator lurking, Travis backs down, deflating right in front of me. “No, no problem at all.” He throws over his shoulder as he walks away.

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