Page 17 of Jersey

"We haven't formally met," I say, holding out my hand.

She doesn't bother to look at it, much less take the offer. "I'm Caitlyn Rudd. Nice to meet you."

I spin to face Zeus when I feel him swat at my shoulder.

"Move," he grumbles as he steps around me. "Would you like to join us?"

I watch her eyes as they lift to the man. He's several inches taller than me, practically a giant by today's standards. He's a full foot or so taller than her, and I can see the hesitation on her face before she turns her attention back to me.

"Do you mind?" she asks, her voice soft and fading quickly with the music playing through the hidden speakers.

I shake my head, taking a step back so she can pass. Instead of walking toward the side of the small table in the grouping of furniture that Zeus and I have been sitting at, she sits on the opposite side, allowing her to watch both of us as if she doesn't trust us at all.

"Your drink, sir," the waitress says as she appears with a glass of whiskey.

"Thank you," I tell her, wishing she'd step out of the way so I could keep my eyes on Caitlyn.

"Sir? Ma'am? Anything to drink?"

Zeus declines, whereas Caitlyn requests a bottle of water with the cap on.

Smart woman.

I can do nothing more than stare at her, and although it makes me feel like a complete fool, I find it impossible to do anything else.

"What brings you here?" Zeus asks, leaning forward and propping his elbows on his knees.

Her fake smile fades, making me wonder how hard it was for her to smile in the first place.

Her throat works on a swallow before she manages a response. "Nice weather we're having."

Zeus tilts his head slightly, but the guy isn't an idiot, and he catches on quickly.

"The sunshine makes it great for long rides on the bike," Zeus says, quickly shifting gears. "Have you ever been on a motorcycle, Dr. Rudd?"

"Caitlyn, please," she says. "No, I have never been on a motorcycle, and I can't see myself ever doing so."

"Caitlyn," he says, his tone having a hint of awe as if she just gave him an unexpected gift.

I'm no stranger to rage, but it's hardly ever a teammate I want to pound into the ground. Instead of looking over at him, which would no doubt lead me to connect my fist to his nose, I chance a look around the room.

Unfortunately, it's the exact moment the waitress is coming back with Caitlyn's water, and it leaves me looking like I'm staring directly at the collared naked woman.

I lift my glass, hoping she didn't catch me watching the naked woman. I see the exact moment she notices my wedding ring.

Her eyes dart away a second later.

I lean forward an inch, an explanation on my lips, but I think better of it.

Jerichowarned me away from the woman, and I bet the man would consider this simple conversation a violation of that demand. Maybe it's better for her to believe the conclusion she just came to.

What changes if she knows?

Why do I care either way?

I glare at her, feeling a little uneasy for even worrying one way or the other because it's not something I usually struggle with.

"Umm," she says, putting her unopened bottle of water on the table between us as she stands. "Have a nice evening."

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