Page 72 of Give Me Forever Love

I nod and walk through. My heart tilts his head, wondering what we’re doing and questions if I’m asking for trouble. My mind ignores it and steps through the black sliding doors. The base of the music vibrates my bones and I inhale as I look around, my eyes going to the all-glass two-way mirror above where I used to be. I wonder if Danny is in town and if he’s up there now. But I choose to walk to the bar, and luckily, I find a seat.

My phones rings and I see it’s K. I ignore it and order a drink from my old employee. He doesn’t seem happy to see me, and I think back on when I told him to act like K is me. Fuck, I am an asshole. I’ll make sure to tip him well.

I ask for another after I finished the one and then a hand snakes around my chest from behind. An old familiar smell hits my senses: single life and doing whatever the fuck I want.

I turn to face the woman I used to fuck from time to time.

“Good to see you, Bryce,” she says.

I nod and throw my drink back.

“What happened? Why did you sell Red? Was all that stuff true on the news?”

“Now you know you can’t believe everything you see on TV,” I say.

She smiles, her lips fire red like the dress she’s wearing. Or should I sayit’swearing her. Damn, has anyone looked hotter in a red dress?

Yes, my girl.

I stand up, so she has to step back, but she only steps closer. I clear my throat as she brings her face close to my ear. “Wanna get out of here, like old times?” she asks, running her finger down the front of my shirt.

I feel her lips press against my neck and I move away just as someone says my name.

I turn to see Danny standing with a woman by his side. She’s got an all-black dress on, matching him.

He looks from me to the slut putting her fucking lips on me. His brow lifts.

She goes to grab my hand, but I stop her. “I’m not that guy. You know I have a woman.”

“So why are you here alone then?” she asks. My heart crosses his arms, asking the same thing.

“Needed a drink. But I don’t need you.”

“Your loss,” she huffs, stomping away in heels that are too high.

“What brings you here?” Danny asks. I look from him to the girl. “Wanted to see how the old place was doing.”

He looks around. “Seems to be on the same page as when you owned it.”

“Yes, it does,” I agree. “You in town for a little while?”

He shrugs. “Not sure yet. I wanted to show her around. This is Bexley.”

I reach out my hand. “Good to meet you,” I say, wondering what the story is between them.

“Same,” she replies. They don’t stand too close. They don’t hold hands. They don’t even show emotion toward one another. It’s odd, but there’s something there. I see it regardless of how hard they try to hide it. I see it because I have it.

“Can I get you a drink?” Danny asks.

“Nah. I’ve had enough. I need to get home.”

He smiles. “Good. Call me if you need me.”

I pat his arm and head out. I want to hold my girl and let her know how much I love her and reassure her that being my wife is a good thing for both of us. I need her more than I’ve ever needed anything. Tonight made me see how lucky I am.

I don’t have to have meaningless sex. I don’t have to be uneasy around the woman I clearly love like Danny is. Bexley is the woman he was talking about in jail. When I asked if he had a woman and he said no, he wasn’t lying, but the truth of that was she had him and I could tell right then I was right.

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