Page 32 of Hard Hat Hottie

“Hell no,. but there’s something about single moms. The sex is next level. It’s like they’re starved for it or something.”

My face heats as I confirm he’s talking about me.This fucking asshole.

“Didn’t you say you were hooking up with a resident at the new hospital in Miami?”

“Yeah, but that’s Miami. I don’t have to be back at work ’til Wednesday.”

Narrowing my eyes, I peer around the partition to where the hallway leading to the restrooms is located. Had he not realized I was here?

Stewart wiggles his fingers at the tall blond guy standing beside him. I recognize that tool from a prior deployment. He’s in the same unit with Stu. “Do you see a ring?”

The blond chuckles. “I don’t know how you keep them all straight. Fuck, I’d give anything for some chick who was desperate to get off. I have to beg Janet for sex. She’s always moaning about being too tired after being with the kids all day.”

Hmmm. Wonder why she’d be too tired? If they’re like my boys, they’re go go go all day. Of course, this prick probablydoesn’t lift a finger to help, and then wonders why she doesn’t put out.

“You need a little side pussy,” Stewart says.

What. The. F?

“It’s tempting. But Janet would go all Lorena Bobbitt on me if she ever found out.”

“Well, I’m not settling down longer than my contract lasts. I’m just hoping to keep my side pussy around a little longer. It’s no skin off my nose if it doesn’t work out. Fuck, I’d never actually date someone like her. She’s only good for one thing.” He snorts before making a disgusting demonstration of bucking his hips back and forth. As if there is any confusion to what he is talking about.

Leaning my hand on the jukebox, I try to take a calming breath. My body is shaking with rage. Who the hell does this guy think he is? Unable to control my temper any longer, I walk around the partition and watch as Stewart’s face freezes.

Shock and awe. My favorite military strategy.

Walking slowly and deliberately until I’m standing directly in front of him, I sneer. “Only good for one thing, huh?” I ask before dumping my cocktail over Stewart’s head. “You were lucky I ever came back for seconds. You’re right, single moms don’t have it easy. It’s why we settle for really disappointing sex from asshats like you!”

“What the fuck, Harlow?” he practically squeals, his voice coming out high-pitched.

As if their telepathy has kicked in, Brandon sweeps in, grabbing me under his arm and pulling me back before I can do anything else to make a scene. Meanwhile, Ethan gets into Stewart’s face.

“I have no idea what just happened here.” He waves his index finger up and down the length of Stewart’s body. “But if Harlow did this, I know damn well you had it coming. Make onemove to try and cause trouble for her, and you’ll regret it. We’ll all regret it, but I’ll make sure the spotlight is on you.” Ethan gives a menacing glare to the blond at Stewart’s side, and he immediately takes two steps back.

Ethan is a domineering presence. Tall, dark hair and eyes, built like he could compete in Mr. Universe, and covered in ink. But the reminder of what could happen to all parties involved if an officer in either of our units found out about this is just what this conversation needs to get hot heads back on straight.

Brandon and Ethan flank me as we head for the door.

“Eth, you get Harlow to the car, I’m going to settle the bill. I’ll be right back.”

As we approach Ethan’s truck, I’m filled with shame. I was just so mad. I can’t believe I lost control like that. “Ethan, I’m so?—”

“Harlow, don’t. I don’t want to know what led up to that.”

“But, I?—”

“Don’t. We’ve worked together too long. I know you don’t want me to end up in jail.”

“What? Of course not. What are you talking about?”

“We promised we’d look out for you tonight. When you weren’t at the jukebox, we went looking for you. I knew you wouldn’t take a drink into the bathroom. When I saw what happened, I just knew. And it was all I could do not to punch the fucker, knowing he’d hurt you somehow.”

Wrapping my arms around his chest, I bury my face in his neck. “Thank you. I’m so sorry.”

Ethan tilts my chin up with his fingers. “You never need to apologize for standing up for yourself, ’lil sis. Brandon and I will always have your back.”

Moments later, Brandon jogs over to us, opening the car door for me. As I buckle my seatbelt, he gets into the back seat and does the same.

---