Page 41 of Redemption

“Sorry Jeremy.”

“No problem, you grab us a table and I’ll bring the drinks over.”

I could feel Jack’s eyes on me and refused to meet them as I hopped down from the barstool and went searching for a table a little quieter and out of the way. I managed to snag one and I wiped it down, not wanting Jeremy to get his nice suit all wet from whatever the hell was on the table.

When Jeremy came over he sat right next to me instead of on the opposite chair which felt a little awkward. I turned in my seat, taking a sip from my drink and we were practically nose to nose. He immediately slurped from his beer and placed a hand on my knee.

“So what’s a pretty little thing like you doing still single, Kitty?” He was trying to be charming but my vagina began sewing itself shut.

“It’s Kat. Well I look after the ranch with my four sisters so there hasn’t been too much time for dating, I guess. What about you?” I asked, trying to switch the conversation back to him and pushing his hand off my knee.

“It’s been hard trying to meet someone ever since the wife left me.”

He definitely hadn’t put that he was married before on his profile. Jeremy was sinking further and further down in my estimation. “Oh, you’ve been married?”

“Still am. She’ll probably try and take everything in the divorce so I’m waiting until I meet someone worth taking that leap for.” He nodded and ran his eyes over me in a way that suggested he was probably picturing me naked.

I scooted my chair back, putting some more space between us and took a big gulp of my gin, trying to tell myself to stop being so judgy.

“Any kids?” I asked, hoping there wasn’t another surprise waiting for me.

“Christ, no,” he snorted. “You?”

“Not yet,” I said, trying to give off the vibe that I wouldn’t be opposed to it. “So what do you do for a living?” I took another big gulp of my gin, I’d nearly drank it all and needed to slow down.

“I’m a lawyer.” He banged down his beer bottle on the table, suds flying but he didn’t bat an eyelid.

“What kind of law?” I asked, downing the rest of my gin, needing something to distract myself from how shit a conversationalist Jeremy was. How did he even get a wife to not divorce in the first place?

“Criminal mostly. It’s getting busy now, you’re lucky I managed to fit this drink in.” He smirked like he was joking but I knew he wasn’t.Oh Jer…

“How long have you been practicing law?”Seriously, give me something.

He shrugged. “Ten years now. I’ll get us a couple more drinks, you really nailed that one.”

I looked at the gin glass in my hand that was empty and my vision swam a little. Damn I had drunk it so fast it had gone to my head a bit.

“No, it’s fine.”

“Nonsense, one more can’t hurt, can it?” He smiled again and then he was gone. I shouted after him that I only wanted a lemonade but I don’t think he heard me. My ears started ringing and I kept having to blink to clear my vision. I watched the people on the dance floor who started to blur and the music pitch seemed to deepen.

A loud noise and a crash drew my attention back towards the bar. There were fewer people now that it was getting later, and I could see Jack and Jeremy facing off.Oh shit.

I stood up but the room started spinning and I closed my eyes, clasping my forehead as a splitting headache began. How was I so drunk? I only had one. I had been planning to drive but there was no way I could now.

“Where’s Kat?” I heard Jack demand. “And where the fuck is Max!”

I stumbled towards the bar but my vision wasn’t clearing and neither was the blinding headache. A shadow appeared in front of me and then an arm came around my back.

“Kat? Are you okay?”

I looked up into Jack’s concerned blue gaze. “Jack?” I slurred.

“Come on, I’m getting you out of here,” he said, his voice angry and he started steering me towards the door.

“No, where’s Leo?” I demanded.

“He left already. Everyone’s either gone home or drunk. It’s just me.”

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