Page 33 of Shattering Nash

She wrapped her hand around the glass, racking her brain to remember the name, “Oh um, I don’t…”

A man twice her size wedged himself between her and Alex. He was massive with arms bigger than her thighs. A small shove or bump would’ve had her landing on her ass. Ironically, even in the small space, he never touched Charley. Alex on the other hand was not so lucky.

“Hey, man, what the…”

The huge guy next to her turned his head. “Problem?”

Alex stood, straightening his jacket. He was silent, staring at the ogre beside her.

“I was just talking with…”

“Find someone else to talk to.” His tone was threatening.

Charley gasped, watching the showdown between the two men. It lasted only a few seconds before Alex grabbed his glass from the bar and walked off. She sat silently and exchanged a look with Keely. Her friend looked just as uncomfortable as Charley felt. Penny, on the other hand, didn’t seem the least bit bothered. She shifted her gaze between the man and Charley with a small smile playing on her lips.

Charley inched a little closer to Keely in hopes of creating some more space. The last thing she wanted was accidentally bumping this man and have him turn on her. He leaned over, rested his elbows on the bar with his hands clasped. He stared straight ahead, never saying a word or even acknowledging her.Strange.A minute of awkward silence later, he straightened and left.

“What the fuck was that?” Keely laughed and whipped her head around, watching the man walk away.

Penny clucked her tongue and lifted her glass. “He’s security.”

“What?” Keely turned in her seat. “But that guy Alex wasn’t bothering us.”

Penny arched her brow. “Oh, that wasn’t forus. Looks like Charley’s got some protection though.”

“What? Why?” Keely was just as surprised as Charley. There could only be one sensible reason.

“Oh, it’s probably because I work for Elle.”

Penny smirked. “That could be it. Or maybe someone doesn’t like another man getting too close to you.”

Keely gasped and swiveled in her stool. “Do you think Nash told him not to let other guys talk to you?”

“No!” Charley blurted.

The idea was absurd. Why would Nash care?Right?

Keely grabbed her arm. “You should make out with Nash. Or even better, sleep with him. And then you can blame it on alcohol. Back me on this, Penny.”

Penny scoffed. “I’m not backing you on anything. Slow down on the drinks and stop giving her bad advice.” She shook her head and winked at Charley.

Thank you, Penny.

“Whatever, let’s dance.” Keely slipped off her seat, not bothering to wait for her or Penny. Not that it mattered. Both women remained seated.

“You don’t dance either?” Charley asked.

“I dowithandformy man. Only.” Penny sipped her drink and pointed to Keely’s abandoned seat.

Charley slid her glass down the bar and sat on the open stool.

“So, how do you know Keely?” Penny asked.

“We met a few years ago at the local community college. We shared a class.”

Penny seemed surprised. “Keely actually show up?”

Charley tried to keep a straight face, but when Penny raised her brows in challenge, she burst out laughing. “Not often. But when she did, class was a lot more fun. I offered to share my notes, and we’ve been friends ever since.”

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