Page 113 of Right Number, Wrong Man
I’m sorry I got a little heated. Can we talk about this, please?
I hit send and a red exclamation mark pops up next to the message.
Sheblockedme.
Tears sting at my eyes. I deserved it, but fuck. Is she really done with me?
I leave the phone on the bed and trudge downstairs to pour myself a drink in the kitchen. The bourbon burns my throat, but I immediately pour another.
How the hell can I fix this mess?
I ain’t her mysterious Dom no more. I’m just… Colt.
Sure, we’re friends now, but that’s all we’ll ever be. I can’t stand by and be happy for her when she’s in love with another guy.Again. That makes me a lousy friend and an awful man, but even I have my limits.
I walk to the living room window and sit with my back against the cold brick wall, next to my rifle. My fingers find the cat charm, twirling it.
The soft pitter patter of Gracie’s paws comes down the stairs and she wags her tail sleepily. She trudges over to shove her head into my free hand and I pet her favorite spot under her chin.
“At least you still love me, right?” I ask and she climbs on my lap, curling up with a big yawn. Guess that’s a yes. “I love you too, Princess,” I say and put a kiss between her ears.
I take another sip of bourbon. Inhaling a deep breath, I bump my head against the wall, trying to jumpstart my brain.
Calm down and think, Colt.
Hailey was never into Justin and he’s deader than deadnow, so it couldn’t have been him. She was looking for a date for Andrea’s wedding party and?—
A grin splits my face.
That’s it! The party!
At theRetro Reela few weeks back, I overheard her talking to Andrea on the phone about it, so I know where the venue is and what time to be there.
I’ll be her date this Saturday, but I won’t ask. She won’t have a chance to say no if I just show up.
I’ll go as her platonic friend… and friends tell each other everything, don’t they?
Since I saved her from Justin, Hailey trusts me. The real me. If I tease her about her dating life, she might spill the beans about her new love. I chuckle.
And then I’ll go and rip the fucker’s throat out.
43
HAILEY
For my bestfriend’s sake, I plastered on a smile through the wedding ceremony, the reception, and the dinner. Everything was super cute and intimate with just family and friends present. It’s a lovely venue, too. This old horse ranch turned into a country-chic hotel is a great fit for Andrea’s vision.
I’m genuinely happy for her and Steve, but I’m not in a celebratory mood.
Instead of being out in the barn where music plays and alcohol flows, I’ve been hiding in my room since the bride and groom snuck off for some spicy alone time.
Being dateless, I lost my bet with Andrea and I don’t have anyone to dance with, but it’s probably for the best. My mind is a mess.
With a sigh, I flop down on the bouncy bed and stare at the ceiling.
I’m still reeling from the breakup with Jax.
His possessive aggression seemed awfully real. I know what he’s capable of when he’s playing around, and I’m not keen to find out what he’s like when he’s genuinely furious.His texts scared me so much that I put the pink revolver in my clutch tonight. I won’t be caught unprepared for a second time like I was with Justin.
