Page 90 of Valentine Nook
I’m shaking out the throbbing in my hand when I spot a bowl of ice on the bar and plunge my fist into that instead. The stinging is superseded by cold, and the pain momentarily vanishes. It’s a better solution than the bottle of whiskey I drank the last time I punched Jeremy.
My eyes drift to the floor where he’s easing himself to sit using an upturned stool. I regard him for a second, half groaning, half laughing as he leans back against the bar. Blood pours from his nose and his split lip, and his left eye is already puffy. I’m debating if I should help him up but then decide he can stay there.
Dick.
It’s the shocked gasp that has me turning, however. Holiday stands to the side, hand covering her mouth, her wide blue eyes glued on Jeremy and brimming with disgust. I just can’t tell if the disgust is aimed at me.
For the first time since I walked in, I get a look at her. A reallygoodlook.
Her rosy cheeks. Shimmery lips. Blond hair tumbling over her shoulder.
Her skin looks so clean and smooth that if it weren’t for the wisdom behind her eyes, she’d look far younger than her twenty-five years. Makes me feel like an utter pervert for lusting after her so blatantly.
Especially when my dick kicks behind my zipper.
She’s so fucking beautiful with her pretty flowery dress, wearing it for our date, that a profound ache appears in my chest.
Because I’ve now fucked everything up before it even began.
I was on my way when Eddie called to warn me Jeremy was sitting at the bar next to Holiday, and a murderous rage kicked in. I don’t know what he’s doing here or what he wants, but it only took one glance through the window to spot him leering at her for me to charge.
It’s still there, ire roiling through my blood like a viper ready to strike, even while my entire focus is trained on Holiday and the shock on her face.
“Holiday,” I begin softly, stepping toward her slowly, doing my best not to frighten her.
A musky, floral scent floats between us, and the ache in my chest deepens. It’s the scent I’ve been dreaming of since the summer fair. The one I’ll forever associate with her.
Holiday’s eyes flick to mine briefly, then back to my former best friend. He’s grinning like a lunatic, trying to stem the flow of blood seeping from his mouth and nose.
I hate him.
I hate that my first reaction to seeing him with Holiday was violence.
I hate that she’s looking at him.
I hate that I’m flooded with shame at what she witnessed, but that I’d do it all over again if I had to.
“Who is that?” Her voice is barely louder than a whisper.
I’m interrupted before I can answer when Jeremy thrusts a hand out to her. “Jeremy Glenroths, delighted to meet you.”
Two tiny lines appear between her brows, and she blinks, trying to connect the dots as to why I would storm in here and punch a stranger in the face. But then she looks at me, and I see her perceive the situation. There’s a good deal of hurt in there too, and perhaps some understanding.
Air sticks in my throat as Holiday steps forward. Blood whooshes in my ears, and the viper gets ready to strike.
Jeremy’s hand is still aimed straight toward her. He’s expecting her to take it, though I can promise if he so much as touches her, he’ll be on his back again after I rip his fucking arm off.
Except she doesn’t take it. Instead, she crosses her arms over her chest and leans forward ever so slightly.
“Hey, asshole, if I’d have known who you were, I’d have punched you long before Lando did.”
Well, that was unexpected. I smother a grin.
“Touché.” Jeremy reaches for the packet of tissues and stuffsone up his nose. “I see the big man’s already told you all about me. Must say, huge fan of your work.”
“Go to hell,” she snarls in a tone I didn’t even realize she was capable of, flipping him off as she spins around. Rising on her tiptoes, she brushes her lips against my cheek. “Take as long as you need.”
The pleasure I gain from that small interaction is insurmountable.
