Page 14 of Crash and Burn
She stops, slowly turning to face me. “Yeah? For how long? The rest of the day? An hour? Until we’re outside around all your friends? You don’t have to like me, Rascal, but I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
She walks away, leaving me speechless. I stand there until she’s completely out of sight. I deserved every bit of that. I’ve been a complete jackass to her. When I walk outside, I grab a beer from one of the coolers then spot Marley right next to Ruger again. I find my way back to the grill, where Sketch has taken over.
“Didn’t think you were ever coming back.” He chuckles.
“I almost didn’t.”
“Why? What’s wrong with you?” He’s taking the food off the grill.
“How is it that asshole is after the same thing I am, yet I’m the only one being treated like a bad guy?” I gesture toward Ruger and Marley.
“Maybe it’s because you aren’t as charming as you think you are.” Saint taunts.
“Like you’re any better. How are things with Rivet?” I retort. His face sobers, and he flips me off.
“You are an arrogant asshole. Maybe her feelings are mutual, but she doesn’t want to give in to your whorish ways.” Sketch shrugs.
“I am not . . .”
“Think real hard before you finish that.” Sketch shoots me a knowing look.
“Okay, maybe I am.”
The guys laugh.
“So, if all you want is to get in her pants, maybe you should back off. God forbid it, but if you actually want something more with her, you’ll have to actually prove it to her.” Leave it to Sketch to lecture me.
For the duration of the BBQ, I avoid Marley as best I can. It doesn’t stop me from stealing glances, though. She spends the majority of her time with Minx and Sienna. She talks with Ruger when he walks up to her, but I never notice her initiate the conversation. I can’t help wondering if she’s even interested in him.
Before the night is over, Sketch and Wren are making an announcement.
“We wanted to let y’all know when everyone was here,” Sketch says.
“We’re pregnant!” They say at the same time.
There’s a round of cheers and congratulations. All the brothers are pairing off and having families of their own. Pretty soon, the clubhouse will be full of babies crawling around.
