Page 88 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
That makes Jade smirk.
She knows I don’t have a damn tickle trunk, and she knowsshe’sthe reason everyone in town thinks I do.
The rumors she spread to ease the pain I had caused her. I don’t blame her, but I don’t like it either.
Bronx leans closer to me and whispers, not that quietly, “You sleeping with Charli?”
My mouth quirks into a snarl.
“Kiwi’s granddaughter? Not if I want to keep my balls.”
Bronx laughs loud enough that anyone shopping in the store will know he’s back here. Not that he cares.
Does she know he’s a regular here?
That she’d be on his rotation if she ended up in bed with him?
He’s been like this since we were teenagers, the three of us in the same class. I’d also been on the same football team as this dickhead. Me, the quarterback, and him, defensive tackle.
He treats women’s hearts the same now as he did then. Like matchbooks, striking ‘em quick and tossing ‘em quicker?
Does she know that?
Of course, she does. She said as much. He’d be willing to do any page in that book, no strings attached.
I’m hardly able to control the anger pulsing through my body. He wouldn’t be able to touch her if I put him in the hospital. The idea is more calming than it should be.
“Seriously, though, what’s your go-to?” Bronx peruses the expanse of shelves. “You’ve got to have some recommendations, and I’m genuinely curious as to what they are.”
I grit my teeth, my gaze flicking between Bronx’s cocky grin and Jade’s conflicted, but amused expression.
“I don’t think you’re interested in my opinion.” My voice is low and tight, each word forced through clenched teeth.
Bronx throws back his head, laughter booming through the store. “Oh, come on, don’t be shy. We’re all adults here. Unlessyou’re not into sharing.” He winks at Jade, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
I hate it to my core.
I say nothing, my patience snapping like a frayed thread.
“He’s shy.” Bronx glances at Jade, but she’s staring at me with a look I can’t read. “We’re always open to a new kinky toy, right, Jade?”
What the fuck does he meanwe’realways open to a new kinky toy?
Have they been here before?
Together?
I’m gonna have an aneurysm right here in this room. Imagine the gossip: Hart Wilde dead in The Crimson Hollow.
I don’t reply. My eyes drop to Jade’s overloaded arms.
“It looks like y’all have plenty.”
“Is plenty ever enough?” Bronx is back to scouring the shelves. “You try a tickler?”
The feather Bronx threads through the ring he forms with his thumb and finger brings back horror memories I’d rather forget.
“I think it’s secretly Jade’s favorite.”
