Page 53 of Every Single Vow
I settle against the back wall while Cooper presses the button for the first floor.
I lift my eyes just in time to catch his hand falling away.His ringless hand.
My stomach drops, my whole body tensing as I watch him slide both hands in his pockets.
He didn’t wear his ring.
To a bar.
Out of town.
My fingers curl around the metal bar mounted to the wall behind me, my heart aching at the realization of what his intentions are tonight. I told him he could hook up with anyone out of town. I told him I would understand. Sure he refused, but that was weeks ago and he’s probably folding. Probably having urges like any normal sexually actively male in his late twenties.
A sour pit forms in my stomach as the ding indicates we have reached our destination.
When the doors open, I dart forward, my eyes scanning the lobby.
“You ok?” His hand skims my lower back, guiding me to the left.
“Good,” I croak, managing to somehow appear calm and collected. Not like I’m having a nervous breakdown over the fact myfakehusband is trolling for a hookup at our hotel bar.With me in tow.
The bar isn’t packed, but a few tables occupy guests, along with a couple of older men at the bar top.
As we take our seats, Cooper looks to the bartender who nods. “Tequila Sunset and a Miller Light.”
A flicker of familiarity sparks in my chest; but I shove it away. He knows my drink because I’ve ordered it for years. Hell, Maddox and Ryder even know it’s my favorite.
“So, how’s Ari?” He asks, leaning back on his bar stool.
“Ivy didn’t answer, but I left her a message to call me back.” I tap my fingernails on the wood grain, scanning the female selection in the room.
A couple of ladies seem to be mid-sixties, not paying anyone any mind.
Another table is a group of younger women, and it’s evident they’ve already spotted Cooper. Especially the brunette that’s pointing and whispering to the girl on her left.
Maybe this is what I need. For him to sleep with someone. Squash this nonsense that I’m reading too much into. That this marriage could ever bereal.
“Thanks, man,” Cooper says before he slides my drink to me.
“Thanks.” I pull the straw to my lips, sucking down the liquid that will hopefully chill my nerves and knock some sense into me.
“Excuse me. Can I get four shots of Crown?”
The voice comes from the brunette I clocked three minutes ago. She leans her elbows on the bar top, pushing up her cleavage as she turns to Cooper. “Hey, there.”
He gives her a warm smile. “Evening ma’am.”
She giggles. “Ma’am? You make me sound old.”
I roll my eyes, sucking down more tequila.
“Just being respectful,” Cooper says before taking a swig of his beer.
The brunette tilts her head. “You look familiar.”
Cooper glances at me before he looks back to her. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
“Wait…you used to ride bulls, right?” She smiles, leaning into him. “I used to hang out with Pecos Holt.”
