Page 62 of No One Wants That (Blitzen Bay)

“I guess we can go over to Big Bear if you want—”

“Babe,” Elle says, kissing Nash before she stands up. “Kit said ladies’ night. You’re not invited.”

“Does it have to be ladies only?” Nash looks over at Kit. “Big Bear has been so full of assholes this summer.”

“What kind of assholes?” I say, tapping Kit’s leg as I try to catch her eye. She keeps her eyes fixed on Nash.

“The rich kind.” Nash looks over at Alex. “No offense.”

“None taken,” Alex says. “I’ve only had money for a few years. Are these movie industry guys? We run into a lot of them at the clubs while we’re playing in L.A. I’ve never met a bigger group of d-bags.”

“Yeah, mainly, I think,” Nash says. “I don’t really know. My buddy Jim goes to the bars there a lot. He said it used to be pretty laid back, but now there’s a bunch of drunk guys causing trouble every night.”

“We can all head over there,” Alex says. “I could do with a change of scenery.”

“Nope. You’re not invited either,” Raine says, pulling Millie off Mason’s lap. “We can take care of ourselves, especially with our secret weapon here.”

“Millie’s your secret weapon?” Alex asks. “She seems kind of small to be your muscle.”

“Small, but deadly,” Raine says. “She’s been my bodyguard for years.”

Alex looks at Mason. “Are they making this up? Have you seen her in action?”

“I have,” Mason says, smiling proudly as he leans back in his chair. “Millie can hold her own in a fight.”

Alex looks at me. “Help me out here. I think we should go with them.”

“Naw, they’re fine,” I say. “Mills can get the job done, and if her muscle isn’t enough, Kit’s mouth should be able to scare off a few of the assholes.”

Kit spins around to me—the fierce look flooding her face again. “I think I told you to stop criticizing.”

“Again,” I say, squinting hard to try to figure out what’s going on with her, “that wasn’t criticism. And your tone is proving my point. I’m not getting anywhere near you right now.”

“Or ever apparently,” Kit says, under her breath as she walks in front of me toward the house.

I grab her hand. “What was that?”

“It was nothing, sweetie,” Millie says, pulling our hands apart. “Alright! It’s more than time for us to leave. Elle, can you drive us by the inn so we can glam up a little bit?”

“Let’s just head over there now. We look more than fine for Big Bear.”

Nash grabs Elle’s hand. “Babe, you’ve had too much to drink. You can’t drive.”

“Why don’t I drive you over there?” Alex stands up. “I can stay in the car if you want.”

“Seriously, Alex,” Raine says, looking back at him. “You’ve spent too much time with these guys. Turn your alpha channel off. We’re good.”

“Alex,” Nash says. “Back off. They need a little lady time. They’ll be fine.”

“Thank you, Nash,” Kit says. “And I’m not drinking tonight. I’ll drive.”

“Sounds good. Have fun,” Nash says, yawning. “What bar are you going to?”

“Uh, probably The Angry Ant,” Elle says. “That’s always a good time.”

“If there’s a bar called The Angry Ant, we’re definitely going there.” Millie pulls Elle away from Nash. “We’ll be fine. We can take care of Elle.”

“Yep, I’m sure you can,” Nash says as he stretches his arms over his head and yawns again. He’s laying it on a little thick for my taste, but it seems to be working. “Millie, I’m guessing most people would be more scared of you than me, anyway.”

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