“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Why not?”
“Because my dick boss tried to show me his dick again.”
“Ugh. You’d think a guy who takes other guys to court over sexual harassment would know better.”
“That’s the thing. He knows just what to say to not get in trouble. He’s fucking subtle, but I know what he’s talking about.” She turns us to the right.
I’ve heard of this place, and the fact that it’s a meat market—plenty of guys, few girls. That might interest some, but not my kind of place.
My eyes widen as I examine the buildings that have become new businesses—barber, yogurt shop, handmade jewelry story and more. I’ve been so busy with the store opening and making sure my daughter Skye adjusts to being here, I’ve almost been oblivious to how the city I grew up in has changed and what’s new.
But I’m hungry too, and it’s my best friend duty to be Ella’s wing-girl—or at least be amused to watch her do her best and her worst. She’s been there for me. It’s the least I can do.
The outside of the Graffiti Street bar is plastered in bright paint with graffiti letters on the brick announcing the bar’s name. I smile as I recall in high school a couple of the guys had some real talent for the street art scene.
I take a deep breath of the city air, a mix of oil, dirty concrete, but the floral scent of the blooming cherry trees hits a high note, bringing back memories and stimulating a smile.
“Hey, do you remember that guy who did art in school… Zale, I think?” I stop to take a closer look at the talented work.
“He owns this place.”
Really?
“And is that why we’re going inside, Ms. Tremble? Is he the next Mr. Ella Tremble?”
“Nah, I’m not in Zale’s social circle or his normal type. He dates those tiny things that have tiny dogs and tiny purses and tiny waists.” She smooths her leather jacket over curves that any man would be happy to have in his hands, but some days we all do the comparison, even if we don’t want to. I’ve been there, too.
She continues, “Plus, we both know it takes a really special guy to be there for more than a night of fun when you have kids. I’m not going to put Rebel and Roxie through the hope and crushed dreams. They’re with Walker for the next five nights, so I’m going to have some fun. No strings attached. It’s time I stopped thinking about what should’ve been and start living what can be. You, too, my friend.” She’s talking the truth when it comes to kids, but when it comes to dating again… I just can’t do it.
I slip an arm around my friend. Ella’s hurt runs as deep as mine. Maybe deeper. We both found love with the wrong guy. We can’t be faulted for being starry-eyed and trusting. Thankfully, her ex is still a good guy. But Walker isn’t from here. He’s a transplant and sometimes I wonder if that’s what I need. Someone who doesn’t know the past. Someone who won’t care about my crazy ex. Someone who doesn’t have any knowledge of how my fears and anxiety became my worst baggage. Probably why I’m not interested in looking for another guy. I’ve been burned enough to know that even looking at matches isn’t a smart idea. Single is firmly on my business card and I’ll stay that way.
We sit at a loveseat and chair combo that smells faintly of spilled beer and AXE body spray. It’s a very down-to-earth kind of place. No pretenses here. If you don’t like it, leave, is what it says to me and I don’t hate it. I feel welcome and at ease.
Ella fills out the form for pizza. Half and half—all the meats for her and all the veggies for me. While she’s delivering the slip to the kitchen, I scan the room and my gaze lands on three guys sitting at the bar. I can’t make them out in the shadowy light, but the way they’re laughing, they have some close bond.
After hitting the bathroom, Ella stops to talk to them, and they all turn to me.
Shit.
Multiple sets of eyes hold to me. I’m frozen in my seat.
But one of the guy’s lips twitch and my gaze is instantly drawn to those pouty red pillows surrounded by a closely trimmed goatee. I know that smirk.
Dane Drake. I don’t need a Jerk #2 in my life.
Find out if Dane—now known as Hemi—will make his move and maybe steal her heart, instead of her car, this time. HEMI
Cray’s story can be found here, too.
CRAY
Payne is
Also by Brynn Hale
Brynn Hale Stories & Series Listing
Books Cowritten with Ally Crew
Holiday Hotties—Fall/Winter 2020
Jingle Belle- My Book
Wynter Wonderland- My Book
Candy Canes- My Book
First Noelle-My Book
Holly Jolly- My Book
Holiday Hotties Series- My Book
Instalove Hearts Series
Extra Hot- My Book
Open Doors- My Book
Show Time- My Book
Going Down- My Book
Instalove Hearts Collection: BBW Romance- My Book
Bundle- My Book
Brynn Hale
Coming Fall/Winter 2020—multi-author series works:
Dared Under the Mistletoe: The Sweater Series Book 1- My Book
Hungry for Jensen: Hungry Hearts Book 3- My Book
Her Midnight Desire- TBA
Graffiti Street Tattoo
Kash- My Book
Multi-author Collaborations:
Hot for the Doctor: Hot for Heroes Book 5- My Book
Seducing the Mountain Man: I’m Yours Book 2- My Book
Spells in the Night: Hot Halloween Nights Book 1- My Book
Wonderboy Love: Tiaras and Treats Book 2- My Book
Graffiti Street Series and Spin-Offs
Graffiti Street Bad Boys: First in Series Collection- My Book
Graffiti Street Bad Boys
Hemi - My Book
Zale - My Book
Copper - My Book
Leif - My Book
Cray - My Book
Box Set - My Book
Bundle - My Book
Graffiti Street Guardians MC
Slater - My Book
Blade - My Book
Vice - My Book
Crow - My Book
Bundle - My Book
Series- My Book
WildStyle Brewers-Graffiti Street Bad Boys Spin-Off
Fitz - My Book
Benji - My Book
Hudson- My Book
Bundle- My Book
Series- My Book
Diamond Ridge Series and Spin-Offs
Diamond Ridge Mountain Men: First in Series Collection- My Book
Diamond Ridge Mountain Men
Boone - My Book
Kaede - My Book
Wyatt - My Book
Woody- My Book
Box Set- My Book
Bundle - My Book
Rescued: Diamond Ridge Mountain Men
Zeb - My Book
Flint - My Book
Mack - My Book