I swallow hard, having a hard time maintaining eye contact with his intense gaze. “You’re right.”
I step away and around him, walking back into the office. “Hey Ryan, do you still need me?”
“No babe, you can go. Tag will be back here in about twenty minutes anyway. I’m about to head out, too,” he says, stacking papers into a neat pile.
“Can you give me a lift home?” I ask him, shifting on my feet. He gives me a curious look before nodding.
“Of course I can. You know I can never turn down a pretty face.” He smirks.
“Trust me, I know,” I mutter, earning me a chuckle from the man in question.
“I’ll meet you at your car.” I walk out of the bar without glancing at Reid, although I can feel his eyes on me. I stand in the car park, suddenly realising I have no idea which car Ryan drives. I’ve seen him driving Reid’s Jeep but obviously he didn’t come in that today because Reid did.
When Ryan walks out holding two helmets, a slow smile spreads on my lips. I could almost do a happy dance, that’s how much I love being on the back of a bike.
“I didn’t know you had a bike,” I say as he puts the helmet on me.
“We all have bikes, babe,” he says, shaking his head at me.
Reid has a motorcycle?
“Yes, Reid has one. It’s a beast of a bike, too,” Ryan says.
Did I say that aloud?
“Your face shows everything you’re thinking, Summer,” he says, that perpetual grin on his smug face.
I roll my eyes and jump on.
Chapter Six
Reid is absent for the next few days, working different shifts than me. Every time our paths do manage to cross, I try not to look at him, which is harder than I thought it would be.
Thursday rolls around, and Tag and I are alone in the bar from six pm until closing, which can be anywhere from midnight til three am, depending on how many customers we have. I’m making a cocktail when I see Reid walk in, looking agitated. His eyes shift as he looks around the bar, before he stares straight at me. He shakes his head slightly from side to side, as if to clear it, and then heads into the back. He comes out moments later with Ryan, who is also acting a little off. Ryan approaches me and offers me a smile that doesn’t reach his ocean blue eyes.
“We’re off. If Tag wants to close early, that’s fine. Also don’t go anywhere alone, alright?” he says, placing his hand on my shoulder.
“Okay. Is everything alright?” I ask, worried. Something feels off.
“Its fine, don’t worry. Tag is gonna keep an eye on you.” He places a chaste kiss on my temple. I look back at Reid who is standing at the door watching us. I look down when it looks like he's just going to leave without saying a word.
It really hurts.
The night goes slow as ever, even working with Tag, which is usually a heap of fun. Reid is right about Tag and women, he makes even Ryan look good. A man walks up to the bar and waits for me to serve him.
“What can I get you?” I ask him.
“You can give me your name, for a start,” he says, leering at me. Working at a bar, being hit on is kind of expected. But I still don’t really like or welcome it. Some men can take for no for an answer, but others…
“What can I get you to drink?” I ask again, emphasizing the drink part. I’m not on the menu, and neither is my name or any other knowledge about me.
“I’m surprised you’re not there with them,” he sneers, his face scrunching.
“What?” I ask, completely confused.
“What, aren’t you one of Reid’s bitches? I know how they all like to hang around after and wait for him,” he says, staring at me accusingly. Ignoring the douche bag, I walk over to Tag and stand next to him.
“Problem?” he asks, instantly scanning the bar. When he sees the man that spoke to me he walks over. I start to serve another customer, waiting for Tag to come back so I can ask him what the hell is going on.
The man leaves and Tag returns, but he ignores me. I corner him when all the customers are gone.
“Explain,” I demand, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Not my place, Summer,” he says.
I don’t say anything.
“You wanna head home early? I’m gonna close up now,” he says, avoiding looking at me.
My nails dig into my palms. I inhale and exhale, trying to calm myself down.
Everyone knows what’s going on except for me.
And these people are meant to be my friends and family.
“Yeah, I’ll go,” I say quietly, getting my handbag.
“Straight home, Summer,” he says. “Wait, I’ll walk you out.”
I nod my head.
*****
I can hear banging on the front door, followed by the sound of masculine voices.
“Don’t f**king start, Xander,” I hear Reid snap. Reid? What's he doing here?
I sit up in bed and watch as my bedroom door opens and Reid walks in.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, my voice thick with sleep. He remains silent, taking off his shoes and his T-shirt. When he lifts up the covers and slides into bed next to me, my mouth is hanging open so wide I’m sure he'd get ideas if he was able to see it.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I grate out, pissed at his audacity.
“I need you,” he says quietly, his voice sounding hoarse. He pulls me closer to him, and cocoons me in his warmth. Why was I angry at him again?