The Tangled Series Complete Digital Boxed Set (Bad Boy Rock Star, Millionaire, and MMA Fighter Bundle) (80 page)

“My ex-boyfriend got me interested.”

“What happened to him?”

She sighed. “Found out he was married.”

“You didn’t know?”

“Well,” she smiled. “I did. He said  they were getting divorced, so I thought they were separated. Come to find out, they really weren’t either.”

The bartender set my drinks down. “Here’s a tray. I doubt you can carry all four drinks by yourself.”

“You’re right. Thanks,” I said, handing her the money.

“It’s an open bar,” said the woman. “For another hour, at least.”

“Oh, well, here’s a tip,” I said, handing her a couple of dollars.

“Thanks, hon.” She turned to Jenna. “What can I get for you?”

“I’ll take two Michelobs. One for me and one for that tall drink of water, over there,” she said, turning to smile at Trevor, who I noticed was watching us.

Feeling angry again, I looked away.

Jenna turned back to me and sighed. “You must think I’m a horrible aunt.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

She smiled grimly. “Because my mind is in the gutter at my niece’s funeral.”

“People cope with things differently,” I said, a little guilty of it myself.

She put her arm around me. “I agree. In fact, I’ve always coped with grief by turning to intimacy. The touch of another can sometimes ease the pain of loss. It’s also a good reminder that we’re still alive and that every second matters, because you never know when your time is up.”

“I guess… that makes sense to me.”

“To me it does. That’s why I don’t feel guilty about setting my sights on Raptor tonight.” She winked. “Something tells me he just might be my salvation.”

“And you know that after just talking to him for a few minutes?”

She grinned wickedly. “To be honest, I don’t care what comes out of his mouth. It’s what goes into his mouth later that interests me. Thanks, doll,” she said to the bartender, who set two beers down in front of us. She handed her a five. “That’s for you.”

“Thanks,” said the bartender, shoving it into her front pocket. She leaned forward. “And good luck with that young man. I wouldn’t mind going home with him myself tonight.”

Jenna laughed. “You’d better get in line,” she answered before walking back toward Trevor.

Sighing, I picked up the tray of drinks and went the other way.

Chapter Thirty- Two

I watched Adriana and Jenna talking at the bar, and had to hide my grin. Adriana looked like she was ready to spit bullets whenever she looked at me.

“Oh, she’s pissed,” whispered Jenna, close to my ear when she returned with our beers.

Jenna and I went way back. She’d dated Slammer five years ago and we’d always gotten along. When she’d learned what had happened to her niece, she’d rushed down to Griffin’s and I’d told her everything, including what had happened between me and Adriana.

“Why?” I asked. “Because I’m still here?”

“Because, I’m making her jealous.”

“You are?”

“Yes,” she said, snuggling up to me.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Are you kidding? She’s going to realize how much she wants you and believe me, you’re going to be thanking me later.”

My eyebrow arched. “Really? Because when men get jealous, it doesn’t usually work that way. They get pissed and leave.”

“No, you don’t,” she said. “In fact, I’m pretty sure if you saw a guy hitting on Adriana, you’d want to beat the shit out of him.”

“Look, there’s nothing between us. Not anymore,” I said, not believing my own words. The truth was, I wanted her more than ever. When I’d seen her at the funeral, wearing another black dress and the same sapphire necklace, it had reminded me of that night in her bedroom. Then I’d pictured her straddling my face while I was looking up at her gorgeous body, and I knew I was going straight to Hell. Especially knowing that I had to have been the only asshole in church sporting wood. 

“I don’t believe that for one second and either do you.”

I shrugged. “Believe what you want.”

Jenna frowned. “Why is the cop here? They walked in together. Did you see that?”

“Yeah, but they didn’t arrive here together.”

“It looks like Tiffany has her eye on him, anyway. He’s cute.” She waved at Tiffany, who waved back.

I took another swig of beer.

“So, what are you going to do?”

“Finish this and leave.”

She tilted her head. “Don’t you want to try and win her back?”

“I never had her to begin with. If I did, she wouldn’t have given up so easily.”

Jenna sighed. “I’ve met Vanda. She’s not an easy woman to stand up to.”

“Adriana is twenty-one. She’s an adult.”

“She may look like an adult, but nobody has given her the chance to act like one.”

I smirked. “I tried. Believe me, I did.”

“I’m sure you did. But, I think you need to try again.”

“What do you propose I do? Show up at her house? Serenade her? I do that and I’ll just get my ass chewed out.”

“No. That’s a waste of time. You need to act tonight. While she’s got that fire burning in her belly.”

“How do you know she’s got a fire burning in her belly?”

“By the way she keeps stealing glances over here. The girl still has it bad for you, Raptor. She doesn’t know whether to slap or kiss you.”

“Hmm… Well, what do you suggest I do?”

This time Jenna was the one smiling wickedly. “Nothing. Let me take care of it.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Adriana

An hour later, Tiffany announced that it was time to go across the street to Gibby’s.

“Okay,” I said. “It’s getting really crowded in here anyway.”

“It’s going to be more crowded at Gibby’s,” warned Jeremy, who’d opened his tie and now seemed very relaxed.

“But at least we can dance,” I said, feeling absolutely no pain. I’d just finished my third drink and even Trevor’s presence wasn’t bothering me anymore. Well, not as much. After the second drink, I kept telling myself that if those two hooked up, then good riddance. After my third drink, I’d decided that I needed to rethink my own rule of hooking up. Possibly find a guy who might make me forget all about Trevor. Someone tall, dark, and very well-endowed.

“I want to dance, too. Let’s go and say goodbye to Bonnie and go over there,” said Monica, grabbing me and Amber by the arms. Just like me, she was also feeling quite good.

“Thanks for coming,” said Bonnie, hugging each of us when we found her.

“Of course and, we’re so sorry for your loss,” said Tiffany, smiling sadly. “And ours. We’re losing a great friend. One of the best. We’re sure going to miss that girl.”

Bonnie’s lips trembled. “Me, too,” she squeaked. “Me, too.”

“I’m sorry my mother couldn’t make it,” I said when she hugged me. “She’s going to call you tomorrow.”

“She made it to the funeral. That’s enough. Plus, she’s been there for me these last couple of weeks. Bringing me food, calling everyone. I don’t know how I can thank her enough.”

“You don’t have to,” I told Bonnie. “She wanted to help.”

She nodded. “Well, I appreciate it.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Ms. Blake,” said Jeremy, shaking her hand.

“Just find them,” she said. “Please. Find the people who did this and put them away.”

“Believe me, I’ll do my best.”

“Are you leaving?” asked Jenna, coming up behind me?”

“We’re going across the street,” said Monica. “To Gibby’s. You want to join us?”

“Let me ask my new friend,” she said, her blue eyes sparkling. “Something tells me he’ll want to go dancing, too.”

“You mean Trevor?” I said, looking around. “Did he leave?”

“No, he’s using the bathroom,” she said, smiling. “I didn’t realize you knew his real name.”

“Lucky guess,” I said, forcing a smile. He’d obviously told her his real name, too. I looked at Tiffany. “Let’s go. I’m getting really warm in here.”

“Okay,” she said, waving to Jenna and Bonnie. “Have a good night.”

“You too,” said Bonnie. “Drive safely.”

“Jeremy is driving all of us home,” Tiffany said, sliding her arm through his. “Aren’t you?”

Jeremy smiled. “Yep. That I am. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into, but it’s too late to back out now, right?”

“You’re damn right,” said Tiffany, snuggling up to him. “You’re going to have fun, though. We’ll make sure of it. Right, ladies?”

“You bet,” said Monica. “Ready, Adriana?”

I saw Trevor walk out of the bathroom and head toward us, or rather, Jenna. I quickly turned around and started for the exit. “I’m more than ready. In fact, I’ll meet you over there.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Gibby’s was jam-packed when we walked in. Apparently, it was Ladies Night, and all shots were half-off.

“Let’s dance and
then
drink,” said Tiffany, pulling me and Jeremy toward the large dance floor, while Monica and Amber used the bathroom. He’d left his jacket and tie in the car and now looked more like a regular guy just out to have fun. “Do you like Hip Hop music, Jeremy?” she cried, over the loud music.

“Not really,” he hollered back. “But, I’m willing to try.”

“What kind of music do you like?” I asked.

“Rock-n-Roll. Jazz. Country. Anything but… Hip Hop.”

“That’s too bad,” said Tiffany, rolling her hips with the music. “Because I
love
Hip Hop. It makes me so… frisky.”

His eyes widened and then he laughed. “Maybe I haven’t given Hip Hop enough of a chance.”

She moved closer to him, until they were chin-to-forehead. “Relax and move your hips,” she said, putting her hands on his waist. “I’ll help you learn how to like it.”

“I’m sure you will,” he said, putting his hands around her hips.

She gave him a sexy laugh.

I suddenly felt like a third wheel. I backed away from the dance floor and then took off toward the bar. When I saw Trevor and Jenna waiting in line for a drink, I stopped dead in my tracks.

Dammit.

They were so beautiful together. Both blond and dazzling under the strobe lights.

Trevor had taken his hair out of the ponytail, and his jacket and tie were gone. He reminded me of a sexy rock star standing there with his supermodel girlfriend on his arm. I suddenly felt very dowdy in my black dress. Jenna was also wearing a black dress, but hers emphasized her breasts while mine were drowning in fabric.

“Oh, hey,” she said, noticing me. She slipped her arms through Trevor’s and grinned. “Hope you don’t mind that we followed you over here?”

“That’s okay,” I said, minding very much. I forced a smile. “It’s a great place to… unwind.”

“Definitely,” said Jenna. She reached up and unbuttoned two of Trevor’s buttons, exposing his tan chest. “In fact, I think it’s time for this hunk of yumminess to unwind.” She slipped her fingers under his dark blue shirt and looked at me. “I don’t know what it is but I just can’t seem to keep my hands off of him.”

“Nobody seems to be stopping you, either,” I said, gritting my teeth.

Just then the music slowed to a sexy beat and Jenna sucked in her breath. “I love this song. Forget the drinks. Come on, dance with me.”

Trevor’s eyes met mine.

I scowled and looked away.

“Come on,” she said, pulling his arm. “Let’s go and have some fun.”

I didn’t hear his reply, but I watched her drag his ass to the dance floor without any resistance. Then she slipped her arms around his neck and pulled him so close that I couldn’t stand to watch them anymore.

Seething, I made my way over to the bar and bought myself a shot of peach schnapps.

To you, Krystal
, I thought, slamming it down.

“Would you like another one?” asked the bartender, a heavyset guy wearing a Stetson.

“Yes. One more,” I said, sliding the shot gas back to him.

“What is that?” asked the guy standing next to me.

I looked at him. He had soft brown eyes and a boyish smile. “It’s just peach schnapps.”

He grimaced. “Oh, not that.”

I smiled. “What’s wrong with it? Too girly?”

He chuckled. “No, I used to love the taste, before I spent an entire weekend puking my guts out after drinking a bottle. Watch out for that stuff, it’ll kick you in the ass later.”

“Thanks for the advice,” I said, as the bartender slid another shot toward me. “I doubt I’ll drink an entire bottle, but I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Now, tequila… that’s what you should be drinking. Are you driving tonight, or is your boyfriend?” he asked.

“I’m not driving and I don’t have a boyfriend.”

He smiled and straightened up. “Well, in that case, how about we both have a shot together? My treat?”

I slammed the second shot of peach schnapps and set it on the bar. “How about… we dance?” I said, licking my lips. “Then you can buy me a shot.”

His smile grew wider. He set his beer down on the bar. “Watch this for me, will you, Hank?”

“Sure thing,” said the bartender.

“And put her other two shots on my tab.”

I grinned. “Well, thank you… what was your name?”

“It’s Dan.”

I held out my hand. “I’m Adriana.”

“Pretty name,” he said, shaking it. “And well deserving.”

I giggled, the peach schnapps warming my tummy and everything else. 

“Just to warn you, I’m not the best dancer,” he said, following me out to the dance floor.

“It’s okay,” I said, turning to him. “I won’t judge if you won’t.”

He slid his arms around my waist. “If I said I’ve already judged you to be the prettiest girl in this bar, would you laugh in my face?”

I was about to do just that when I noticed Trevor staring at me from across the dance floor. He was scowling.

“Not at all,” I said, noting that Jenna was standing in front of him, grinding her ass against his crotch. Obviously, he wasn’t angry about that and he certainly wasn’t stopping her from doing it, either. Clenching my jaw, I slid my arms up to Dan’s neck and forced myself to smile. “You have gorgeous eyes. Has anyone ever told you that?”

He grinned. “Thank you.”

I stole another glance over Dan’s shoulder at Trevor, and almost choked. He was storming toward us, like an angry bull.

Dan noticed him as well. “Can I help you?” he asked, letting me go.

“I’m cutting in,” said Trevor. He grabbed my arm.

“Stop it,” I hissed. “Go back to Jenna.”

“I don’t
want
her,” he said, his eyes burning into mine.

“Right. I think you only want what you can’t have.”

He looked like I’d slapped him. “Fuck you.”

“No, fuck you!” I snapped, pulling my arm away.

“You’re drunk,” he said, his voice harsh and angry.

I raised my chin. “I’m not drunk. I’m… having fun. I’m also reconsidering my rule about one-night stands.”

Dan’s face lit up.

Trevor grabbed my arm again, his fingers gripping me hard. “I’m taking you home before you do something stupid.”

“Excuse me… do you two know each other?” asked Dan.

“What gave you that idea?” said Trevor with a sneer. “Back off, genius. She’s mine.”

“I’m
not
yours,” I said, pulling away again.

“Would you stop playing games, Adriana?”

“I’m not the one playing them.”

“What’s going on over here?” said Jeremy, suddenly at my side.

“Nothing,” I said, backing away. “Nothing is going on.”

“Larson, what the hell kind of shit are you starting now?” snarled Jeremy, getting into his face.

“Fuck you, Stone.”

“You need to leave,” ordered Jeremy, as I turned and headed toward the exit.

“Adriana!” hollered Trevor, over the music.