At the Stars(50)

He crosses his arms over his chest. “I’ve got hope. I’ve put together a list of fighters I want to contact. I’m doing it quietly so Arlo doesn’t catch on. Then we go after him. If we can’t press criminal charges, we’ll file civil charges. Somehow, I want this guy to hurt.”

Jesus. That’s fucking intense. When I was a teenager fighting to pay my rent, Arlo Specter was a mean son of a bitch who would find your weakness and poke it until you screamed. I had no family and nobody I cared for, and he still scared the piss out of me.

A whole fucking lot has changed. I’m no scared teenager. I glance over Eli’s shoulder and see Dante’s shadowy form by the back window, still watching even though I told him to go. Reminding me maybe I have a friend or two. Then I look over at Cassie... I’m not sure I can say I have nothing I care about, either.

Eli’s right. I’ve carried this guilt about Davidson’s death, thinking there was nothing I could do to make it right. Arlo Specter pushed him to get in the ring that day, and making him pay would be a win for so many people.

Thinking of that possibility, I feel more alive than ever.

I nod. “I’ll do what I can to help.”

After thanking me, he stops and gives me a look. “I’m still tempted to hit you. Ria’s in second grade now, you know? But I’m not gonna mess up your face in front of your girl.”

“Thanks.” I don’t bother to tell him Cassie isn’t my girl. After you’ve lain in the grass and spilled your deepest shame to a person, she’s definitely your something. I guess she and I still have to figure out the specifics.

He takes down my number and gives me his card. “I’ll be in touch.”

I let him out the front so he doesn’t have to contend with Dante.

“Come on.” I throw my shirt on and head for the stairs, trading a look with Dante as I pass the window. Grabbing hold of Cassie’s shaky hand seems like the thing to do after that fiasco. She looks kind of freaked, and I want us both to think about good things for a change.

“After all that, I need a drink,” I tell her. “Then we should get you home.”





16. CHOCOLATE MARTINI GLOW


Cassie

One drink turns into a few as the bar empties out, and next thing I know Jake’s got that goofy grin on his face that people get when they’re feeling a good buzz. He makes me his specialty, a chocolate martini, but I stop after only half.

“You don’t like the drink?” He’s leaning across the bar, his elbows braced on the wood surface. I like the way he commands space without intimidating.

I think I’ve decided I like a lot about him.

I lean closer also, closer than I’d have the nerve to most days. He’s different tonight though, and so am I.

His eyes dance with humor, so different from the Jake I’m used to. Maybe getting to talk face to face with this Eli person helped to finally lift a weight off his shoulders. Could be the Grey Goose. Whatever the reason, it’s so great to see him seem happy.

“Between the two of us, I figure someone needs to be able to drive,” I say. “Unless you’re thinking it’s a good night to walk.”

He drops his head and draws some invisible picture on the shiny surface of the bar before clearing away the glasses in front of us. “Yeah. No. I thought...” He looks around the room, starkly empty now compared to before. Only Joe, a big man with a smiling face, and a few other customers remain. Joe’s already given Jake the go-ahead to leave, which I guess is why he decided drinking more was a good idea.

Whatever the reason, I like this side of him. I’ve never been one to push alcohol, but I think he needed to cut loose. “What did you think?” I have the unfortunate worry he’s about to ditch me again, and it’s ruining the last wispy strands of my chocolate martini glow.

“I thought maybe you could drive my drunk—uh... I mean my truck. Back to my place. You could crash there. Or we could both crash at your place. If you’d like that better.”

Oh. Wow. “Are you sure? Is this maybe all the drinks talking?”

He comes around the bar, smiling, fitting himself between my legs. I tip my head up and part my lips, hopeful he’s about to do what I think he’s about to do.

He kisses me. Smooth and firm, hands wrapped around my sides. “The question is, are you sure?” he whispers in my ear.

I shiver. I’ve never felt anything but safe with Jake. “You really want to go back to my place?”

“Only if you want me to.” He’s leaning toward me, his bottom lip brushing mine. “It’s all up to you, Cassie.”