Bold(18)

Tabby’s survival mode kicked in, screaming, Keep it together. She would never let Reece know he had demolished her as thoroughly as if he had been the wrecking ball and she the weak, unstable building waiting to be torn down. But that’s exactly how she felt running into him. Her damn legs even threatened to give out beneath her. Add a huge dose of embarrassment and shame and she was well on her way to winning the biggest loser award, and it had nothing to do with losing weight.

Narrowing her sights on the bar, she prayed she wouldn’t trip, fall or worse, break into tears. She’d cried enough. Now it was time to pull up her big-girl panties and have the time of her life tonight, forgetting about Reece.

“One-fifty-one and Coke,” she hollered over the loud crowd.

Hauk gave her a concerned glance. “That’s your third, Tabby.”

“My man can count,” Vic said with a giggle. She put a knowing palm on his shoulder before she moved from behind the bar to join Tabby.

“Sooo?” Vic owned the Whispering Salon and had the pulse monitor on all rumors, but she was a friend, a trustworthy friend. Still Tabby didn’t want to air her dirty laundry, especially when her emotions were so close to the surface.

“What?” Her defensive tone didn’t help much.

“Oh honey, you’ll have to tone down the attitude if you want me to believe nothing is wrong. Even Hauk arrowed in on those nasty vibes you’re emanating.”

Damn. “It’s that obvious?”

The light brunette nodded, snapping her gum. “What’s up, sweetheart?”

“I’ve made a decision.” Tabby appreciated the note of confidence in her voice.

“I’m listening.”

“I’m moving on with my life.”

Vic raised one neatly plucked brow. “Which means?”

“Reece. He’s history.” Without being encouraged to say more, she blurted. “He’s just like that damn Adam Collins.” The local playboy and fireman who had put out more hearts on fire than she cared to think about. “Neither one of them is looking for anything other than a quick lay in the hay, and then they’re off having dinner with someone else in less than two hours.”

“Ohhhh…now I see.” The longer Vic stared with those knowing eyes, the faster tears rushed to Tabby’s.

“I have to get out of here.” She spun around, but before she got to the door a hand jutted out and snatched her forearm. Teeth clenched, she raised a fist, ready to throw a right hook, when she noticed it was Jack who held her. She trembled, trying to control the barrage of emotions assailing her from all directions like missiles.

“You okay, baby?”

“She’s fine.”

Now where the hell had Reece come from?

“I’m talking to her,” Jack growled.

“And I’m talking to you,” Reece sharply countered.

Tabby rolled her gaze toward the rustic ceiling. “This is just great.” She jerked her arm out of the man’s grasp. “While you two barbarians continue with your pissing contest, I’ll just mosey outside for a little air—alone.”

The second she stepped outside, a cold breeze swirled around her and she shivered. She should have grabbed her sweater. The days were exceptionally warm, but the nights were still chilly. Chalk that up to just another bad decision in a long list of them today. Inhaling the salty ocean air helped to hold on to the reins of her control as she wielded the invisible straps like an expect horseman, mentally pulling back so hard she choked on a sob perched on her tongue. Successfully she held her tears in check, barely.

Yay! One point for Tabby.

When Vic sashayed through the still open door, she wasn’t surprised. Her friend didn’t say anything, only leaned against the weathered wood siding, her closeness enough to lend support. After about ten minutes, she blew a puff of warm air against the cold night, creating a cloud of white.

“Ready?”

“Yep.” Tabby inhaled, steeling herself for whatever else the night would bring.

Together they walked back into the Seaside Pub. The second Jack saw them he came forward.

“Dance with me?” he said to Tabby.

“I’d love to.”

As he led her onto the dance floor, she resisted the urge to scan the room for Reece. Wherever he was, whatever he was doing, it was none of her business—not that it ever had been.

The music played a sweet melody as Jack took her into his arms. She pressed her cheek to his chest, soaking in his warmth and shutting her eyelids to close out the world. That is until she heard Reece’s sultry crooning. She pinched her eyelids tighter, holding on to Jack as if he were an anchor in a rough sea.