Five Weeks (Seven Series #3)(116)

Lexi strutted through the front door with Austin two steps behind her. He grabbed her hips and pulled her back, whispering sexily against her neck. I couldn’t help but notice the guys sitting nearby looking her over, and maybe that’s why Austin tucked her a little tighter against him. You could feel her strong personality, and combined with her lovely legs showcased in her jean shorts, every tongue was wagging. She wasn’t showy; her shirt was an oversized cotton tee, and she preferred sneakers over pumps. But some girls just had that thing about them and never realized it.
They relaxed on a couple of barstools, and I approached with a smile. “It’s good to see you two. Can I get you something to eat?”
Lexi smiled wide. “I’m starving, but I’m kind of getting tired of hamburgers.”
“How about I bring out a steak? Maybe some fresh green beans on the side.”
Austin’s brow arched. “Make that two.”
My eyes were downcast, and I took a breath. “I hope you don’t hate me for everything. I feel like I’m constantly apologizing, but I don’t know how to make it right. Just know that I’m grateful for all the help you’ve given me. I did what I could to protect April; I just didn’t know it would come to that, and he left me with no option.”
Lexi patted Austin’s arm and cleared her throat.
He ran his fingers through his hair, his pensive glance swinging around the room. “I appreciate that. I think you know my position as a Packmaster. You’re an old friend of Jericho’s and I can’t sever that history between you two, but I also don’t want it severing my pack, if you get my meaning. Now that I know who was behind all your troubles, I don’t think we could have avoided the mess. Let’s just put it behind us and move on.”
I quirked a smile. “A second chance sounds like a great idea. I’ve never had siblings who had love for me the way you do for Jericho. He’s a lucky guy.”
Before I turned, he caught my arm and leaned in privately. “Just so you know, we’re the lucky ones. Look, I don’t know what exists between you two, but don’t confuse him. Just figure out what you two are to each other and make it loud and clear. That’s all I’m asking is that you be straight with him.”
Austin was right. Since reuniting with Jericho, our relationship had been nothing but a whirlwind of emotions. We’d pushed, we’d pulled, and Jericho had made promises I didn’t know if he was ready to keep. His absence had made me doubt what he said in that motel room, and we needed to sit down and have an honest discussion that didn’t happen right after sex.
I nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll settle it the next time we see each other. He has a show tomorrow night.”
He smiled handsomely. “Good girl. And I like my steak rare.”
I went in the kitchen and passed along the order, taking out a tray to one of my tables. They were setting up the stage for the next act. It hadn’t been announced on any flyers, so I wasn’t sure who was up. Maybe Jake had a surprise in store, or maybe he’d just decided to have an open mic and let anyone up there to karaoke. Oh God, please no.
“Miss Izzy!” Maizy waved, and I walked up beside her.
“Hi, sweetie. Is this too loud for you?”
I worriedly looked to Lexi and she shook her head, confirming Maizy had no issues with all the excitement going on.
“Look what Denny gave me,” she said, opening her hand.
I laughed and watched her eat a piece of chocolate. Denver must have had a box of candy stashed behind the bar.
Denver pulled Frank to the side, and they had a private conversation. Frank wasn’t supposed to be in that night, so I guessed Denver had called him up to swap out his shift.
Maizy swung her legs excitedly, making silly shoulder movements to the music on the jukebox as she watched Austin twirl Lexi around in a dance.
One of the waitresses, Nell, walked out with a tray full of sodas. I curled my finger for her to come over. “Which is the virgin?” I asked.
“The one with the cherries, of course.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Do you like cherries?” I asked Maizy.
“Uh-huh!”
I lifted the tall glass of soda and took a sip to make sure there wasn’t alcohol in it. “Sorry, Nell. Can I swipe this one?”
“No problem,” she said, winking at Maizy. “Anything for the cutie-pie.”
Maizy carefully held the glass and slurped on her soda.
Reno and April were making their way inside, weaving through the crowded room. April’s blond hair looked so attractive on her with the edgy cut that made her hazel eyes shimmer. I smirked when I noticed some of her lipstick on Reno’s neck.