I take a drink of my beer and look up from the bar for one of the first times since Lyric walked away. It’s been my plan all along to just sit here, get fucked up, and pretend that no one else exists. I have to admit, it’s harder than I expected. “Doesn’t everyone?”
Trevor laughs and reaches for his beer as Penelope sets it down in front of us. “Thanks, babe.”
“Anytime sexy, asshole.” She flashes him a grin and then turns around and walks away, swaying her curvy ass to get back to work.
Trevor is silent for a moment before he takes a drink of his beer and pulls his eyes away. “Any luck on finding Alex so far? I went through my phone the other day and noticed that I had a number listed for Alex, but it said it was disconnected when I called. Sorry, bro.”
I shake my head and swallow back the pain that is rising. I don’t know whether to be mad at Alex or worried about the little shit.
“He’ll be back. For his fucking sake it better be soon.” I glance over my shoulder as Lyric calls out some drinks to Penelope.
She’s breathing heavily and trying her best to avoid eye contact with me. Maybe she finally gets it.
“Hey, you.” Trevor stands up and walks over to stand next to Lyric. “Damn, you’re sweaty, girl.”
Lyric’s eyes meet mine for a split second before she pulls them away and smiles at Trevor. “I like to dance.” She thanks Penelope for the drinks, grabs them, and looks back at Trevor. “Come join us. I need a new dancing partner. Liam can’t handle me.”
Trevor raises an eyebrow and watches in satisfaction as Lyric backs away and walks back over to her roommate and the two other guys. This dickhead better watch his shit.
“Damn!” Trevor reaches for his beer and slams it back before asking for a new one. “You going to join your girl over there or is she for the taking?”
Grinding my jaw, I watch as Lyric moves seductively to the music. She looks so fucking tempting that I want to taste every fucking inch of her until she’s squirming in my arms.
“No.” I pull my eyes away and back to my drink. I’ve already had too much to drink. Going over there will be bad news. “And she’s not my girl. She’s my neighbor. That’s it.”
“I didn’t figure she was.” He pats me on the back. “Memphis Carter with a girlfriend is unheard of. Glad to see you’re still the same guy.”
“What about Ava?” Penelope mentions out of nowhere, giving us both an evil look. “She should’ve been your girlfriend.”
I slide my empty glass in front of her and run my hand through my hair. I don’t want to get into this shit right now. “Ava knew what we were. That’s all that matters.” I nod toward my glass. “Another one.”
Rolling her eyes, she gives both of us an evil glare before filling my drink.
“Shit, man. I’ll be over there working on getting that fine ass in my bed.” He pats my back. “We’ll have to chat later.” He walks away and it takes everything in me not to break his damn jaw.
I immediately grab my beer from Penelope and take a swig, watching Trevor working his moves on Lyric, trying his best to be smooth. It’s always worked in the past, but it won’t be happening tonight. Not if I have a fucking say.
She laughs and leans back when he attempts to kiss her neck, but he doesn’t stop there. He slips his arm around her waist and starts grinding against her to the music. She’s a little stiff at first, but loosens up enough to wrap her arm around his neck and get lost in the music, dancing against him.
The more I watch them, him grinding into her, her swaying her hips under his hands, the harder it gets for me to keep my cool. I feel my blood boiling and I’m on the verge of exploding.
Without thinking, I grab my beer and make my way across the bar. As much as I want to protect her from myself, I want to protect her from him more.
I finish off my beer, set it on the table beside me, and step up behind Lyric, cracking my neck. She must feel my presence, because she stops dancing and releases her grip on Trevor’s neck.
“Memphis,” she says in surprise, peering over her shoulder. “Are you leaving?” She turns around to face me, waiting for an answer.
I shake my head and clench my jaw at Trevor as he mumbles fuck under his breath. “No, I’m staying. Don’t you think you need to slow down and drink some water? You’re slurring your words.”
She laughs under her breath and shakes her head as if I’m crazy. “I’m fine. I’ve only had like five drinks, Memphis. You’re the one that’s had like twenty shots. Maybe you need some water.”