The other guys made a collective ‘ooohhh’ sound, which prompted Raptor to flip them off. I was in a much better mood than I thought possible.
Even if the nagging continued.
“You did good, Viper,” some guy I’d never seen said as I passed.
“Team effort,” I retorted.
“Yeah, but you’re local hero now.”
“Welcome to Missoula. What a way to show off your stuff,” another threw out.
“Glad to be here.” And I was.
It was a full five minutes before I made it to the entrance. But that was okay. For the first time in how the fuck long, I almost felt as if I belonged.
Once inside, I was blown away by the number of people on a Monday evening. It was instantly obvious why everyone was here.
The Zullies.
Hell, there were signs and freaking decorations everywhere. Even balloons. Really?
Cheers broke out, a few people applauding. I’d never been so damn uncomfortable in my life. As I made my way through, a beer was suddenly placed in my hand. Laughter was everywhere, the music up way too loud.
Everyone was in a damn good mood.
I moved through the crowd, sipping my beer and trying to avoid eye contact until I noticed Axe and Rock standing with a few other people.
Rock nodded as I approached. “I thought you might have skipped out.”
“Nah, just had a few things to take care of. Have you guys seen a gorgeous blonde standing about this tall with a killer body and even nicer smile?” I had my hand out indicating her height. I’d be damned if Rock didn’t plant a sultry smile on his face.
“No, but if you get tired of her, send her my way.”
“How many men am I going to need to kill before the night is finished?”
All three of us laughed while I scanned the crowd in hopes of seeing Grace swaggering toward me withthatlook on her face.
“Did she stand you up, maybe for a real man?” Axe tossed out, his grin just as evil as before.
“Not this man. But don’t worry. I’ll hunt her down.” And I would. As I looked around the bar again, grateful I had an advantage because I was so tall, my muscles tightened. It was almost seven-twenty. The girl was never late.
“Hey, thanks for the recommendation with that hot woman of yours. I know Kenzie already called to make an appointment for Frosty.”
“Did she talk with her?” I had to admit I was getting antsy.
“Not sure, but you can ask her. Hey, do you want to see Frosty snuggling in his new bed?” Axe’s voice had changed in pitch and tone, much like the cooing Grace did around the dogs.
Both Rock and I looked at each other, shaking our heads. Maybe a little TMI.
“Sure,” I said, “why not.” Why burst Axe’s bubble?
In seeing him flip through at least twelve pictures, I had to rationalize that Grace and I could turn out that way as dog parents. What was so wrong with that?
“Here you go. Isn’t he adorable? The poor creature did have surgery though. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’d been shot.”
I glanced at the picture as a girl inched closer to Axe from behind, tweaking him on the butt. He immediately responded by wrapping his arm around her, pulling her close. “What did you say?” Had he just said he thought the dog we’d rescued had been shot?
My nerves were instantly on edge.
