Addison dragged her hand over her face and peeked over at Cross. He lifted his beer, shifting his gaze between her and Hannah, smirking. At least someone was enjoying her berating. In fairness, she had promised her sister she’d stay in contact. This was on her. Before she could explain anything, Hannah hopped on the stool, slamming her pocketbook on the bar.
“Two choices.” Hannah held up her fingers. “Either get me a beer and a shot of tequila. Or? Meet me outside so I can kick your ass.”
Gent whistled. “I think I’m in love.”
When Hannah lunged toward Gent, Addison grabbed her sister’s arm. “Ignore him and sit down. I’m choosing door number one.”
Hannah pulled from her grasp, sent Gent and the others a scathing glare, and begrudgingly sat on the stool. This was a nightmare that could’ve been avoided if she had called her sister. Though to be fair, who the hell hops on a flight to check on someone? Hannah.
Addison quickly grabbed a beer and the bottle of tequila. She glanced up at Cross at the end of the bar. He seemed thoroughly amused.
“I love a family reunion.”
For the love of everything holy, please shut the hell up, Gent!
He was only making matters worse. If she had any hope of calming her sister down, Gent needed to stop with his taunting. Addison made a beeline for the end of the bar, stopping directly in front of Cross.
“Can you please make him stop?”
Cross took a drag from his cigarette, and his lips twitched.
“He’s making this harder forme.” She pleaded, and his gaze softened, losing some amusement.
Cross turned his head, blowing out the smoke but remained silent. But only for a second.
“Darlin, I…”
Cross lifted his hand, turning to Gent. “Shut the fuck up.”
Thank you, Cross.
He tapped out his cigarette in the ashtray and stood, pulling out his wallet. He tossed a few bills on the bar. “We’re gonna leave you to your reunion,” Cross said.
Addison rounded the bar and came up next to him. He grasped her hip, pulling her against his chest. All the while, she was aware of her sister’s stare.
“You’re abandoning me to the enemy?”
The corner of his mouth curled, and he brushed his lips against hers. “You can handle her.”
Can I?
“You don’t want to meet her?” Addison teased.
Now wasnotthe time.
“Gonna wait ’til you get your shit sorted out.”
Smart move.Cross smiled, dropped his hand to her ass, giving her a quick slap then turned toward the door, not giving Hannah a second glance. Thankfully, taking the rest of the guys with him.
This was a nightmare. Addison drew in a breath and turned, meeting her sister’s disapproving scowl. She may have kept in contact with Hannah in the last few weeks, but she hadn’t been forthcoming with everything.
“It seems yourunwelcomestatus with the club has changed since we last spoke.” The snark was on point. She ignored her sister and rounded the bar, rushing over to Barry.
“Would it be okay if I left early?”
Barry scoffed. “As long as you take her with you. I got my own wife I gotta listen to rant. Don’t need to hear someone else’s.”
“Wow, you know I can hear you, right? Is this what they’re talking about when they say small town hospitality?”
