“Sorry, Tiff. That’s probably not a great idea. I’ve told you I’m not looking for anything serious.” I pull her death gripped fingers off me and step backwards.
“It doesn’t have to be serious. I could just go for another round.” She winks.
“Tiff, we both know that’s not true. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but this,”—I motion between us—“it’s not ever going to happen. I just don’t do serious, or relationships.”
“You did once. You might again.”
“That once is why I won’t ever again. I’m really sorry. You’re great, but it’s literally not you, it’s me.”
I walk away from her and over to meet my brothers who are all staring at me now. I thought for sure when Aubrey knocked Tiff down a while ago that she’d stop. But with all my brothers attached now, she’s back latching onto me. And I feel like I’m going to have to take the gloves off and set her straight sooner rather than later; probably a little harsher than I want to.
It’s not her fault I’m too scared to commit. I mean it when I say she’s a great girl. Anyone would be lucky to get her. She just needs the confidence to see that her self-worth when it comes to men is on the fucking floor.
“Sorry, man. I didn’t see her walk in.” Roman apologizes, filling a glass with my favorite from the keg.
“It’s fine. But, I want to know how she always has my fucking schedule.”
“She’s besties with Adam now, didn’t you know?” Liam answers.
“No. They are?”
Liam nods over to the other side of the bar, and sure enough, there they are, sitting together.
“Huh.” I shrug my shoulders. “That match actually makes sense. They both annoy the shit out of me. And if I can, I run from both.”
Cooper slaps my shoulder. “You’re just the nicest guy.” He laughs.
“Hey. I’m nice to you fucks.” They all raise their brows. “Most of the time.”
“You’ve been a little grouchy for a little too long. Ma’s worried about you.” Cooper tells me something I already know.
I’ve been avoiding her calls and texts. All of them really. Tonight is a rare sighting, and if I didn’t know that Ma would be with the girls, then I wouldn’t be here at all. She’s stopped by the station a few times, and I’ve been out on patrol.
I’m being a piece of shit, and I know it.
“She just wants to stress over my injury. I’m tired of just being my gunshot. I get it, it sucks, but can we move on?”
“We can, but can you?” Hunter asks.
“Hey, boys!” Pops stands behind me and grips my shoulders. “What are we talking about?”
“Wyatt’s shitty attitude.” Liam smiles. “He’s turning into me pre-Violet. A real town asshole. Not a good look for one of Balsam Cliff’s finest if you ask me.”
Narrowing my gaze, I stare at him. “Shut the fuck up. I’m a damn delight. And clearly I’m not pissing Chief off because he just asked me to take the detective’s test.”
“Really?” A collective question comes from the group.
“Yeah, I guess there’s some increased crime up the coast to Hemlock Cove.” I look at Cooper. “You heard anything about it?”
“A little. Granger and Kane have been complaining about someone messing with their traps lately. I didn’t think much of it. A couple of years ago some teenagers were messing with their shit. So I just thought it was that.”
“It’s not. Apparently, there’s going to be a task force put together, one detective from each town along the coast. And Chief wants it to be me.”
“That’s great, son. When do you take it?” Dad takes his seat next to Liam.
“I haven’t officially accepted his offer yet. I was too blindsided by the whole thing, and it was right after physical therapy. Felt like I need a minute to think about it.” I shrug.
“Fair. But you have to do it. That’s a great opportunity for you,” Hunter says.
