“I see the most irritating of the Gilded Glindas is present,” the mayor grits through his teeth, earning something close to a growl from Lanie. “Boys,” the condescending asshole calls to us, and I have to physically restrain myself from getting out of this chair and showing him what a real man looks like.
The guy’s ten years older, but due to the massive amounts of cosmetic surgery and cheap hair dye he uses, he could pass as my age.
“I have no idea how Nina puts up with that asshole,” I mutter under my breath.
Lanie widens her eyes as if to say,You and me both.
“I’ve gotta run. The place suddenly reeks of herpes,” she says, meeting his eyes with a challenge I’d love to see play out, but like the coward he is, he turns on his heels and stalks away, slumping into a booth at the far end of the diner. “Nick, promise me you’ll keep an eye on Alyssa’s place. If something seems off, break down the damn door.”
I nod. “Will do.”
It’s not an empty promise. If I think Alyssa is in trouble, I won’t hesitate to act.
She offers her signature saccharine smile, showcasing teeth whiter than I thought possible. “Good seeing you two,” Lanie says, pulling her glare away from Mayor Dunbar’s back and smiling down at us. Her gaze lingers on Eric a little longer than necessary.
His goofy grin says it all. She’s ensnared him. My leg kicks out, hitting him square in the shin.
“Oof,” he says, glaring across the table at me.
I shrug, hoping it hurts like hell. He needs a good kick in theass if he thinks pursuing Lanie is a good idea. She’d chew him up and spit him out. He’d never recover, and it’s my duty as his partner to ensure that doesn’t happen.
She grins, likely knowing her effect on the poor kid. When she’s out of earshot and walking through the door, Eric attempts to kick me back.
I’m too quick for the idiot. Saw that coming a mile away.
“What?” I say, playing dumb.
“You made me look stupid. She likes me.”
My head lolls back on my shoulders as I groan. “She likes toying with you.”
“So the hell what? Maybe I want to play toy to that woman.”
My head shakes and mouth forms a thin line. “She’s made it clear she isn’t interested in long term.”
“Who said anything about long term? I want a go—” I kick him again. “Christ, West. What the heck’s your deal?”
“Be respectful,” I scold, knowing what was about to come out of his mouth was anything but. “Lanie’s a nice woman, and she doesn’t deserve the shit this town gives her for enjoying what allyouassholes get to without judgment.”
If there’s one thing I despise, it’s hypocrisy, and the residents of Knox Harbor have it in spades.
Eric nods briskly. “I agree. It’s hot as hell. You won’t hear me say otherwise.”
“I’d better not.”
He blows out a breath, averting his gaze. Malone is a brave guy, but he knows when to back down from me.
“Anyway.” He drags the word out. “What exactly went down at your neighbor’s? You mentioned something about her thinking it was a ghost at one point.”
“It’s... a long story.” I run my hands through my hair, thinking about that night and the fact that I could use a haircut.
I trust Eric with my life, but I probably shouldn’t have told him the bit about Alyssa claiming it was a ghost. I’m not sure why, but I feel guilty about that.
“She losing it?”
“She’s had a rough go, Malone.”
His hands rise. “Got it. Don’t speak badly about the standoffish, crazy, hot neighbor. Who you don’t have the slightest thing for.”
