AllFreeNovel
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Linc captures my hand for a quick shake. “Work. Same ol’ shit, different day.”
“Don’t I know it.” I make my way around the table, checking in on everyone’s day, and when I get to Claire, I tip my hat. “Red.”
She swallows. “Trevor.”
“Good to see you out and about.”
She tilts her head. The brilliant smile she normally wears is gone. “Yes, well, I didn’t have much of a choice. Mo forced me to come, and Coop forced me to stay.”
Coop hooks an arm around her shoulder and whispers something in her ear, making her smile. I love my brothers. I’ve always been closer to Coop than the other two, but right now I want to kill him, and if he doesn’t stop touching Claire, I might do just that.
Smart son of a bitch catches the warning in my eye and drops his arm, but not before giving me a curious look.
“So, what’s up with you and Shayla?” Mo asks. “You two an item?”
“Nah.” I slouch back in my seat, taking a drink of my beer. The cool liquid slides down my throat as I steal a glimpse of Claire over the end of my bottle. “Just friends.”
“Really? ’Cause y’all looked like more than friends a second ago.”
What the hell is she up to? “What do you care who I screw around with, Mo? Unless of course you’ve decided to ditch my brother and take the better, younger Allen brother for a ride.”
“Get your own girl.” Rhett punches me in the arm.
He’s strong. I’m stronger. Which is why I laugh when he rubs his fist.
“Leave mine alone.”
I hold up my hands. “I can’t help it that ladies love me.”
It’s all fun and games. My brothers know I’d never touch their women, sloppy seconds or otherwise. I might have a reputation for liking my women fast and easy, but even I know where to draw the line.
“Excuse me.” Claire pushes away from the table and stands up. Mo reaches around Coop and grabs her hand, stopping her before she can get away.
“Where are you going?”
“To the bathroom.”
“Hold up. I’ll go with you.”
Claire shakes her head. “No need.”
Mo looks around the table and then back to Claire. She lowers her voice, but we can still hear her. “Are you okay? Do you need me to take you home? I swear I didn’t know everyone would be here.”
Claire places her hand on Mo’s shoulder. “I’m fine, Mo. Stay.”
We watch Claire walk toward the bathroom. Mo waits until she rounds the corner and then grabs her purse and makes a move to stand up.
“Babe.” Rhett puts his arm around Mo, pulling her back into her seat. “She said she’s fine. Give her a minute.”
“She’s lying.” Mo frowns. “And I feel bad. I told her it was just going to be us tonight, and then everyone else showed up, and—”
“She’s fine.” Rhett kisses Mo. “Maybe she just needs some fresh air.”
Mo nods, and I’m left wondering what’s going on. Rhett has mentioned that Claire’s been sort of distant since the fire, but the way she’s acting tonight makes it seem a lot worse than he let on. It’s not like her to be this quiet and withdrawn.
“What’s going on with Claire?” I ask.
“Nothing.” Mo takes a drink of her beer, glancing back toward the bathroom.
