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Riggs rolls his eyes, but lifts his hat off his head in some sort of peace offering.
“You okay?” Conrad tips his head down, looking up through his lashes at me.
“I will be,” I swallow as I slowly sit a little taller and wrap my fingers around the glass, picking the glacier cherry from the top and pursing it between my lips, before locking my tongue round it and sliding it off its stick. I watch as Conrad rubs his lips together, his eyes blaze and my cheeks pinch the same color as the cherry.
I was flirting; it was shameless.
I’m still wearing my fucking engagement ring and the two guys I destroyed won’t stop staring at me, consuming me completely and all I want to do is back away into the depths of the darkness to never be found again.
This was a mistake.
I should have never agreed to come here.
It was like pouring gasoline on an already burning, angry fire.
The Rivera boys the fire.
Me, the gasoline.
It was reckless and stupid, but I still agreed knowing the damage was going to be catastrophic and we would never be able to recover from it.
I lift the glass to my lips and down the drink in one, slamming it down on the table and instantly feeling the warmth smothering me.
“Tequila?” I rush out as I stand motioning to the bar, the alcohol burning through my veins, and I watch as Conrad sits back in his seat, leg crossed over the other and a wide smile across his lips.
“Absolutely,” he beams, “you, Aspen Warren, are going to be a lot of fun.”
Smirking, I give him a one shoulder shrug then walk towards the bar, keeping my head high as I walk past their table and not giving in to look at any of them. I feel their eyes on me and I feel like shit, but it’s not about me and them tonight. It’s about me and Conrad. Beautiful, caring and kind Conrad.
“Well, well, well…” I hear Tabitha sing as she struts towards the bar, a huge smile on her face. “If it isn’t my little beauty Aspen!” she squeals and leans across the bar, pulling me into her.
“Hey,” I embrace her and take in her vanilla scent, finding comfort in it.
“How long you been back for?” her southern accent prominent.
“Just a week,” I beam, pushing my feet flat to the floor once she lets me go.
“And how long y’all staying for?”
“It’s just me, and I’m not sure yet. I haven’t quite decided” I shrug, turning to look over my shoulder and see my brother having what looks like a heated conversation but I’m not sure if it’s between him and Harlow or him and the brothers.
“Well, I for one am super glad you’re home.”
“Me too,” I exhale a shaky, whiskey coated breath, ignoring the burn that is radiating deep inside of me, my ears pricking a little hoping to hear just anything of their conversation but it’s no use. I’m too far, and they’re too quiet under the country music that floats over the room.
“What can I get ya sweetness?”
“Four tequila shots.”
“Coming right up,” she winks and turns to grab the tequila bottle and I watch as she pours four shots out. I pull a couple of notes out my purse, but Tabitha shakes her head, shooing me away.
“On the house, darlin’, little welcome home drink from me to you,” she bunches her shoulders up and smiles, scrunching her nose as she does.
“Thank you,” I mouth, “that’s so kind.”
“Anything for our little Aspen,” she coos before turning and serving the next customer. I collect the four glasses between my fingertips and walk back over to Conrad who is smiling from ear to ear when he sees me approach.
“Here,” I chime, placing the shots down gently, careful not to spill any of the poignant liquid.
