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Trenton had noticed that the night before. She had treated Blake like a pesky younger brother.
Malcolm studied his cousin. “She’s honestly one of the best waitresses I’ve had. I didn’t know she had it in her.” He faced Trenton. “Though she’s been in a snit since your call, well, in her own way. Nothing too obvious, just curt with a tad too much energy. What did you say to her?”
Trenton took a sip of his drink. “I wouldn’t let her take the bus at midnight.”
Blake lifted his head. “Wait, she’s mad that you’re giving her a lift back to your place?”
“She wants to be independent. It makes sense and is probably why she’s holding it together after that fiancé of hers.” Trenton frowned into his glass.
“Did she tell you what happened?” Malcolm asked, glancing back at her. “She still won’t give me any details.”
Trenton ran a finger down his glass. “It’s her story to tell.”
Malcolm’s eyes narrowed on him. “So she did say something to you.”
“Not much.” Trenton shrugged, hating the memory of that hollow look in her eyes.
“I get the feeling I need to find the man and let him have it,” Malcolm muttered. He flicked his rag down the empty bar, where it came to rest near the beer taps.
Trenton took another sip of his drink to avoid agreeing.
Blake lifted an eyebrow. “What, no lecture about violence not being a solution?”
Malcolm turned back, studying Trenton again.
Trenton swallowed. “I don’t lecture.”
“Please, it’s your favorite thing,” Blake said with a laugh. “Followed closely by disapproving looks.”
“You should know,” Malcolm said, his expression easing.
Trenton’s stomach ached, reminding him he hadn’t eaten and was drinking on top of it. “Can I grab my usual, Malcolm?”
“Sure, on the house tonight.” Malcolm tapped the bar in front of him. “Thanks for coming for her despite it pissing her off.” He turned toward the kitchen to call in the order.
“Sounds like she’s immune to your charms too.” Blake patted Trenton on the back. “Not many women have avoided falling for your sweetness.”
“Oh, yeah, women fall at my feet.” Trenton shook his head at his friend.
“Well, they would if you didn’t make it obvious you would step right over them. You’re totally oblivious, man. It’s like an art form, your complete lack of interest.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
Malcolm shook his head as he came back. “No, Blake’s right for once.”
“You could have left off the ‘for once,’” Blake muttered.
Malcolm ignored him. “You friend-zone women so fast their hearts quake. It’s as if you don’t see them as romantic prospects at all.”
Trenton shifted on his stool. “I’ve told you before; I have no interest in dating.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate some curves,” Blake said. He swiveled in his chair. “For instance, Celia has an amazing ass, but I bet you haven’t noticed.”
“Hey,” Malcolm said.
Trenton couldn’t help but follow Blake’s gaze. Celia was bent over, wiping down a table. He’d already noticed she was petite when he was carrying her to bed the night before. She was a skinny thing, but her ass filled out the jeans she wore, a round handful. He bet the inch of skin she was showing from where her shirt rode up would be sensitive too. Trenton shifted, clearing his throat.
“My God, the man blushes,” Blake said, grinning at him. “So innocent!”
