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Trenton stared down at his glass, sure he was on the path to his own demise. “If Celia didn’t mention it, then I shouldn’t.”
“Maybe it was too hard on her,” Blake said. A small smile was beginning to form on his lips as he looked over the rim of his glass at Trenton. The man had a sixth sense whenever it came to sex. “You should tell us so she doesn’t have to.”
“It was…” Trenton lowered his voice, leaning forward. “About her lack of sexual performance.”
Malcolm laughed. “That wouldn’t have been as hard on Celia, not after the crazy part.”
Trenton frowned as he thought back on her reaction. She’d been very clear about the sex issues. But there’d been something else there, he remembered, something she hadn’t said.
“That jackass is lucky I wasn’t there. I’d have put him in the hospital.” Malcolm walked over to another customer who had signaled to him.
Blake leaned into Trenton. “So, how is she in bed, really?”
Trenton spit out his drink to Blake’s laughter. He was glad he’d only taken a sip, and mopped at it with the square napkin.
Blake’s eyes drifted until they landed on Celia. “Please tell me she’s as sweet to taste as she looks.”
Trenton grabbed his friend’s shirt, pulling his face closer. “Don’t talk about her that way.”
Blake grinned, putting his hands up in surrender. “I was just testing the waters. It seems I was right after all.”
Trenton released him, and Blake reached for his drink, still with that ridiculous full-on cheer.
“You two are perfect for each other. I fully approve.” He gestured down at Trenton’s crotch. “And I’m relieved to hear that everything still works after so long.”
“Keep your voice down,” Trenton said, glancing at Malcolm.
Blake sobered a bit. “You’ll have to tell him some time if you’re going to date her.”
Trenton stared down at his glass. “I’m not.”
Blake’s drink froze halfway to his mouth. He set it down, leaning toward Trenton again. “Are you serious? I didn’t pin you for a benefits-only guy.”
“It was a onetime thing,” Trenton said. He twisted the wedding band on his finger. “I’m still in love with Emily.”
His friend’s smile faded completely. “I’m sorry, man.” Blake reached out to pat his shoulder. “I know you loved her.”
Trenton pulled away. “Love, Blake. Present tense.” Something dark swirled in his stomach. “Just because she’s dead doesn’t mean I no longer love her.”
“We know you do,” Malcolm said, coming down the bar. He nudged Trenton’s drink forward, and Trenton took a long gulp. “The anniversary is coming up soon, isn’t it?”
Trenton nodded. “It’ll be three years in a few weeks.” Even saying it out loud didn’t make it seem real.
“Do you want company?” Malcolm asked, his eyes kind as they met Trenton’s.
It made Trenton feel even worse about screwing his friend’s cousin. “No, I’d rather go alone.” Even if he wasn’t the type that talked to the dead.
Malcolm nodded, glancing over his shoulder. “What’s up, Celia?”
She moved up to the left of Trenton with a small nod to him. “Another round for table four, two pale ales and a vodka cranberry.” She glanced over her shoulder. “And table one needs his keys taken again tonight.”
Malcolm sighed. “Jerry doesn’t know when to call it quits. I’ll take care of it.” He turned to pour the drinks first.
Trenton reached for his gin and tonic, and his hand accidentally brushed against Celia’s. They both jerked away as if the touch burned, and Celia dropped the napkins she had been grabbing.
“Sorry!” they said at the same time.
Her skin had been so damn soft. His hand tingled.
