Page 12 of Lost Trust

I smile politely. “Thanks.”

“I’ve watched you boys ride all weekend.”

“Appreciate it.”

Her eyes drift over me slowly. “You were incredible.”

I chuckle. “My brother was incredible.”

She leans a little closer. “I meant both of you.”

I nod toward the crowd surrounding Axle. “I’ll be sure to pass along the congratulations.”

She shifts closer. Close enough that her bare arm brushes mine.

Across the bar, Jovie catches my eye. She watches the interaction unfold over the rim of her water glass, rolling her eyes, and I nearly laugh.

The blonde notices. She looks over her shoulder just in time to see Axle finally escape and head straight for Jovie.

He reaches her, hooks both hands around her waist, lifts her clean off the floor, and kisses the absolute fire out of her.

Someone whistles, and Bryce yells, “Get a room.”

Axle ignores everyone. Jovie laughs against his mouth before wrapping her arms around his neck. The man has forgotten there are another hundred people in the restaurant.

The blonde beside me watches them, and when Ax notices us, he starts walking in our direction.

“So …” She looks back at me. A perfectly manicured hand coming up to rest on my thigh as she leans in. “What’s the plan for the rest of the evening?”

I shrug. “Whatever my brother wants to do.”

Before I can elaborate, Axle throws an arm across my shoulders, and I flinch.

“Sorry,” he mutters as he looks toward the blonde. “I’ll be calling it a night soon and taking my girl back to the hotel for a private celebration.”

The blonde looks from him back to me.

Then her hand moves up to my chest. Slowly. Her fingernails trail lightly across my shirt, and she runs her tongue over her bottom lip.

“Maybe,” she says softly, “you and I could have our own little celebration.”

I consider it for a beat, then smile apologetically. “Maybe some other time.”

Her smile falters. “You sure?”

“Yeah. I’m beat, sweetheart. Afraid all I’m gonna be good for is a hot shower and some shut-eye.”

She pouts—a genuine, disappointed pout—before giving my chest one last pat. “I could help with that. I’m good at lathering up a dirty cowboy.”

“Tempting, but I’m gonna have to pass this time.”

Her expression hardens, and she takes a step back. “Your loss.”

I nod. “I know it is.”

She turns on her heel and disappears back into the crowd.

I watch her go for exactly two seconds before taking the last sip from my glass and signaling for the bartender.