Page 35 of Hope and Country

“Have you seen the way he smiled at me?” she asked, her arm linked to mine, tugging me toward the bar.

“Nic, he eye-fucked every single girl in that room. It’s part of the show. Of his charm.”

My friend slapped my arm. “Don’t break my fantasy, D. Let me reel into it for a night.”

I chuckled and nodded.

“Is Anthony working tonight?” she asked, changing the subject and wiggling her dark brows.

Hot blood pooled in my cheeks. I used my palms to dissipate the burn.

Anthony and I met a few months back, and we’d been seeing each other in secret a couple of times. He was bartending here, and that was the main reason why Nicole and I hung around a lot. Every time I pretended to have a sleepover at her house. After what happened when I dated Luke, I had decided to hide my relationships from my brother. I didn’t like his over-caring ways, more like overbearing. It was suffocating. He argued it was for my safety and that Luke had been a jerk. But we all knew it was bullshit.

Anthony and I weren’t dating. Not officially at least. But we agreed to not see other people. Just the thought of him got my heartbeat to hasten. I had hopes we could be more. Soon.

“Yes.” The blush on my cheeks got warmer. “He should already be—” A strong arm circled my waist, and soft lips traced the length of my nape.

Nicole clapped her hands and squealed. “Going to get us something to drink. You guys enjoy each other.”

I pivoted to face my favorite bartender. He looked handsome with his tousled auburn hair and scruffy jaw.

“I was hoping you’d come tonight,” he murmured against my lips before kissing me like he really missed me. “Do you think you can spend the night? I’ve missed you like crazy.”

Could my cheeks get any warmer?

“I’ve missed you too.” Yes, Anthony was boyfriend material. I locked my hands behind his neck and pulled him closer. “I will. But I have to leave first thing in the morning.”

Anthony sighed. “You always do. But hey, I’ll take whatever time you gimme.”

We exchanged grins. His irises sparkled as he kissed the tip of my nose. “I need to get behind the bar, but meet me in an hour, I’ll be on a break, and making out with you is at the top of my priority list.”

My heart bounced around in my chest.

Nicole brought beers over, and we occupied the dancefloor. Every cell in me was giddy at the idea of spending more time with the boy who had the power to capture my heart. Big time.

* * *

Anthony and I were kissing in the hallway leading to the back door when he jerked his lips from mine, falling back.

I blinked, not sure what had happened.

A voice I knew too well, spoke from my side. “What do you think you’re doing, Devon? I haven’t raised you to be a tramp.”

I blinked again. “Robbie? What the fuck! What are you doing here?”

Why was my brother here? How did he find me?

He clamped my elbow to lead me away, but Anthony stepped between us, shielding me with his body, his corded forearms tense.

“She’s going nowhere with you, man,” he barked. “Let her go or I’ll make you.”

Okay, Anthony was truly boyfriend material. And he looked hot defending me.

Robbie bumped his shoulder and clenched his fists.

A dark shadow passed in his eyes. Something I had never seen before. And it reminded me of Harry. From a long time ago.

I shivered.