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Trenton’s gaze sought Celia out on its own. She was bending over to place a beer on the table, and Blake was right. He was checking out her ass. Her black slacks cupped more flesh there than her skinniness would make one expect. Just as her breasts had pressed into him more fully when she was pushing the button in the elevator the other day.
He shifted on his bar chair, annoyed with himself for making it so easy for Blake.
His friend snickered beside him. “Good to know you’re still a man after all.”
Trenton had lifted his drink, but he let the glass clink back on the bar. “Stop pushing this. I have no intention of doing anything.”
“Of course not.” Blake lifted his own glass in a toast. “You like to regularly deny yourself. Like Buddha or whatever.” He took a longer sip.
“It’s not about that. She’s not even a week out of her relationship and doesn’t need me or anyone else sniffing around.”
“Well now, that depends on what the dick said to her when he broke things off,” Blake said.
Trenton focused on the strangely serious expression on his friend’s face. “What do you mean?”
“She talked to you about her breakup, right? I mean, you are nice old Trent, so easy to talk to.” Blake shrugged when Trenton’s lips pressed together. “Let me guess. The ex-fiancé piece of crap had another woman. Or told her she wasn’t good enough in some way. Most guys go that route if they’re doing the splitting.”
“Please tell me this isn’t from experience,” Trenton said, wincing.
“Hell no. Women want more from me, but I remind them of what they signed up for, despite how amazing they are. A quick, feel-good fling.” Blake took another long drink. “I am wonderful for a woman’s self-esteem.” His eyes wandered the bar. “Let’s face it, they are so much better than we are, and they should know it.” His gaze locked on Katie, and his smile faded even as he looked back at his beer again.
Trenton pretended not to notice.
“Anyway, if her breakup was like I expect, attention from you would actually help her.” Blake drained the last of his beer. “Especially with how attentive you are to others. I get the impression Celia hasn’t had much attention.” His gaze shifted again, but this time behind the bar. “Except from Malcolm, of course.”
The regard Malcolm had for his cousin had been obvious for quite a while. Trenton often thought it was a shame the two were related by blood. Malcolm had his share of women, but he’d never stayed with any long. And he’d never looked at them the way he’d looked at Celia. “He’d kill me if I touched her,” Trenton reminded Blake.
Blake shrugged. “You’d be doing him a favor, I think.”
Trenton shook his head. “I doubt he, or his fists, would see it that way.”
Blake snorted. “Coward.”
“Speak for yourself.” Trenton glanced at Malcolm’s sister, who was pretending not to look Blake’s way. “He scares you too. Or is it a coincidence that the Griffin girls are the only ones you’ve never touched?”
The other man frowned. “I’m surprised at you. I doubt you want me to make a play for Celia.”
“You and I both know it’s not Celia I’m talking about,” Trenton said. He studied his friend as he squirmed in his chair. “Malcolm’s sister has held a torch for you for a long time.”
Blake started to lift his beer again, but his frown deepened at the empty glass. “Katie and I would never work. Liking me is just a habit for her.”
“What about all the waitresses?” Trenton asked, studying his friend. “Or do you really not realize you’re doing it because she’s sure to notice?”
Blake froze. He closed his eyes. “Shit. You might be right.” He let out a sigh. “Though I hope to hell you’re overthinking things again and I just wanted to get laid.” He propped his head on his hand to study Trenton. “Not all of us can go years without any sex.”
Trenton didn’t bother to deny it. “I made a promise to Emily.” Despite the years that had passed, he never forgot it. She’d been terrified about being forgotten more than anything.
“Hell, man, I’m sorry.” Blake straightened and scrubbed a hand down his face. “Why in the world do you stay friends with me?”
Malcolm slid food in front of Blake. “A question we ask ourselves every day.” He ruffled the man’s hair with a fond smile. “Now stop giving Trent a hard time and eat.”
The conversation moved to lighter topics for the rest of the night. Trenton continued to study Celia during her shift. She wasn’t a smiler, but there was a lot less tension in her face while she lost herself in the small but constant tasks. It seemed like she’d found her element.
The ride home was quiet like usual, but there was nothing heavy about the silence. A healthy sleepiness had fallen over Celia, and Trenton hoped she slept well that night.
They took off their shoes in the entry hall, as was their habit. When she glanced at him, a small smile formed on her lips. “Good night.”
“Good night,” he returned, feeling that tingling sensation again.
