A Rose in Bloom

Every muscle in his body tensed, ready to spring if Carrington made a move. “Your breath stinks.”

“Then back off.” Carrington's mouth pulled into a tight-lipped smile.

“Stop it! Both of you!” Elyssa squeezed between them, pushing them apart, flinching with the effort. “Ow! That hurts! Look, I really don’t have the energy to deal with this Neanderthal chest thumping. Where’s Scotty?”

“I’m right behind you, Sis.”

“Would you please get rid of these two?”

“With pleasure. Come on, guys.” He grabbed their elbows.

“Wait,” Carrington shook off his grip. “I’m not the one who was trying to start a fight. I only offered to buy Elyssa a cup of coffee.”

“She doesn’t need to go out for coffee," said Scotty. "She needs to go home and get some sleep.”

“I can make my own decisions, Scotty.” Her voice came out in a warning growl.

“Sure, you can make your own decisions, but look where it got you? In the hospital, that’s where it got you. So maybe it wouldn’t hurt to listen to me from time to time. Anyway, this guy isn’t your type.”

“Oh, really?” Elyssa set her hands on her hips.

“Yes, really.”

“Well, I think you don’t know what my type is. In fact, I think I’ve changed my mind. Baron, you’re welcome to stay, and I’d be happy to get a cup of coffee after I’m done.”

Carrington stretched his lips in a smug grin.

Jaxon balled his hands into fist. Why didn’t I break his nose five years ago when I had the chance?

*****

“… and that’s when the cops showed up, and we all ran for the hills.”

“Mmmm…”

“You’re falling asleep aren’t you?”

“I’m sorry, Baron. I’ve hardly had any sleep in the last twenty-four hours.”

“It’s not great for my ego when you nod off during my best story.” He chuckled.

“I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have come, tonight. I was just mad at my controlling brother.”

“That makes me feel a lot better. You only came out with me to spite your brother.”

“Oh, that didn’t come out right.”

A wide lazy smile appeared on his face. “That’s okay, I’ll take what I can get. And you can make it up to me.” His fingers reached across the table, feathering across her hand in a delicate swirl. “You have the most beautiful skin.”

She jerked her hand back with an awkward chuckle. “Not so beautiful, really. I’ve got cuts and scrapes all over my palms.”

“Yeah, I noticed the bandages. What happened? Trying to fend off McCall?”

“No, some crazy guy broke in my shop last night. I live in the apartment upstairs. I think he might've killed me if I hadn’t escaped out my window.”

“My God! Did you call the police?”

“Oh yeah, the police came and they got the guy. I woke up in the hospital with a concussion.”