I turn and open the door as I mutter to myself, "And neither are you.” I'll be damned if I'm going to stand by as she leaves with another man.
"What was that?" she says as she walks past me out the door.
"Nothing," I tell her quickly.
When we get to On the Rocks, my brother Tony already has some tables reserved in the corner. Some of my old friends from high school are there, and I work my way around the table, giving high fives, fist bumps, and hugs. I have to practically pull Haven along with me. Everyone remembers her, and it seems I'm not the only one who is surprised by her new look.
Some of the guys give her second glances, and I make a point of keeping her by my side. The drinks start to flow, but I keep my head and sip on a bottle of beer since I'm driving tonight. Haven leans toward me. "This is your party. You should be the one drinking and having a good time. I'll drive you home."
But I shake my head. I don’t know what it is, but I have always had the need to protect her. I can’t lose my head around her. "That's okay. If you have a good time, I’ll have a good time. I did practically force you to hang out with me."
She seems taken aback by that. “You do know I was just being nice, right?”
I shake my head. “What do you mean?”
She shrugs. “I mean I was being nice by telling you I’d pass tonight. I really wanted to hang out with you, but I also know I need to share you with your family and friends.”
I grab on to her hand. “Don’t do that.”
She squeezes my fingers. “Do what?”
I pull our hands up and hold them against my stomach. “Don’t think that I’d rather spend time with anyone other than you. Don’t think you have to share me.”
She seems surprised by that, but I’m serious. I really want to spend all my time with her. I pull her into the seat next to me. I watch as she laughs and jokes around with the guys. As time starts to pass, more people start coming over to say hi and talk to us. A woman comes up to Haven and pats her on the shoulder. "Hey, Haven, who are your friends?"
I can feel Haven stiffen beside me, and I know instantly that this is not one of her friends. Haven points around the table, introducing everyone. She introduces me last. "And this is my best friend, Parker."
My forehead creases at the introduction. I mean, what she's saying is true. We are best friends, but maybe I was wishing she could introduce me as something else.
As soon as the introductions are made, the woman, whose name is Tammy, puts her hand on my shoulder. "Are you new in town?"
I don't want to be rude to her, but I also don't want to encourage her. I turn and come face-to-face with her plunging neckline. It's as if she's pushing her breasts out for everyone to see. I lean back and barely hide my look of disgust. "No, I'm from here. I've just been out of town for a while."
I lean forward to look at Haven. "Let's go grab a drink," Haven nods, I help her out of her chair, and we walk up to the bar. I hear her grumbling underneath her breath, but I don't ask her about it. When we get to the bar top, the woman that was working last night asks what she can get us. I'm surprised when I hear Haven say, "A whiskey. Neat."
She looks up and sees the expression of surprise on my face. "What? Would you rather me not drink? It's not too late.”
I shake my head. "No, it's fine. I was just surprised. I didn't know you drank whiskey." She shrugs her shoulders. "I normally don't, but I can tell tonight I'm going to need it."
The man from the last night that was talking to Haven is here again tonight, and he's watching her. Jealousy surges through me, and before I can think twice about it, I turn to her. "I need to ask you a favor."
The woman sets the shot of whiskey in front of Haven. She looks at me curiously, downs the shot, makes a face, and swallows. She coughs a little. "What kind of favor?"
Before I can second-guess myself, I blurt out, "I want you to act like we're together."
She looks at me, alarmed. "Why? And what do you mean, together?"
I nod down the bar. It seems that Tammy has followed us and is now staring a hole at the two of us.
Haven turns back to me with a big smile on her face. "What? You need a bodyguard? The big buff military guy needs protection?" she says laughingly as she slaps her hand across my chest.