Every Time I Fall (Orchid Valley 3)

“Sounds good to me,” Kace says. “Amy has Hope next weekend. I’ll talk with Stella and make sure she’s free.”

“I’ll be there,” Smithy says.

I nod. “Same.”

My phone buzzes, and I have to wait until the guys shift their attention back to the TV, but once they do, I have zero chill as I grab it to see the latest from Abbi.

Abbi: Yeah? Because if you’d gotten my shirt off on Thursday, you might’ve discovered something about me . . .

Dean: Seriously?

Abbi: Yeah. Crazy, huh?

Dean: Who is this new Abbi, and how do I keep her in my life for good?

As soon as I send the message, I want to yank it back. Not so subtle, Dean. Hell, maybe she should know that I’d be up for something more than a temporary fling, but I don’t want to scare her away either. Not when I’m not the kind of guy she’s looking to build a life with.

Abbi: Haha. I always figured I could take it out if I wanted . . . but for whatever reason, I never have.

I can’t decide if I’m frustrated or relieved that she didn’t take me seriously. A little of both, I suppose.

“Another beer?” Nathan asks me, grabbing our empties from the table.

I shake my head. With any luck, Abbi will be headed home soon, and even though I can walk there from here, I don’t want to risk being buzzed. “I’m good.”

The guys place their orders for another round, and I give my attention back to my phone.

Abbi: Wrapping this up earlier than I thought. Should be home in thirty. I have chicken noodle soup in the Crock-Pot and I’m making homemade biscuits for dinner if you wanna come sooner than we planned.

Dean: You had me at COME.

She responds with an eye-roll emoji, and I chuckle, sliding my phone into my pocket. The guys are all focused on the TV again.

“I’m gonna head out.”

Kace glances at me. “Cool. See you in the morning.”

“See ya. Thanks for the company.” I scoot my chair back, and Smithy jumps out of his.

“Let me walk you out. I need to ask you something.”

Shit. “Sure.” I frown at Smithy, but he just nods to the exit, so I head to my car with a sigh, and he follows.

Once we’re outside and out of view of the bar, he grabs my arm, stopping me. “Let me see your phone.”

“What?”

“You were texting someone right before you decided to leave. You’ve been texting all damn afternoon. I want to know who.” He extends a hand, palm up.

“I’m not giving you my phone.”

Smithy crosses his arms and rocks back on his heels. “That’s what I was afraid of.” He shakes his head. “Fucking magical pussy.”

“Excuse me?”

“I know you’re going to see Amy, and I’m not okay with that. You’re doing better. You’re happy and looking less like death warmed over. Going back for a quick fuck now makes you the addict who thinks he can handle one bump of blow without fucking his life up again.”

“Wow. You don’t have any strong opinions about my sex life, do you?”

He arches a brow. “Do you deny it?”

“I’m not going to see Amy, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Prove it.”

I can tell by the tense line of his jaw that he’s not just going to let this go. And, hell, I should be grateful he’s being such a good friend. Amy was bad for me, and I was making trash decisions where she was concerned. Sighing, I pull up my texts with Abbi but just as quickly shove my phone back into my pocket. That shit’s private.

“Fuck,” he mutters. “I wanted to be wrong.”

“It’s not that.” I tuck my hands into my pockets. “I’m not going to see Amy. My plans are with someone else, and I don’t want to show you my texts with her because they’re private.”

He doesn’t budge. Just waits, brow raised. “Who?”

I look away. I don’t want to betray Abbi’s trust, but I also don’t like keeping this a secret. “I’m not supposed to say, but I can tell you I’ve been spending time with . . . a friend. And honestly, since we started hanging out, I’ve all but forgotten why I was so hung up on Amy.”

“A friend.”

I nod.

He shakes his head. “I want to believe you, but the only friend you have who you’d be willing to ditch Amy for is . . .” His eyes go wide. “Well, shit. Tell me you’re not banging Kace’s baby sister.”

I cringe. “First of all, she’s not a kid anymore, and she can make her own decisions. And second of—”

“You are. Holy fuck. For real? You’re playing a little lust-and-thrust with Abbi?”

“Would you lower your fucking voice?” I growl, looking around. “I’m not, actually, not that it’s your business.”

“But you’re messing around.” He smacks his hand over his mouth. “Holy flaming testicles. You finally did it.”