Crazy Sexy Love (Dirty Dicks 1)

I shake my head, but it’s too late, the words are already falling from her mouth.

“You were the one who wouldn’t quit calling. Looks like you got your wish; Rhett’s finally home, and from what I hear, he’s been spending all his time with you.”

Rhett looks at Nikki. “What do you mean she wouldn’t quit calling?”

“The girl. You know the one,” she mumbles.

“Enlighten me.”

“Rhett—” I attempt.

He holds up a hand, quieting me.

Nikki slaps playfully at his chest, but his face is devoid of any humor. I take a step toward the door.

“I told her you were better off without her, but she wouldn’t give up. She wanted to talk to you so bad, but I couldn’t let that happen because I knew you’d run back to her. Persistent little bitch must’ve loved you more than I thought.”

I hear a sharp intake of breath, but I’m not sure who it comes from. Maybe Rhett, maybe me. Quite possibly both.

“You and I hadn’t fucked yet, but it was only a matter of time, so I got rid of her. I did what was best for you and your career, and look at you—you’

re a star.”

She shrugs and turns toward the bar as if she didn’t just turn Rhett’s life upside down.

Oh God, I think I’m going to be sick.

Anger and confusion blaze behind Rhett’s eyes. “What do you mean you got rid of her?” His voice is low, gravelly, and holds a warning that I hope to God Nikki heeds.

“What I just said,” she says, looking over her shoulder. “I got rid of her, told her to do whatever she had to do to push you away. You were better off without her, Rhett. We all know that. She was going to bring you down, and I couldn’t let that happen. She didn’t give up that easily though, which is why I made sure we gave her a damn good show at your parents’ anniversary party.”

Rhett’s frantic eyes find mine. “She wasn’t at the party.”

“Yes, she was.” Nikki’s head bobs. “And she made it just in time for our performance.” She runs a finger down the front of Rhett’s shirt.

Every emotion from that time in my life comes flooding back. It’s all too much, and I can’t process the look of pain and confusion on Rhett’s face. The air in the bar grows thick, stealing my breath, and I look desperately around the room. But my eyes seem to be drawn back to one person—one man.

Rhett is watching me. His eyes asking the question he can’t get his mouth to say.

What is she talking about?

My heart jack-hammers in my chest, threatening to bust out as the burn of tears prickles behind my eyes.

Shaking my head, I turn toward the door. “I gotta go.” And then I’m out, making my way to the front door as fast as I can, ignoring Rhett and Coop as they call out for me.

I’m halfway across the parking lot when I hear the front door fly open, but I keep moving, desperate to get to my car.

“Mo, wait!”

Oh God.

“Mo!” Rhett yells.

His hand wraps around my elbow, and I whirl around. We’re both breathing heavily. His eyes search mine, his expression shocked.

“What the hell was that back there? What was she talking about?”

“Please, Rhett.” I look down, heat infusing my cheeks. “I need to be alone.”