Nixon (Raleigh Raptors 1)

One of the other blondes whispered something in Jackie Lynn’s ear, then turned to the bartender to order drinks.

“Liberty,” I said, offering her the same appraisal she’d given me.

Recognition clicked behind her eyes, but she pinched her brow together. “Liberty…” She let my name hang there.

“Jones,” I answered.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry I haven’t heard a peep about you,” she said with a sugar-sweet voice I knew all too well.

I bit back a smile but elected to remain quiet.

She popped a hand on her hip, surveying me. “You’re friends with Savannah and Teagan?”

I arched a brow at Teagan, who rolled her eyes. I nodded at Jackie Lynn before taking a sip of my sparkling apple cider.

Jackie Lynn’s cheeks tightened a bit at my lack of responses. “Well,” she said, a smile more fake than the bleach in her hair shaping her lips. “Let’s see it.”

I tilted my head.

“The ring!” she practically squealed as she reached for my left hand. Her smile faded into a pout when she saw my bare ring finger, and I quickly pulled my hand away. “Oh,” she said. “I just assumed with you being pregnant and all, you’d have one hell of a diamond to show off.”

Savannah snorted. “What century are you living in, Jackie Lynn?”

“Or maybe it’s because the father of your child doesn’t find you worth a ring,” she said, ignoring Savannah entirely.

The words stung, but I grinned at her.

She pursed her lips, shifting on those heels, her breaths increasing the longer I remained quiet. A few heartbeats longer, and she stepped into my personal space, lowering her voice. “Nixon has been the ungettable get for as long as I can remember,” she hissed. “And, honey, if he ever does decide to settle down, it won’t be with some no-name like you. He needs a woman who can shine in the spotlight next to him, and you just don’t fit that description. And I think it’s downright despicable that you’re trying to tie him down with a baby.”

Anger sizzled hot through my blood at the implication, but I forced out a laugh.

She startled, taking a step back as I met her gaze. “What’s funny?”

“You are,” I said without hesitation, and I swore the chatter around us died down.

“Excuse me?” she hissed.

I set my apple cider on the bar, smiling at her with a hint of pity. “It’s funny,” I said, “what all you can learn when you remain quiet.” She tilted her head slightly, so I motioned to her. “True colors always present themselves when the person doesn’t get the reaction they’re looking for.” I laid my hand over my chest. “Hence, my silence to your little progression of an unwarranted tantrum only fueled you to spit the venom you so desperately tried to bury beneath sugar and passive aggression.” I stepped into her space now. “It’s sad, really,” I said. “How insecurity presents itself—high pitches in the vocal cords, attacks on physical appearance, social status, etcetera.”

“I’m not insecure!” she squeaked. Her friends reached for her, their eyes wide as they tried to pull her away from the scene she was causing.

“And as for Nixon?” I said, ignoring her denial. “I’m not trying to tie him down with anything, but I sure as hell don’t mind it when he ties me down.” I bit my bottom lip, letting my hunger for Nixon show just a bit.

“Damn!” Savannah laughed. “Ruthless, I love it.”

Jackie Lynn scoffed, her eyes widening at something behind me. I didn’t turn around—I knew better than to show my back to a woman who’d gladly take the opening to stab it. She forced a sugary smile on her face before turning to her imploring friends and hurrying away.

“That was…” Nixon’s voice rumbled behind me, and I whirled around.

“Too much?” I asked, the rage leaking out of my body and turning to doubt. Had I crossed a line? Had my protective instincts led me to embarrassing Nixon?

Nixon smirked, his dark eyes churning with heat. “Never,” he said, then glanced behind him at Teagan and Savannah. “Mind if I steal her?”

“She’s her own woman,” Savannah said, waving us off. “You’d better ask her.”

Teagan laughed but winked at me.

I took his outstretched hand. “I’ll allow it,” I said, and let Nixon lead me away from the crowds of people.

When we’d walked in silence for so long we were surrounded by nothing but the thick expanse of hickory trees, my chest started to tighten.

“Nix,” I said, wary. “Am I in trouble?”

He laughed softly but continued leading me down the cobblestone path that twisted deeper onto the property. “Why would you think that?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it has to do with you leading me away from public on a property as old as time with no indication as to why. Also, I just totally got all territorial with that cheerleader back there, and I’m sure that wasn’t very attractive—”