Every Little Thing (Hart's Boardwalk 2)

Sighing, Vaughn walked away. He’d just opened the door to leave when her gentle voice called out to him, “You made her cry.”

The words pierced through him, painful in a way that still surprised him. Unable to say anything, knowing if he did, he’d give away his emotions to the woman, he kept walking.

Bailey was always so feisty and brave around him, sometimes he forgot there was a soft, emotional woman underneath all her barbs. He’d wrapped himself up in that side of her, but he’d let himself forget it existed because it meant returning to memories that tormented him.

Emery’s reminder was a knife in his gut.

“You look like hell.” Cooper opened the door to his bar and accepted his coffee. He stepped aside to let Vaughn pass.

“I feel it.”

“So what brings you here? Not that I’m complaining.”

Vaughn’s gaze swept over the empty bar. “Are we alone?”

“Yeah, but Jessica gets kind of weird about me making out with other people.”

“Funny.”

Cooper grinned. “What can I do for you?”

“I want you to watch out for Bailey. I know you do anyway, but I’m specifically talking about this Rex person.” He narrowed his eyes. “I don’t like the sound of him, Lawson.”

His friend took a slow, casual sip of his coffee and studied Vaughn until he was almost squirming.

“Well?” Vaughn snapped.

“I was just wondering.”

“What?”

“If it’s uncomfortable.”

“If what’s uncomfortable?”

“Having your head that far up your ass.”

“You’re a real comedian today, Lawson.”

“You’re making it easy for me.” He leaned against his bar, his gaze direct, serious. “You want to tell me why the hell you’re making it this hard for yourself? You want Bailey. We all know you want Bailey, and if you weren’t such an ass about it, you could have Bailey. I don’t see the problem.”

Vaughn was tired of explaining the situation. “I don’t do relationships.”

“Why?”

“None of your fucking business.”

“Well you’re making it my business by coming to me and asking me to watch out for your woman. Not exactly saying much about you as a man.”

His blood burned at the insinuation. “I’m doing what is best for Bailey by staying away from her.”

“But you’re not. Staying away from her I mean. You’re

sticking your nose into her life, and this is a small fucking town, Tremaine. Do you think she won’t know if you’re putting yourself into her business, even if it’s indirectly? And that’s just messing with her head. You’re either in or you’re out. Make a choice and stick to it.”

Cooper’s words echoed around and around in Vaughn’s head as he made his way back to his hotel. His head was down, his eyes on his feet.

“You’re either in or you’re out. Make a choice and stick to it.”