All Stipped Down: A Sinfully Unrequited Series by Alexia Chase

Author:Alexia Chase [Chase, Alexia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Hazel

After I shut off the engine of my car, I slump into the seat and stare at the traffic coming in and out of Callahan’s parking lot. Elise texted after Wylder left with a change in meeting locations. I would prefer to never step foot in Callahan’s again, but at least he never works this early.

A couple laughs as the driver pulls into a spot two down from me. The desire to jump out and choke the happiness out of them slams me in the gut. I’m not violent. Really. But being turned down for the hundredth time by the guy you love–used to love–sends a person down a slippery slope. Or at least it does me.

I straighten my shoulders and inhale. Put on your big girl panties. You’re an adult, not a sixteen-year-old spoiled brat. Act your age. “Okay. I can do this.”

Even though it’s the last thing I want to do, I open the door and step out onto the sidewalk.

Beep. Beep. My cellphone chirps as someone sends me a message. I open my purse and drag it out. Elise. My sister has no patience.

Elise: Hurry up. I have a surprise for you.

Well, if it isn’t Wylder bobbing for apples in a sewer lagoon, I don’t want it.

Me: I’m here.

I trudge through the parking lot, across the street, and into the bar. At two o’clock in the afternoon, it should be filled with people eating versus overindulgent partygoers.

After closing the door, I scan the crowd until I see Elise, her boyfriend Lincoln, and his best friend, Theo. Oh, goody. My surprise. That was not the present I was hoping for.

She waves, and I make my way to them, slipping into the open seat next to Theo. “Hi, I’m sorry I was late.”

“It’s fine.” Elise waves her hand as if it isn’t a big deal. “I was getting worried, though. You’re never late.”

“I had something come up.” I steer the conversation from what I was doing to greeting the guys and chatting about being hungry. They are, and I’m not. My mouth feels like I’m swallowing over sawdust.

“What are you doing this weekend?” Theo asks and rests his arm along the back of the seat. Thankfully, I’m on the outside of the bench seat because if he puts the moves on me, I’m running faster than a bride who caught her groom with the maid of honor.

“I’m busy.” I scan the menu, although I see nothing but Wylder’s face swimming in front of my eyes. You should have never moved back here. Who cares what promises you made to your friends?

“Doing what? You aren’t doing anything. All you do is come here on Saturday night. The rest of the time, you’re at home.” My sister’s eyes narrow as if she doesn’t appreciate me turning my nose up at her gift. “We’re going to Jules’ Italian Restaurant tonight. Why don’t you go with us?”

I drop the menu and glare at her. “I’m busy.”

She pats Lincoln’s arm. “We need a moment.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.