Bad Boy Crush by Jessica Lemmon

Author:Jessica Lemmon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lemmon Ink

thirteen

Ant didn’t seem to care who paid for the beer in his hand, but Lou was conflicted about drinking wine that Hunter had gifted her.

Hunter glanced her way every so often, his expression surly. Suddenly she understood why Ant was unbothered. Hunter had been trying to insult Ant by buying him pity drinks, but Ant hadn’t played into his hands. Ant guzzled down another long swallow, his lean on the bar casual. She met eyes with Hunter and raised her glass. He returned her smile with a sneer.

What a loser—and she meant that literally since she fully expected Ant to take home first place.

“Be honest, Xavier.” May pointed at the covered sculpture on the stage. “You peeked under that white sheet, didn’t you?”

Xavier grinned, his navy-blue eyes never leaving May’s browns. “That would be unethical.”

“Doesn’t mean you wouldn’t do it.” May batted her lashes as she fiddled with the straw in her glass.

“Are you saying I’m not an honest man?” Xavier slung a bar towel over one shoulder, held her gaze for a second, and then left to take another drink order.

“I think you’d like to make an honest man out of him,” Lisa said loud enough to be overheard by, well, everyone.

“No. Hot. Men.”

“So, you keep reminding us…while flirting shamelessly with Xavier.” Lisa rolled her eyes.

“No crime in flirting.” Stubborn May inclined her chin.

The bar was packed, loud chatter from patrons competing with the band on stage. Elliott and Brady walked in and Lou waved them over, but they were waylaid by other friends near the door. Donovan and Sofie Pate walked in next. Tall as he was, he was impossible to miss. No sign of the McClains yet, but Lou expected at least Connor to show. He’d been recognized at the event yesterday afternoon for his commitment to planting and growing trees in Evergreen Cove. As Hunter had told her when he gave her the sapling, conservation was important.

Lou had regifted the tree to Sofie before she’d left the mansion on day one of the event. Sofie had promised to pass it on to Connor, saying if anyone could ensure the tree’s survival it was him. Lou’s track record with trees in recent history wasn’t great.

Over the next hour, more people packed into Salty Dog. Xavier saw some relief in the form of two additional bartenders taking his place. May, Lisa, Elli, and Lou gabbed and ordered refills while Ant leaned on the bar and talked to Brady.

At four o’clock, the band took a break, and Xavier grabbed the mic and stood next to the veiled carving.

“The moment you’ve crowded into Salty Dog to experience has arrived, my friends.” Applause and whistles lifted on the air in the bar, which was packed to standing-only and fire-code-breaking full.

“It’s happening.” Lou wiggled in her seat. She knew how important a win was for Ant. He’d die before he admitted it, but he wanted to win. He deserved to win. She reached for his hand. He sent her an It’s all good wink.

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