Page 40 of The List
“Cross was very close to Knox. Like best friends, if they used that term. And I think, of all the guys, he took it the hardest. And while he’s never talked to me about it, I think he still struggles with his grief.” Cleo bit her lip. “Knox once told me that Cross kind of saved him. He was the one who vouched for Knox to prospect for the club. He took him under his wing, I guess. Knox said he wasn’t sure where he would’ve ended up if not for Cross and the club.”
Addison was getting a clearer picture. Grief is hard, especially with someone close. And everyone handled it differently.
“Maybe he feels that if he shows you any kindness or acceptance, it’s a betrayal to Knox. Because you’re here and he’s not.”
It was an interesting perception. One she hadn’t thought of.
“I just want you to know he’s not a bad guy.”
To everyone else, I’m sure he’s not.But Addison seemed to be a trigger for him.
“I think, going forward, it would be best for everyone if I kept my distance.”
Cleo gasped and sheer panic flashed over her features. It was clear, she misunderstood.
“Not from you. From the club.” She squeezed Cleo’s hand. “I don’t want to leave yet but I also don’t want to upset them with my presence. I’ll make a conscious effort to steer clear of them and out of their way.”
“But we’ll still hang out?”
Addison smiled. “Absolutely!”
She’d do her part and keep her distance while she was in town. It would be best for all of them.
Cleo excused herself and went to the bathroom as the owner, Barry, walked out from the back door. He was looking around when his eyes locked on her. She smiled, which wasn’t returned. He rounded the bar, stopping directly in front of her with a less than welcoming stare.
“Cross know you’re here?”
Cross?Jesus Christ, I can’t get away from this man.
She blinked and slightly flinched. It was an odd question. Had she somehow been blackballed from all the establishments in and around Killcreek? It was a far-fetched idea but not unbelievable.
“What do you mean?”
“Does he fucking know you’re here or do I have to call him?”
Call him?
“Why would you have to call him?”
Barry slapped his good hand on the counter and let out an exasperated sigh.
“’Cause the last time you came in and left, he said to call him if you show up again.”
Really?Her last time was her first time at the bar. Before he knew who Addison was and willingly flirted with her. Herstomach flipped, and her blood heated. It seemed Cross had been interested in knowing her identity and possibly seeing her again.Why can’t we go back to that?
“Well?” The vein in his forehead protruded, and his face turned red. “Do I?”
Barry needed to work on, not only his customer service skills, but his patience.
“I saw Cross the other day, so no need to call him. He knows I’m here.”And he hates it.She kept the last part to herself and smiled.
Barry narrowed his gaze, nodding. “Alright, good. The last call I want to make is to that moody fucker.”
Addison snickered. It was a good description and quite ballsy of Barry to verbalize.I’m going to have a little fun with that.
“Does Cross know that’s your pet name for him?”
Barry froze and side-eyed her.I’ll take that as a no.
