Page 48 of Property of Gray
I nod.
“That snake. If your brothers don’t kill him, I might do the job for them.”
“Don’t make me laugh. It hurts.”
“But why did he beat up Foolish?”
“Because I kissed him in front of him.”
“That might not have been the smartest, but still he had no right going after him.”
“Exactly. How is he going to embarrass me like that and pretend we haven’t been seeing each other, then go batshit the second I’m with someone else?”
“Men and their pride.”
“Screw men. They all suck. Too bad I don’t swing both ways or I could just date you.”
“How hard did he elbow you?” She smiles. “But girl, same. I’d take you over Gray any day.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Elsie Jo returns with Foolish. “This guy demanded to check on you.”
I take one look at him and feel guilty immediately. He’s got a black eye, a busted nose, and a split lip. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m not.” He winces.
I take the ice pack Elsie Jo gave me and press it to his lip. The girls give us a minute to talk.
“I’d hate me if I were you. You were trying to be sweet to me, and I go and get your ass kicked.”
“I think you got the worst of it. How are you feeling?”
“Like a fool.”
“Hey now, that’s my name,” he chuckles.
“Have my brothers finished sharpening their knives?”
“I talked them down. Told them it was an accident. I didn’t know you guys had been seeing each other, or I wouldn’t have made a move on you.”
“He’s got no claim on me. Kaylene is his woman.” I roll my eyes, and it hurts.
“Doesn’t make it hurt any less.”
“Stop being so nice to me.”
“I’m a nice guy.”
“I know you are. I’m sorry I dragged you into the middle of my mess.”
“I came along willingly. And I know now isn’t the right time and that you probably aren’t ready, but when you are, gorgeous.” He pushes my hair behind my ear. “I hope you’ll let me take you out sometime.”
He’s right about that. I may swear off men the rest of my life after the number Braxton Gray has done on me. “I may not be ready to date, but I could use a friend.”
“I’m cool with that.”
