Page 14 of Rascal

“That looks serious,” a guy commented.

“What does?” I asked, jolted from my thoughts. A handsome man sat on the stool next to me, and I’d not even heard him arrive. That would have got my throat cut in prison.

“Whatever put that expression on your face,” he replied. He picked his glass up and swirled an amber liquid inside before taking a sip.

“You really don’t want to know,” I quipped and turned my attention back to the phone.

“Says who?” he challenged.

I looked up. “You wish to hear about a stupid, innocent, naïve woman who trusted her fiancé only to find he’s a cheating scumbag? And worse, he sent her to prison for someone else’s crimes. No? Didn’t think so.”

The guy appeared completely startled. “Kris,” he said, holding out his hand.

“Hallie.”

“Now that you’ve started with a storyline, I am curious to hear the rest of it.” He grinned. “Because you’re no fool.”

“I was. I believed in love. Makes me the biggest idiot out there,” I replied. I drained my beer and motioned for the bartender to bring me another.

“Sounds as though you’re stewing over it.”

“I am, because the bastard won’t leave me alone. Now that his initial act of framing me failed, he’s searching for other ways.”

“Wow, seems like a real catch.” Kris laughed.

“Oh, the very best,” I replied. I sipped the beer and eyed Kris.

He smirked and shook his head. “Men are often fools.”

“As are the women who love them.”

“So, are you celebrating? Drowning your sorrows? What?”

“I’m having a drink at a bar. My friend might join me later; he’s busy at the moment.”

“Boyfriend?” Kris asked.

I began laughing. “I’d really love to see you ask King that. He’d throw up on your lap.”

“Okay, maybe not. Which means you’re single?”

“Yep, and certainly not ready to mingle.”

“Sure about that?” Kris teased.

“Yup. One hundred and ten per cent certain. I’d rather be in a relationship with my BOB than trust a man right now.”

“That’s a shame. You look like you could be fun,” Kris said, his gaze raking me.

“I’m a certified blast, but you’re not going to find out because I’m quite happy on the shelf.”

“Oh, come on! You can’t be more than thirty.”

“No, I’m not.”

“So, how was your day?” Kris asked, changing the subject.

“Busy with my lawyer; we’re preparing to sue the asshole. What about you?”