Page 95 of Barron's Second Chance
"Great set," Barron complimented as he held his hand out for a shake, which turned into one of those weird half-man-hugs and back slaps.
"Thanks, mate. Proper knackered, though." He swiped the sweat off his forehead with his T-shirt, which he had discarded midway through his set. He must've sent all the ladies into a tizzy and drawn a few frowns from the conservative crowd over his heavily tattooed chest and pierced nipples.
"Josh," she stepped forward, "I can't thank you enough for doing this for me. You've been so incredible to my friends and me -" her voice broke with emotion at all he had done for not only her but Kelly and New Haven as well.
"Oh, jeez," Josh said, rolling his eyes and pulling her close. "C'mere, you're making it sound like I performed brain surgery. I do gigs like this for people all the time."
"Oh, thanks for making me feel special," she mock-punched him.
"But," he stressed, "I charge for those. For my mates, I'm happy to do so for free. You've helped me out at events, too, remember? I'm happy to do this for you. And I had a blast here." He turned to Barron, who was standing still and silent behind them.
"Mate, your bar is awesome. Has a great atmosphere and reminds me of some pubs back home."
"Thanks," he murmured. "I saw you tagged yourself in there the other night. I have you to thank for an increase in business."
Josh waved the compliment away. "No worries, mate. Any friend of Eden's is a friend of mine. Now! Enough of this sappy shit. I got a flight to catch."
Eden laughed and kissed his cheek before hugging him tightly, promising to catch up with him in London the next time she was in town.
After security escorted him out, Eden turned to Barron and took in his stony face and clenched jaw. "What's wrong?" She frowned.
His face cleared as he gave her a tight smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nothing, baby. You ready to go?"
"No, hang on," Eden stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Something's wrong. If we're gonna do this, we have to be honest with each other."
Barron blew out a breath, running his fingers through his hair. "You're right. Sorry, baby. I just didn't want my insecurities to touch you."
"Insecurities?"
He glanced guiltily at her. "I'm so fucking jealous of Josh."
Her mouth dropped open at his honesty. "Oh." She was quite literally stunned, speechless.
"Don't worry; I'm not gonna be one of those males that demand you drop your friend because I feel threatened by him. I know how important he is to you. I would never be a dick to him or project my jealousy onto you. But," he sighed heavily. "I can't help feeling insecure and jealous. He's been there for you when I haven't, and that kills me."
Eden's eyes softened. She wasn't mad. She understood where he was coming from. She would have a hard time, too, if Barron had a close female friend.
The difference was, though, Josh had never been rude or flexed his friendship with her to Barron. He'd encouraged her and only greeted Barron with warmth and friendship. If it had been the opposite, she would have had some rethinking to do.
For a brief moment, she considered telling him about Josh's confession but quickly dismissed the idea. All it would cause would be more unnecessary insecurity for Barron. She had no romantic feelings for Josh, and she was sure he would get over her and realize the same.
"Hey," she softly said. She reached out and grasped his hand in hers. "Thank you for telling me. But you have nothing to worry about."
His gaze lightened as he squeezed her hands back. "I know, baby." He threw an arm around her shoulder and pressed a kiss to her head. "Let's go home."
21
Goodbye For Now
"Isthatthelastof it?"
Barron watched with a heavy heart as his woman, his fucking heartbeat, placed the last of her bags down on the living room floor. It joined her other small carry-on case he had been staring a hole into for the past thirty minutes.
It was a stark reminder that Eden's life was no longer in New Haven. Soon she and her two bags would leave on a plane, and fuck knows when he'd be able to see or touch her again. They had yet to discuss or make firm plans becausecasual.
Yesterday felt like a fever dream. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so happy, weightless, and free, just bathing in Eden's presence. Whenever the last time was, somehow, he knew that it had involved Eden. Everything good and pure in his life had always involved Eden Jamison.
Barron rubbed his chest absently as he watched Eden rifle through her handbag, chatting animatedly with her Mom. He felt like he was having an out-of-body experience. Like he was watching a scene play out but unable to discern what they were saying or participate in any way.
