Veer (Clayton Falls #2)(6)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“Really? So she’ll be here all summer then.” I could almost see the wheels turning in his head.

“Uh huh,” I said disinterestedly, but really I was watching her mile high legs, exposed by her short black skirt, coming closer. I moved my attention up to the t-shirt clinging to her breasts. I shook myself. Becca might be hot, but I wasn’t going there.

“Matt’s in trouble, isn’t he? There’s no way his wife knows he hired someone who looks like that.”

“He’ll blame it on his dad. Besides, I don’t think they could have known how she looked.”

“True, but Nancy will still be pissed.”

“Probably.” I really didn’t care what Matt’s wife thought.

“Have you met her yet?” He eyed Becca like a piece of meat. I couldn’t blame him. Almost no one new ever came to town. I’d done the same thing to Molly a year ago.

“Yeah, I gave her a ride into town when her car broke down.”

“I bet you did.”

I finished my beer and set it on the bar. “I admit the girl’s good looking, but she’s not my type.”

“So you don’t care if I go talk to her?” He got up without waiting for my answer.

“Be my guest.”

I tried to ignore the jealous pang I felt when I watched Becca smile when Ronny introduced himself. It wasn’t any of my business. Melissa, probably noticing my ogling of Becca, gave up and went to find another guy to talk to.

I asked the bartender, Katie, for another beer. She passed me a Miller. “Staring at that girl isn’t going to bring her any closer.”

“I’m not staring.”

“Whatever you say, Gavin.”

“How can I not look at her? Do you see how short that skirt is? I’m not doing anything worse than the rest of the guys in here.”

Katie looked over at Becca. “The skirt’s not that short. Her legs are just that long. Lucky.”

I laughed. “Aw, you getting jealous of the new girl?”

“Why would I? I’ve got Chris. Besides, you’re the one who looks jealous.” She put a hand on her hip as she leaned toward me. “Stop drooling, and go talk to her.”

“I’ve already met her. Not my type.” I popped open my beer.

“You don’t like tall, gorgeous brunettes? And didn’t you say she’s Molly’s friend from law school? So she’s smart too. What’s so wrong with her?” Katie pulled a pint for another customer.

“She’s from Boston.”

“Oh, okay, that clears everything up.” Katie rolled her eyes before walking away.

I looked back over at Becca. Christ, it had gotten worse. Jake Mathews had an arm slung over her shoulder like he owned her. What was it about those Mathews boys that girls went for? I didn’t get it. Whatever. It wasn’t like I cared. Sure, I’d been disappointed when Molly got back together with Ben, but it didn’t matter this time.

Becca spotted me. First she looked surprised, but then her lips curved up into a slight smile, and she waved tentatively. Damn it, why’d she have to smile at me that way? I lifted my beer in recognition but then turned away. That should give her the hint. It’s not as if she needed more attention.

“You really are a loser.” Katie wiped down the bar.

“Shut up.”

“Come on, a girl like that smiles at you in invitation, and you shut her down? Cold.”

“I’m just saving us both time. Besides, it looks like Mathews is doing a good job keeping her company. And if not, Ronny’s next in line.” I leaned forward on my elbows to get a better view.

“She smiled at you.” She tossed her rag at me knowing I’d duck out of the way.

“Mind you own business.” I picked up the towel and threw it down on the bar.

“Fine. But don’t come complaining to me when you regret it.”

“Trust me. Even if I did regret it, which I won’t, you’d be the last one I’d talk to.”

“Good.” She smiled, before walking away to help someone else.

“Hey! You must be Becca! It’s so nice to meet you.” A voice that loud only belonged to one girl. Kelly: best friend to Molly and wife of my partner, Tom.

I watched Kelly pull Becca into an intense hug. I waited to see her face. I figured that kind of hug would throw her off. Instead, she grinned. Go figure. The group pushed a few tables together and sat down. I frowned, missing my view of Becca’s legs more than I wanted to admit.

“Hey, man.” Tom snuck up on me.

“Hey.”

“So, you didn’t mention that your damsel in distress looks like a freaking super model.”

“It didn’t seem relevant.” I focused on my beer.

“Bullshit.” He faked a cough.

“What do you want me to say?”

“That you aren’t suddenly batting for the other team. What’s up?”

“Something is up because I don’t try to lay every girl who comes into this town?” I ignored the insinuation in his comment. I knew Tom wasn’t actually homophobic.

“Are you going to sit here drinking alone, or are you going to join us?” I didn’t need to look over to know he gestured to the table.

“Would that make you happy?”

He shrugged. “Not really, but it would be humorous to see you over there with both Mathews.”

“Fuck you.”

Tom laughed. “So, are you coming?”

“Why not?” I grabbed my half-finished beer, followed him over, and pulled a chair over to the end of the table.

“Hey, Gavin,” Kelly and Molly said at the same time which they apparently thought was hilarious and started laughing.

“Hello.”

Becca turned away from Jake to look at me. Her glance was tentative, as if she was afraid I’d rebuff her again. I guess she had every right to expect it. I didn’t disappoint. She looked down at the table for a second before turning back to Jake. I don’t know why I was being such a jerk to her, other than the fact that her accent reminded me of Dawn’s. I also knew she probably thought we were a bunch of hicks.

“So you decided to grace us with your presence?” Ronny asked. His frustration at Jake for monopolizing Becca’s attention was blatantly obvious.

“Yeah, I didn’t see any better alternative.” I picked at the corner of the label on my beer.

“You know you love us, Gav.” Kelly sounded all sugary sweet.